Antonio "tj" johnson performing as Paul Robeson in
Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
March 1947, “I had nothing scheduled to the beginning of June. Then Branch Rickey asked me to come to New York and talk with Jackie Robinson. Paul Robeson and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson were there too.” This quote was taken from JOE LOUIS: A LIFE by Joe Louis. It’s almost certain that this meeting did not happen at the time Joe said it did. But if it happened this play raises questions about the events surrounding Jackie Robinson being announced as the 1st African American to play in the Baseball Major Leagues and the subsequent death of the Negro Leagues.
This production is a collaboration of the Vagabond Theatre Project and The Ocean Beach Playhouse and Arts Center. Produced by Antonio T J Johnson veteran Critics Circle award winning actor also playing Paul Robeson. The cast features Mark Christopher Lawrence Critics Circle Actor of the year 2012 as Joe Louis. Keith Jefferson fresh off his appearance in DJANGO UNCHAINED and currently "The Federal Jazz Project" as Jules at the San Diego Repertory Theatre will play Bill ”Bojangles” Robinson. Vimel Sephus soon to be seen as Virgil Tibbs in the upcoming ION production of In The Heat of the Night will play Clancy Hope. Veteran San Diego actor John Rosen will play the title role of Branch Rickey. Gerard Joseph currently in the UCSD actor program and appearing in several Lajolla Playhouse productions will play the legendary Jackie Robinson, The stellar cast will be directed by Joe Powers longtime San Diego Director, Playwright and Actor. His latest writing venture DREAMS IN THE SANDS will open April 17th at Cal State San Marcos.
This will be an Opportunity to meet the owners and managing partners of the new Ocean Beach Playhouse Center for the arts Paul and Lynn Bolton and their new artistic directors George Bailey & Kristen Fogel announcing their 1st season that will begin with GODSPELL on June 14.
10 dollar suggested donation at the door RSVP on Facebook for Mr.Rickey Calls a Meeting!
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