SOCIAL NARRATIVE FORTHE RELAXED PERFORMANCE OF

at Roundabout Theatre CompanyJuly 20, 2019

The Laura Pels Theatre at

The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre

111. W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

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When I arrive at the theatre, I may have to wait in line at the box office.

I am going to Roundabout Theatre Company’s show, Toni Stone.

The theatre is located at 111 W 46th Street, New York, NY 10036.

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When I arrive at the theatre, I may have to wait in line at the box office.

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I will go into the theatre. The theatre has over 400 seats.

I will hand my tickets to the usher and will be shown where my seat is.

The numbers on my tickets indicate where I will sit.

The usher will give me a Playbill, a book that gives information about the play and actors in it.

The theatre will become dark and quiet.

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During the performance, I can stay in my seat.

However, if the show is ever too loud or too bright, I can take a break in the Break Area.

I can go back in the theatre to enjoy the show whenever I am ready.

Everyone will take a break in the middle of the performance during the intermission.

This is a great time to get a drink, a snack, or use the

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During the performance, I can stay in my seat.

However, if the show is ever too loud or too bright, I can take a break in the Break Area.

I can go back in the theatre to enjoy the show whenever I am ready.

Everyone will take a break in the middle of the performance during the intermission.

This is a great time to get a drink, a snack, or use the

After intermission, everyone will come back into the theatre and sit down in their seats again.

The theatre will become darker and everyone will become quiet so they can hear the show. The actors will come back on stage and continue the show

When the show is finished, I will leave the theatre. I can take my ticket and program with me.

SUMMARY OF TONI STONE

Toni Stone is the story of the first woman to play professional baseball. Toni, an African-American woman, began playing second base for the Negro League’s Indianapolis Clowns in 1953. While the language is representative of that time, the themes of the play are incredibly relevant today. Toni’s journey, navigating both racism and sexism to access participation in an activity she loves, reminds us of how far we have come and also how far we have yet to go.

CHARACTER GUIDE

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Toni Stone: A woman who wants to play baseball and fights to do so despite many obstacles. She is socially and sexually naïve.

Alberga: Toni’s suitor, then husband. An older business man who meets Toni in a tavern and eventually marries her.

Millie: Toni’s friend, and a prostitute in a brothel where the Clowns spend the night on tours through one southern town.

Stretch, Jimmy, King Tut, Woody, Spec, Elzie, Rufus: “Toni’s Boys.” These are Toni’s teammates on the Indianapolis Clowns.

Sydney Pollack: Toni’s boss, the white owner of the Clowns.

THE TIME

It is important to acknowledge that Toni pursued her passion when the Jim Crow laws were still in effect and women were far from equal.

THE LANGUAGE

It is important to remember that words spoken in this play represent the time period and the characters portrayed. As such, certain language may be offensive, but is crucial in accurately depicting the story.

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DISCUSSION TOPICS

1. While all the members of the Clowns baseball team enjoyed playing baseball and were skilled at it, Toni was the only woman on the team. Have you ever felt different than others in a group? How did this make you feel?

2. What is most important, what you have in common with a group or how you are different? 

3. Toni experiences racism and sexism as the first female player of a professional baseball team. Do you think her experience would be different or similar today?