Theatrius
  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us
  • Search Icon

Theatrius

Theater Reviews—San Francisco and Beyond

“All the Way”—A Fascinating Look at LBJ, at CCCT, El Cerrito

“All the Way”—A Fascinating Look at LBJ, at CCCT, El Cerrito

April 20, 2019 Rachel Norby

Millennial Notes

Robert Schenkkan Offers Startling Insights into 1964

by Rachel Norby

“All the Way” by Robert Schenkkan focuses like a laser on Lyndon Baines Johnson’s first year as President. Schenkkan takes us from the assassination of JFK in November 1963, to Johnson’s ramming the Civil Rights Act through Congress, in 1964. Later that year he would win re-election by a landslide.

Under the sure hand of Director Marilyn Langbehn, “All the Way” does an excellent job showing that flawed humans, like LBJ and Martin Luther King, Jr., can change history.

John Hale (Lyndon Baines Johnson). Photos by Richard Tamayo

The manipulative, crude Texan LBJ, played by the incomparable John Hale, is a far cry from the elegant Bostonian JFK. We hardly expect the crass LBJ to become a social justice warrior; yet he keeps working to pass the Civil Rights Bill. Hale evokes LBJ’s painful consternation over crucial decisions during that momentous year. Although Hale displays LBJ’s mean and impulsive side, he also shows him as stalwart and courageous.

Dynamic Khary L. Moye plays Martin Luther King, Jr., the voice of reason, a man nobly dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement. Moye shows us a troubling side of MLK, Jr., as well, as he movingly portrays King’s shortcomings, as well as his strengths.

John Hale (LBJ) & Khary L. Moye (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

The Civil Rights Act emerges as the product of imperfect men who differ on tactics. We see the discord between King, Stokely Carmichael (Umi Grant), and Ralph Abernathy (Terrance Smith). While all of them are fighting for equal rights, they disagree on the road ahead. Through them we find out how the Bill finally made its way.

“All the Way” shows the intrigue that is politics. President Johnson maneuvers around the Southern Democrats when they try to crush his Civil Rights bill.  When segregationist Rep. Howard “Judge” Smith (Jay Krohengold) tries to kill the bill by adding a prohibition against sex discrimination, the Bill passes anyway. So, accidentally, sexual equality becomes a part of the great Civil Rights Act. Krohengold’s Smith is brilliant and despicable, illuminating the contradictory aspect in political characters.

John Hale

These extraordinary actors make even their phone conversations intriguing. Working up a frenzy, LBJ wildly brandishes the phone receiver to emphasize his point. Johnson, the dramatic politician, uses all props at hand to whittle down the opposition—using threats, bribery, and trickery.

The wonderful cast of twenty-one distinct, captivating actors combine their skills to transform ordinary conversation and motion to vivid, transporting dreams. Director Langbehn brings to life nearly three hours of intense emotional debate and inspiration. Her LBJ reminds us what a real politician and idealist can accomplish. “All the Way” keeps us you the edge of your seat—it’s truly an epic drama.

 

“All the Way” by Robert Schenkkan, directed by Marilyn Langbehn, at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, El Cerrito, California, through Sunday, May 5, 2019. Info: ccct.org

Cast: John Hale, Kim Donovan, Jeremy Cole, Susan Trishel Monson, David Bogdonoff, Mick Renner, David Ghilardi, Laszlo Horner, Khary L. Moye, Jason Berner, Terrance Smith, Umi Grant, James McGarry, Kimberly Ridgeway, Edward Pieczenik, Ben Knoll, Jay Krohnengold, Michael Sally, Willie Robinson, Aaron Royce Jones, and Richard Friedlander.


Millennial Notes, Plays

Post navigation

NEXT
“Charlie & the Chocolate Factory”—Delicious & Magical, at SHN, S.F.
PREVIOUS
“The Gentleman Caller” Brings Thrilling Gifts, at NCTC, S.F.
Comments are closed.

Menu

  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us

BLM

Black Lives Matter

Subscribe for upcoming reviews!
Loading

Current Shows

  • “Pride and Prejudice, The Musical” Enchants with Sass & Satire—at Ross Valley
  • “Clue” Melds Mystery & Comedy into Entertaining Adventure—at SF Playhouse
  • “Donna”: Intimate Interviews Celebrate Trans Triumphs—On Screen
  • “Fannie”: Sixties Spirituals Pave Path to Freedom—at TheatreWorks
  • “’Tasha” Tackles Raw Racism—at 3Girls
  • “Tea Party” Brews Up a Cup of America—at The Strand
  • “A Raisin in the Sun” Explodes with Drama and Power—at 6th Street
  • “Cambodian Rock Band” Deserves Its Standing Ovation—at Berkeley Rep
  • “Cambodian Rock Band” Mixes Nostalgic Hits with Terror—at Berkeley Rep
  • “Fun Home” Seduces with Strong Songs & Sultry Sass—at Berkeley Playhouse
  • “Anything Goes”: It’s Delightful, It’s Delicious, It’s De-lovely—at 42nd Street Moon
  • “SIX, The Musical” Celebrates Women’s Freedom & Individuality—at BroadwaySF
  • “Fun Home” Bursts with Love & Feeling—at Berkeley Playhouse
  • “Dear San Francisco” Wows with Kaleidoscopic Acrobatics—at Club Fugazi
  • “Justice” Sings the Story of Three Supreme Women—at Marin

About us:

If you want to see the best plays & performances around the San Francisco Bay or beyond, read our reviews. We promise to give you a true report on the best shows.
Bay Area Critics Circle

Barry David Horwitz, Editor of Theatrius, is a Voting Member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics' Circle, SFBATCC. Follow us on: facebook.com

© 2023   All Rights Reserved.