The Mountaintop, Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Sets Broadway Dates; Halle Berry No Longer Attached

The previously announced production of Katori Hall's The Mountaintop, starring Samuel L. Jackson as Martin Luther King Jr., will begin performances on September 22 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Opening night is set for October 13, directed by Kenny Leon.

Halle Berry had previously expressed interest in the project, but will no longer star in the show "due to child custody issues," according to a statement from the show's reps. Casting for the role of Camae will be announced at a later date.

The Mountaintop is a reimagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, after delivering his legendary "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech. When room-service is delivered by a young woman with a mysterious identity, King is forced to confront his past, as well as his legacy to his people.

Jackson's only Broadway experience was as an understudy in The Piano Lesson. His off-Broadway credits include the original production of A Soldier's Play. An Academy Award nominee for Pulp Fiction, Jackson has appeared in movies that include A Time to Kill, The Incredibles, Unbreakable, Snakes on a Plane, Black Snake Moan, The Red Violin, Rules of Engagement, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Changing Lanes and Lakeview Terrace. 

The Mountaintop is produced by Jean Doumanian Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Ambassador Theatre Group, Jerry Frankel, Ted Snowdon, Bob Bartner, and Tom Wirtshafter.