National Pastime

National Pastime by Bryan Harnetiaux

(2)
Productions (4)
Drama
|
105 - 120 minutes
4 W, 8 M,  (12-16 actors possible: 4-6 W, 8-10 M)
Content Notes: Adult language
Set: Minimal.

National Pastime follows the journeys of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in major league baseball, and Wesley Branch Rickey, the white President and General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, as they shatter the color barrier in 1947. While offering insight into each man's personal struggles, the play traces the evolution of race relations leading up to the Civil Rights Movement. Against all odds, Robinson and Rickey join forces to bring about a benchmark cultural event in America's history. (Note that this full-length play includes the short play, 215 Montague Street, which can be performed and licensed separately.)

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Play Details

National Pastime follows the journeys of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in major league baseball, and Wesley Branch Rickey, the white President and General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, as they shatter the color barrier in 1947. While offering insight into each man's personal struggles, the play traces the evolution of race relations leading up to the Civil Rights Movement. Against all odds, Robinson and Rickey join forces to bring about a benchmark cultural event in America's history. (Note that this full-length play includes the short play, 215 Montague Street, which can be performed and licensed separately.)

  • Drama
  • |
  • 105 - 120 minutes
  • 4 W, 8 M,  (12-16 actors possible: 4-6 W, 8-10 M)
  • Content Notes: Adult language
  • Set: Minimal.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-667-1

Published Reviews

"This is a fascinating story, and even people who are not sports fans should find this production compelling... In its recounting of an important piece of history and its undeniable emotional impact, this production scores a home-run."

Terry Morgan, Back Stage West

"Bryan Harnetiaux's sentimental yet enthralling play reveals the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of Dodger president Branch Rickey to desegregate baseball after pressure from the Negro and Communist Party Press, and his tapping of the otherwise outspoken Robinson to be 'the one.'"

Martin Hernandez, L.A. Weekly

"A great team effort with all of the bases loaded, this play is a home run!"

Pat Taylor, The Tolucan Times

"The playwright, Mr. Harnetiaux, writes with a deft hand and, amidst the raucous, heavy moments of the play, peppers the script with humor..."

Joseph Feinstein, ShowMag.com

"...a powerful testimonial to the courage of a family, a brilliant/valiant athlete, and the persistent efforts of a man with a vision."

June S. April, The Newtown Bee

"Harnetiaux's statistics don't mask his gift for dialogue and humor, and he clearly understands the broader implications. Such integrity blooms by the pin-drops scene in which Rickey and Robinson reach detente, then alliance... Harnetiaux's moving labor of love scores a home-run."

David C. Nichols, Los Angeles Times

Production History

APR 14, 2023 - APR 23, 2023
Spokane Civic Theatre
Spokane, WA United States
Spokane Civic Theatre Spokane, WA United States
FEB 02, 2006 - FEB 28, 2006
Stamford Theatre Works
Stamford, CT United States
Stamford Theatre Works Stamford, CT United States
MAR 19, 2005 - JUL 03, 2005
Fremont Centre Theatre
South Pasadena, CA United States
Fremont Centre Theatre South Pasadena, CA United States
APR 18, 1998 - APR 30, 1998
Spokane Civic Theatre
Spokane, WA United States
Spokane Civic Theatre Spokane, WA United States
No upcoming productions.
APR 14, 2023 - APR 23, 2023
Spokane Civic Theatre
Spokane, WA United States
Spokane Civic Theatre Spokane, WA United States
FEB 02, 2006 - FEB 28, 2006
Stamford Theatre Works
Stamford, CT United States
Stamford Theatre Works Stamford, CT United States
MAR 19, 2005 - JUL 03, 2005
Fremont Centre Theatre
South Pasadena, CA United States
Fremont Centre Theatre South Pasadena, CA United States