REVIEW: The Huntington makes history with a remarkable ‘Toni Stone’
Everyone should live for something the way Toni Stone lives for baseball and everyone should also know Toni Stone’s history making story.
It is also almost impossible to think of another person more enthusiastic than the glow that appears across Eunice Woods’ face as she talks about beloved baseball. The devotion, the stats, the storytelling, and Stone’s very nature is engrained in this exciting sport and that is only the beginning of Toni Stone’s story.
Based on a true story and engagingly written and directed by Lydia R. Diamond with innovative choreography by Ebony Williams, The Huntington continues Toni Stone live and in person at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 16 and streaming online through July 14. The show runs 2 hours and 20 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Toni Stone, depicted in this performance by understudy Eunice Woods, approaches baseball with a fearlessness and blind ambition that would inspire anyone to pursue their dreams. A historical figure and natural athlete willing to do whatever it takes to fit in while ignoring the naysayers, Stone possesses the kind of determination needed to become the first woman to play baseball professionally on a regular basis. However well Stone knew baseball though, other areas in life came with uncertainty.
At the center of this production is Woods as Stone who wittily and engagingly recalls what brings her to the plate playing for an all-male Negro League called The Indianapolis Clowns. The collective team, which Stone affectionately refers to as ‘my boys,’ share a teasing and genuinely likable rapport as they transform into other roles in Stone’s recollections. In a pinstriped suit, Jonathan Kitt portrays smooth and mysterious Alberga with enlightened charm and protectiveness while Stanley Andrew Jackson’s wise and nurturing Milly delivers a number of the show’s well timed dry humor and encouragement.
From a bar scene to a steel mill factory to a picturesque stadium setting with flood lights and absorbing lighting by Brian J. Lilienthal, Scenic Designer Collette Pollard’s nostalgic and functional set makes the most out of the Huntington stage as Woods shares Stone’s time jumping memories. The impressive set is likened to a little piece of vintage Fenway Park as the green worn wooden stadium with bleachers display billboards for Stetson and Gimbel to reflect the late 1940s and early 1950s. Aubrey Dube’s rich sound design echoes the swing of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the sonic play-by-play announcer while Lucas Clopton’s big band and jazz-inspired original music resonates with the ‘Nifty Fifties.’ Bold colors enhance the Indianapolis Clowns in authentic style uniforms right down to the striped baseball stirrups while other costumes add a hat or a subtle touch as members of the team play multiple roles by Costume designer Mara Blumenfeld and Wig, Hair, and makeup artist Earon D. Nealey.
Ebony Williams’ dynamic choreography combines athleticism and a touch of Broadway while infusing sweeping 50s era dance moves starting with the swooping opening chorography that not only depicts Stone’s laser focused passion for the game, but the very essence of why people love baseball. After all, Boston is a city steeped in baseball history and known for its avid fans, so it is no surprise that Boston would be an ideal location for this groundbreaking individual to share her story.
Though I do think the show would be further appreciated by fervent baseball fans, Toni Stone’s story is essentially about an individual who is discovering who she is and who she wants to be beyond what society expects from her. Often misunderstood from childhood, Stone faced an uphill battle with few who shared her vision, but never took her eyes off of her heart’s desire. Woods not only depicts Stone’s unconventional and confident persona, but also in braving racism, segregation, and harrowing obstacles and challenges with a combination of anxiety yet unshakable faith that she can do anything with enough persistence. Woods as Stone is funny, lively and confides in the audience like we are old friends.
Based on a true story and engagingly written and directed by Lydia R. Diamond with innovative choreography by Ebony Williams, The Huntington continues Toni Stone live and in person at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 16 and streaming through July 14. The show runs 2 hours and 20 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
