One of the most dynamic leaders of the American Civil Rights Era comes face to face with his own legacy, and that of his beloved protégé, in a powerful new theater production. “Only Just A Minute,” written by Aaron Henne, juxtaposes the lives of scholar Benjamin E. Mays with that of charismatic young leader Martin Luther King, Jr. at the crossroads of American history, as it examines the important events that helped shaped America and the promise of things to come.
Inspired by the life and times of Dr. Mays, long time president of Morehouse College and mentor to Dr. King, “Only Just A Minute” is the potent story of how Mays comes to terms with the violent loss of his colleague and friend, while holding on to his non-violent philosophies. In the wake of King’s death, Mays, still grieving and questioning long-held beliefs, must confront the stirring unrest among young blacks weary of the long struggle for equality. Young reporter Max Mitchell, more persuaded by the aggressive politics of Malcolm X and Bobby Seale, questions Mays about everything he’s stood for, challenging the virtues of non-violence and whether peaceful protest could ever achieve change. As the debate between the legend and the young lion grows, Mays realizes what’s at stake… the hopes and dreams of the next generation. In the end, with encouragement from Mays, Max is left to decide what he will tell the world about the Civil Rights Movement and its legacy.
The show is produced by Morehouse graduate Bob Dockery, and includes text and characters by Levy Lee Simon, and directed by Atlanta’s own Tom Jones. Willie Carpenter of Lifetime TV’s “Devious Maids” performs the title role of Benjamin E. Mays.
“Only Just A Minute” opens in Atlanta on August 20, 2014 for a four-day run at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College located at 900 West End Avenue, Atlanta. Performances are scheduled through August 23, 8 p.m. nightly and a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. The production then moves to the Southwest Arts Center at 915 New Hope Road in Atlanta, where it runs from August 27 through September 7, with performances on Wednesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Thursday, August 21, is student night; any student, with student ID, is eligible for a $25 ticket. In addition, a limited number of free tickets are available to students and can be picked up at the box office on the night of the performance. The public is asked to sponsor students by purchasing tickets—more information about “sponsored tickets” is on the Only Just A Minute website.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.onlyjustaminute.com, or by phone at 626-8MYSEAT (626-869-7328). Student, Group and Senior rates are available. Opening night “Gala” tickets are $100 which includes a $55 donation to the Morehouse Board Opportunity Fund — a financial aid resource to upperclassmen who need tuition assistance.
A reading of Only Just A Minute was held at the Southwest Arts Center where Helena Carter, a patron of the arts, said, “It was powerful and very well done; well written and well-acted. I did not realize the important role that Benjamin Mays played in the life of Dr. King.”
