This past week as we celebrated MLK day in West Michigan, I was able to steal away some free time to attend Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s latest production of “
All The Way.”
Set in November 1963 and a short time after President Kennedy’s assassination, “All The Way” is an incredibly complex, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat look at the year that followed as the main character Lyndon B. Johnson is thrust into the presidency.
In addition to the sudden shift of power and style of leadership, Johnson must attempt to navigate the choppy waters of D.C.’s power political and government elites but also the press as the South takes the spotlight in the quest of the passage of the nation’s historic Civil Rights Act.
Not only will these acts consume his attention, but the President also must focus as he mounts a re-election campaign.
“All The Way” is an exhaustive look at the many layers of this political story and speaks to how adept Director Bruce Tinker is at handling this material.
Tinker deserves praise for his ability to take a rather dense topic and through the staging and casting of this material take the audience through a complex, fast moving series of events that consumed much of President Johnson’s first year in office.
The cast, many performing dual roles, are all outstanding and believable. But I would be remiss if I did not single out the talented Jon March, who, while no stranger to the local stage, really soars as President Johnson. His realistic command of this role filled with an incredible amount of salty but very realistic dialogue is almost reason enough to see this production. At times I forgot I was watching an actor as March really embodies and sells the role.
But do not delay. “All The Way” is only on stage until January 28.