Tony Todd Stars as First Black Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson in the play Ghost in the House

What:  Ghost in the House, The Life and Times of Jack Johnson, a new play written by Ernie Hudson and Frank Megna and starring Tony Todd of Candyman fame.

Where: UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall, 445 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, CA 90095

When:  Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th at 8PM and Sunday, October 11th at 7PM

Contacts:  Raymond Bell, producer, 626-643-2962, fivebellz@msn.com
Diana Ljungaeus, producer, 310-210-1860, Diana@workingstage.com

In view of the Black Lives Matter movement and the rising concerns over racial politics in America, Jack Johnson’s story has never been more important to tell. This new play has been in development for three years evolving from a one-man show into its current four character form.  Opening Minds Productions in association with the UCLA Black Alumni Association present this special limited run of this version for the first time anywhere as a prelude to bringing this important play to cultural and educational venues across the country.

Ghost in the House recounts the racism and vindictiveness of White America against a man whose talents went way beyond the ring.  Johnson was a musician, raconteur, entertainer, horse jockey, bullfighter, inventor, race car driver and secret agent during World War I.  He was an infamous Lothario who flaunted his flashy lifestyle in the face of contemporary mores.  Jack Johnson was the catalyst for celebrations, condemnations, deadly riots and outrage from all sides of the racial divide.  In his time, he was also the most famous Black man in the world—and one of the most misunderstood.

This sports icon has sparked Senators John McCain and Harry Reid to send a letter to President Obama seeking a posthumous presidential pardon for Johnson being wrongly convicted of the Mann Act.

“While the play has a special significance for the black community, it is a story that speaks to all of us who want to live life on our own terms”

Frank Megna

media

 

Press:

UCLA Daily Bruin article on Ghost in the House
http://dailybruin.com/tony-todd-to-play-jack-johnson-in-ghost-in-the-house/

Eur Web article on Ghost in the House
http://www.eurweb.com/2015/10/new-play-ghost-in-the-house-tony-todd-stars-as-first-black-heavyweight-champ-jack-johnson/

Pace News article on Ghost in the House