Daniel Beaty takes on one of the 20th century’s legendary performers, Paul Robseon, in his one man show The Tallest Tree in the Forest. Robeson was an renowned vocalist, whose signature songs include “Ol’ Man River,” “Happy Days are Here Again,” and “Steal Away.” His stage and screen roles, Othello and Show Boat, are classics.
A wealthy man with an international reputation, he was known as an activist and and a critic of the government which eventually led to his being blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Robeson was also an All-American end at Rutgers, a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, a poet, and a lawyer.
Beaty has been hailed for his “ocean-deep baritone,” and carrying himself in “the formal, declamatory manner that was Robeson’s hallmark.” In the show, he
plays dozens of characters, sometimes both sides of a dialogue, and ages Robeson’s voice over 50 years.
Robeson’s life and Beaty’s re-telling of it make this tour de force a must see.
WANT TO GO: World Premiere Presentation of Daniel Beaty’s The Tallest Tree in the Forest directed by Moises Kauman
WHERE: Kreeger Theater
WHEN: Jan. 10 to Feb. 16, 2014
INFORMATION: Tickets may be purchased online at arenastage.org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the Sales Office at 1101 6th St SW
SOUTHWEST NIGHT for The Tallest Tree in The Forest: Tuesday, January 21st, at 7:30 pm
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS
WHAT: Piano Bar – Wednesday, January 22nd, following the 7:30 pm performance. Hosted by Joshua Morgan with special guests in the Grand Lobby. No ticket necessary.
WHAT: Post-Show Discussions with Artists and Staff on January 22, 28, and February 5 following the noon matinee with guests speakers; January 30th following the 8:00 pm performance and February 4th following the 7:30 pm performance with playwright and performer Daniel Beaty.
WHAT: The award-winning Commedia dell’Arte troupe Faction of Fools brings their own devilish sense of humor with a presentation of an adapted classic.
WHERE: Arena Stages Kogod Cradle
WHEN: January 9-12, 2014
COST: Tickets are $10
WHEN: January 9-12, 2014
COST: Tickets are $10
By: Sheila Wickouski