Franklin Johnson on ‘Detroit '67’: A Fictional Story in a Real Time of Conflict

On a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Franklin Johnson, an actor in Acts on Stage’s upcoming production Detroit '67. Playing the character Lank after a few years off from acting, Johnson discussed his journey on stage and offered a glimpse into the magic of the upcoming production.

Johnson's acting career began as a teenager with Heart and Soul Productions, a theater company founded by Michelle Lang-Raymond. After a hiatus, he reconnected with Raymond, who had since started Acts on Stage, where he auditioned for the company’s rendition of 12 Angry Men, their first show during COVID. 

Now, Johnson is taking on a more substantial role as Lank in Detroit '67, a fictional story set in Detroit during the civil rights movement. The play centers on a brother and sister who operate a small club out of their basement amid civil unrest and riots sparked by police raids. 

Lank, the brother, is characterized by his ambition. "He is wanting to do more with his life. He has some goals and some dreams,” Johnson said. Lank loves his sister and their club, but he wants to spread his wings with his sister, but his sister is not necessarily on board, he explained.

Johnson admitted that taking on this role has been a test of will. "I love theater, as a spectator and love it so much that it drew me to want to actually be on stage,” he said. “But it's... nerve-wracking." 

Unlike his previous roles, playing Lank has required Johnson to dig a little deeper, explore different emotions, and delve into a character that he has to find a way to relate to. Despite the challenges, Johnson has grown to love Lank, along with the cast that have supported him through the process. 

When watching Detroit ‘67, Johnson hopes that the audience will feel anger, sadness, happiness, and joy. Ultimately, his goal is for the play to invoke questions and catalyze change and progressive conversation. 

Detroit '67 runs from November 14 through the 23, with a special pay-what-you-can performance on Monday, November 17. Tickets can be purchased at actsonstage.com  

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