Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting (Part 1)

LA Theatre Works

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Playwright Ed Schmidt imagines a spring day in 1947, when Branch Rickey, the powerful general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, summons heavyweight champion Joe Louis, tap star Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, and actor Paul Robeson to his hotel room in Manhattan. Rickey wants their support when he chooses Jackie Robinson to be Major League Baseball’s first black player. But a power struggle ensues when the group raises questions about Rickey’s motivations to integrate baseball.

Recorded before a live audience at the DoubleTree Suites, Santa Monica in May 1996.

Directed by Sheldon Epps

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Edward Asner as Branch Rickey

David Downing as Clancy Hope (Elder)

Tommy Hicks as Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson

Carl Lumbly as Paul Robeson

Sterling Macer as Jackie Robinson

Charlie Robinson as Joe Louis

Rugg Williams as Clancy Hope

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