Directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan
“Toni Stone” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
An original play inspired by the book Curveball, The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone by Martha Ackmann. this sensational theatrical event knocks it out of the park with a high intensity glimpse into the world of the first woman to go pro in baseball’s Negro Leagues. Against all odds, Toni Stone blazes a path in the male-dominated sports world, shattering expectations and creating her own set of rules. Follow Toni’s journey as she fights for love, equality and a chance to do what she wants the most — play baseball. Filled with humor and the love of the game, this intimate and profoundly relevant portrait of America will have you cheering along.
NYT Critic’s Pick! “Toni Stone is at its considerable best whenever, like its main character, it’s at its most unconventional.” -New York Times
“A provocative story of grit and determination.” -Newsday
Running Time: Approx. 2 hrs 15 min
Previews (May 29 & 30)
Wednesday at 7:30pm
Thursday at 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Regular Performances (May 31 - June 16, 2024)
Friday at 8:00pm
Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday at 2:00pm*
Tuesday at 2:00pm
Wednesday at 7:30pm
Thursday at 7:30pm
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NIGHT: Thursday, June 13th, 2024
$25 Tickets for Ages 21-35
6pm reception; 7:30pm performance
*TALK BACKS
With the cast after the Sunday matinee performances.
Recommended age: 15 and up
Content/Trigger Warnings: Racial slurs, sexual references, strong language
REVIEWS
Photos: Meredith Longo
Constance Sadie Thompson (Toni Stone) Playhouse on Park Debut! Thompson Is a dynamic actor and youth advocate. She values work that is progressive and impactful. Credits include DEFIANCE OF DANDELIONS (No Dream Deferred), THE FAMILY LINE (Goat in the Road Productions), A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Voices in the Dark Rep), and THE BLUEST EYE (Le Petit Theatre). She is a two-time Big Easy Award nominee, 2020 “Best Supporting Actress” A Raisin in the Sun, and 2023 “Best Performance in a Play” The Family Line, as well as the 2023 award winner “Best Play” The Family Line. Thompson is a proud auntie who is grateful for family, friends, and community who continue to sow into her.
Brandon Alvión* (Millie) Playhouse on Park Debut! Nat'l Tour: Harpo THE COLOR PURPLE, CJ/Peterson/Smalls Standby A SOLDIER’S PLAY. Select Regional: GUY BLUE FOR AN ALABAMA SKY (Barrington Stage), ORLANDO AS YOU LIKE IT (Michigan Shakes), MARTIN THE MOUNTAINTOP (Hope Rep). Wonderfully represented by the Hell's Kitchen Agency. Romans 8:28. Social: @iactwright
Jamar Jones (Elzie) Playhouse on Park Debut! Virginia Repertory Theatre: Cory FENCES; PlayMakers Repertory Company: Larry FAT HAM, Guy BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, Claudio MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Rexy/Jason THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE. Jamar is a former Resident Company Member of PlayMakers Repertory and received his MFA-Acting from UNC-Chapel Hill. 2019 Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award: Best Actor in a Play for AN OCTOROON. 2022 RTCC Award: Best Lead Performance- Play for FIRES IN THE MIRROR.
James Edward Becton, III * (Alberga) Playhouse on Park Debut! Becton is honored and humbled to breathe life into this singularly historic cautionary tale. A veteran of the United States Army, he is a multi-disciplined, multi-faceted, multi-unionized, award-winning, international performance arts practitioner. Becton has recently leveraged his 35 years of professional storytelling, facilitation, and education to serve as the founding Executive Artistic Director of The Becton International Black Theater & Arts Consortium (@TheBectonArts, @Jthe3rd, www.theBecton.com)
Bernard Scudder (Jimmy) Playhouse on Park Debut!; El Barrio Artspace: Cleo, LOVE AMONG DREAMERS; Playwrights Horizon: Malik, THE FORMER KINGS OF CLUTCH CITY; Cherry Lane Theater: Ade, I DONT DO THAT; SUNY Purchase: Five/ Driver, WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN. Bernard is a NYC-based actor and teaching artist. He’s extremely excited to help tell this very important story! Special thanks to my team, my best friends, and my lovely family! Mucho mucho amor!
Nathaniel J. Ryan (Woody) Playhouse on Park debut! Nathaniel is excited and grateful to be a part of this production of TONI STONE.’ Nathaniel has performed across the country in shows such as FENCES, LYONS MAXSO, and ONE IN TWO. Television shows include Blue Bloods & The Blacklist, as well as various film credits. Nathaniel would like to thank his family and friends for their support.
Tony N. King (KING TUT) Playhouse on Park Debut! Tony is a skilled performer from Charlotte, NC, and completed his MFA at the University of Connecticut. Tony has a passion for creating riveting stories based in surrealism and expressing the universality of the black experience. Past Credits include: ROYALE (Jay Jackson), SHERWOOD: ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (Little John) at Creede Repertory and more. Follow him on Instagram @therealtonyking
Celester Rich (Spec) Playhouse on Park Debut! NY Theatre: Gravedigger HAMLET; Corin AS YOU LIKE IT; Chorus KING LEAR - Film/TV - Silvio CAPER; Cedric TWO WONGS; Featured I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO. Celester is a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army, a competitive fencer, an avid gamer, and loves animal videos. Thank you, Fencers Club NYC, for all of your support. S/O to ABS, LS, SS. Thank you to everyone for your encouragement along the way. This performance of Spec is dedicated to my first and biggest fan, Earnestine Canty. Sleep well, Grandma. Insta:Celester.Rich
Adeyinka Adebola (Stretch) Playhouse on Park Debut! Recent credits: IMBROGLIO (GRSF), AS YOU LIKE IT(GRSF), THE BLACK THAT I AM (Dorothy B. Williams Theater), CARIBBEAN QUEEN (Karl O’brian Williams), and THE BEAUTIFUL GHOST(DD Production)". Adeyinka is thrilled to be able to explore and venerate a legend with such a legendary team. He's an Actor, Director, Percussionist, and Teaching Artist with a bachelor's degree in Multimedia/Performing Arts and Professional Conservatory training at the Stella Adler Studio. He performs with "Something Positive" and is the founder of "Monologue Roulette!" a creative developmental workshop and showcase series.
*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity, the professional union for actors and stage managers.
