The Strategists Behind the March: "The American Five" at the Unicorn
A regional premiere from Ford's Theatre examines the coalition that built the March on Washington, not just the speech it produced.
Now through July 11 | Stockbridge, MA
Berkshire Theatre Group presents the regional premiere of "The American Five" at the Unicorn Theatre. Written by Chess Jakobs, the play explores pivotal moments in the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, Stanley Levison, and Clarence B. Jones during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, set in the tense days leading up to the March on Washington.
Rather than focusing on the speech that would galvanize a nation, the play centers on the collective effort required to bring that moment to life—the unseen labor, strategic debates, and personal costs borne by those closest to Dr. King.
The drama lives in the relationships around Dr. King: Rustin, the openly gay organizer whose sexuality made him a constant liability to the movement's image even as his organizing skill made the March possible; Levison, King's white Jewish advisor and close confidant, whose past Communist Party associations drew the relentless attention of J. Edgar Hoover's FBI; Jones, King's lawyer and one of his closest aides; and Coretta Scott King, navigating her own role alongside her husband's.
In the face of government surveillance, intimidation, arrests, and constant threats, these five figures forged a coalition grounded in trust, intellect, and unwavering belief in justice. The play was developed through workshops at Ford's Theatre and the University of Michigan and premiered at Ford's Theatre in September 2025.
Director Gerry McIntyre, an acclaimed Broadway and regional choreographer-director, previously helmed "Nina Simone: Four Women" at the Unicorn and last season's "The Mousetrap" at the Colonial—both productions that lean into his interest in powerful voices at pivotal historical moments. The cast includes Rashun Carter as Martin Luther King Jr., Sydney Elisabeth as Coretta Scott King, Destan Owens as Bayard Rustin, Harry Smith as Stanley Levison, and Brett Diggs as Clarence Jones.
A talkback follows the June 27 matinee, with cast and creative team discussing the world Jakobs has built. The play is recommended for ages 12 and up, and runs through July 11.
The Unicorn Theatre, 6 East St., Stockbridge, MA. Tickets from $64 at berkshiretheatregroup.org or (413) 997-4444.
Written by
After a decade of writing for RI (along with many other publications and organizations) Jamie took over as editor in 2025. He has a masters in journalism from NYU, a wonderful wife, two kids and a Carolina dog named Zelda.
