"Sally & Tom" Brilliantly Exposes Our Founders’ Contradictions—at Marin
Adam KuveNiemann and Emily Newsome. Photos by David Allen
Suzan-Lori Parks’ Revolutionary Comedy Offers ‘A People’s History’
by Vasudeva Rao & Barry David Horwitz
Sally Hemings was Thomas Jefferson’s slave all her life. She lived at Monticello in the slave quarters on a dirt floor. Over 30 years, she gave birth to seven of his children. Who can justify the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl by the 41-year-old American Minister to France? What choice did Sally Hemings really have?
In Suzan-Lori Parks' spectacular "Sally & Tom," American history slowly comes into focus. Parks genially invites us to pierce the hypocrisy and lies. Jefferson refused to recognize the humanity of African Americans, while preaching “liberty for all.”
“Sally and Tom” shifts from a low-budget theater troupe named “Good Company” into their new play about Hemings and TJ, called “The Pursuit of Happiness.” Playwright Luce (electrifying Emily Newsome) and her romantic partner Mike (hilarious Adam KuveNiemann) bring humanity and sensitivity to the lead roles.
Director Lance Gardner delivers high-speed pacing, and scenic designer Kate Noll creates magnificent sets. The blueprint for Monticello, with its classical columns, is flanked by two busy actors’ dressing rooms. Backstage, the actors spin their props, bodies, and lines enough to thrill any theatergoer.
The cast of “Sally and Tom”
In a cyclone of extraordinary stagecraft, all the actors play dual or triple roles:
As modern actor Kwame playing Sally’s brother James Hemings, Titus VanHook delivers a stunning monologue exposing the cost of slavery to human life and spirit. James dares to confront two slaveholders head-on, rebuking them passionately—a thrilling moment.
In response, Jefferson addresses the audience directly, making us complicit in his excuses. He is a rich stew of contradictions, asserting boldly: “Go ahead, hate me!”
As actor Maggie and enslaved sister Mary, Asia Nicole Jackson gives an indelible, clear-eyed exposé of what it is like to be traded like cattle. Mary asserts her human rights, leaving no doubts.
Asia Nicole Jackson & Emily Newsome
confAs actor Ginger, and eldest daughter Patsy, Rosie Hallett brings a delightful comic edge to her roles. Hallett slips like quicksilver from concerned modern woman to spoiled brat to evolving heiress. As Patsy, Hallett shows that subtle comedy can provoke insight and revelation.
As actor, Stage Manager, and younger daughter Polly, Nicole Apostol Bruno adds a feverish frenzy to her sharp-edged comic roles. Her Stage Manager is a classic.
As actor Geoff, eye-rolling sign-holder, and slave-owner Cooper, Michael Phillis turns on a dime, astoundingly—a great comic actor. In a surprise turn, Phillis also swings to a sweet, needy lover. Phillis’s multiple talents make each role a delight.
As actor Devon and enslaved Nathan, Kenneth Ray brings a soft touch and an endearing love to treasure. When Ray steps in, he changes the temperature of a scene.
As actor Luce playing Sally Hemings, Newsome confides in us, delivering a devastating declaration: "There's no solution, that's the problem, there's no solution because we live in that world." As Sally, Newsome’s confidence, wit, and daring inspire us.
Adam KuveNiemann and Titus VanHook with the cast of “Sally and Tom”
Investors in the play want James's harsh anti-slavery speech suppressed: power decides which version of 'truth' gets produced. Parks reminds us that we are still fighting these battles. Who gets to say which truths get taught?
“Sally and Tom” forces us to confront what we think we know versus what happened during and after the Revolution. Their story lived on but was hidden. This is theater that digs up what some have tried to bury.
When Luce/Sally asserts that we are living in a world of hypocrisy and lies, the pieces fall together. Suzan-Lori Parks’ play brings joy and “good trouble” to the Marin Theatre stage—a work of genius and discovery.
Michael Phillis & Adam KuveNiemann
“Sally and Tom” by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Lance Gardner, scenic design by Kate Noll, costumes by Pamela Rodriguez-Montero, lighting by Spense Matubang, sound by Gregory Robinson, at Marin Theatre, Mill Valley, California.
Info: marintheatre.org – to November 23, 2025.
Cast: Emily Newsome, Adam KuveNiemann, Asia Nicole Jackson, Titus VanHook, Rosie Hallett, Nicole Apostol Bruno, Michael Phillis, and Kenneth Ray.