Finding Humanity in History: Michael Ling Jr. Talks Acts on Stage and ‘Detroit '67’
Actor Michael Ling Jr. joined hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, on a recent episode of Almost The Weekend! to discuss his role in the Acts on Stage production of Detroit '67, his acting journey, and his commitment to inspiring meaningful dialogue through theater.
Ling, who hails from Riverside, California, but now calls the Pacific Northwest home, shared that his passion for performance began in childhood.
"Acting has kind of always been with me for a long time. In the blood,” he said, he grew up acting out movie scenes with his seven siblings.
His adult return to the stage was prompted by his daughter, who was moved after attending an Acts on Stage Teen Summer Musical. “She saw these Black kids on stage, singing and dancing and performing and she was inspired,” he said.
Eventually, she challenged her father to step onto the stage, which led to him restarting his theater journey with a powerful role in A Soldier’s Play, followed by Sadie’s Kitchen, both with Acts on Stage.
Besa Gordon (left) and Curtis Delgardo II (right) pose with Michael Ling Jr. (middle) in the Black Media Matters Studio last week. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
Casted as the character Sly in Detroit ‘67, Ling explained that the show is set during the 1967 Detroit riots, providing a striking contemporary comparison. "Imagine trying to throw a house party during the George Floyd riots. That's... basically what it's like,” he said about the play, which is rich with themes of race and family.
Ling elaborated on the central message he hopes to convey through Sly’s story.
"I think the message overall is just finding the humanity in the character,” he said. “I think it's easy for us to look back at 1967 and be like, 'That's what happened then,' but in all honesty, some of that stuff is still going on now." He shared the difficulty of bridging the chasm between his 2025 mentality and the mindset required to portray a man living in 1967 Detroit, where options for self-advocacy were severely limited.
A standout element of the production is the Motown soundtrack, which Ling called another character in itself. Driven by the vision of Director Isiah Anderson Jr., the music sets the mood and energy, Ling affirmed. "The music is what makes the show...The soundtrack is really what sets it over the top."
Ultimately, the goal of Acts on Stage is to use theater as a springboard for genuine, safe conversation. Ling shared the company’s hope that the show will create the space needed to engage in productive conversation about the enduring relevance of racial inequity, especially between people who may not share the same understanding of those experiences.
Detroit ‘67 is playing from November 14 to the 23 at Acts on Stage Theatre, 10806 12th Ave SW, Seattle. Get your tickets at actsonstage.com.
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