Toni Stone

Keeping Your Eye on the Ball

Have You ever heard of Toni Stone? Don’t feel too bad because even award-winning playwright Lydia R. Diamond knew little to nothing about this important African-American woman. It wasn’t until Ms. Diamond read Martha Ackmann’s biography entitled Curveball, The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone that she learned about this important Black female athlete. The book inspired the playwright to tell Toni’s story for the stage. So who was Toni Stone? Until this spunky, talented athlete entered the scene, baseball was completely a male-dominated sport. But Toni Stone changed that. She’s remembered as the first African-American woman—as well as the very first woman, ever—to play professional baseball in the Negro leagues. But getting someone to hire her took determination on Ms. Stone’s part. Talk about keeping your eye on the ball!

Recently named by the Tribune as “Chicagoan of the Year” for theater, Ron OJ Parson once again brings his passion and talent to the Goodman stage to shape and mold this bio-drama. Armed with his usual creativity, sensitive guidance and determined drive, Mr. Parsons brings Lydia Diamond’s script to life in a way that no one else could. Toni, her teammates and her friends leap from the page to the stage and grip the audience from the very first moment. He has teamed up once more with former ballet dancer, Cristin Carole, as Movement Director. She helps the cast leap, catch, slide and meet the physical demands of being convincing Boys of Summer. The result is a mesmerizing, enlightening and thoroughly entertaining evening of theatre that kicks off Black History Month with the crack of a bat.

The sharp technical expertise bringing this production to life is equally terrific. Todd Rosenthal’s totally realistic scenic design, enhanced by some gorgeous lighting effects designed by Keith Parham, brings an authentic baseball field, stands and scoreboard, as well as other locales, to the Albert stage. Andre Pluess’ incredible sound design and music are spot-on and perfectly in sync with the action. And Mara Blumenfeld has beautifully created a wardrobe of realistic team uniforms, along with additional accessories, to effectively transform the actors into other supporting characters. In particular, Ms. Blumenfeld’s feminine ensembles for Millie are both colorful and chic, while Alberga’s finely tailored suit and Toni’s sport jacket and fedora are period perfect.

Born Marcenia Lyle Stone, Toni became the first female baseball athlete to play full-time with the Indianapolis Clowns. Although there were baseball teams for women, they were segregated. So, after some fast talking and a bit of unique negotiating, Stone signed a contract with Clowns team owner, Syd Pollock. He thought the novelty of having a talented female ballplayer would attract bigger crowds. The Clowns played exhibition games around the country and, like basketball’s Harlem Globetrotters, were considered more entertainment than serious baseball. But the Indianapolis Clowns were also topnotch athletes; while they provided plenty of fun for their fans, the team was also playing serious baseball.

Parsons’ multitalented cast is led by the charismatic, gifted and dynamic Tracey N. Bonner, as Toni Stone. She embodies the character’s athleticism, while still remaining a young, feminine woman trying to break the color and gender barriers in a male-dominated sport. Ms. Bonner displays plenty of humor and compassion with her teammates and friends, while coping with personal challenges and humiliation. The pressure to follow more traditional female conventions is always present. With such a strong characterization, as well as so much dialogue and intricate details to learn, Ms. Bonner is simply a wonder.

Each actor brings much personality and skill to his role. Kai A. Ealy is hilarious as goofy teammate, King Tut; Joseph Aaron Johnson nicely hides his character’s secret lifestyle with his toxic attitude; Travis A. Knight is wonderful, both as the most kindly teammate, Stretch, and as elderly team owner, Syd Pollock. Edgar Miguel Sanchez is delightful as the diminutive, scholarly athlete, Spec; Terence Sims, as Woody, is a strong, but a bullying ballplayer; and Victor Musoni and Matty Robinson round out the team as talented, personable baseball players, Jimmy and Rufus. 

As Alberga, Chike Johnson is commanding and persistent in his romantic pursuit of Toni. He’s much older but a suave, handsome and wise political figure and businessman. And Millie, the most fascinating and often humorous character in this production is wonderfully played by Jon Hudson Odom. Full of attitude and style, Odom completely embodies everything about this feisty, kimono-clad Madam, who befriends Toni, becoming the ballplayer’s only female friend and confidant.

Everything about Toni Stone’s life is Baseball. She’s a talented player, a supportive teammate and a shrewd negotiator. When things get tough, the gifted athlete comforts herself and others with her encyclopedic knowledge of statistics and trivia. She’s an important individual, both in sports and as an advocate for women’s rights. She’s also a figurehead in Black history. Until now, very few people knew about this extraordinary woman, but that’s all about to change, as audiences are bound to fill the Goodman Theatre and keep their eye on the ball.       

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 28-February 26 by the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by visiting www.goodmantheatre.org. 

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.