Diesel Heart
Written by Brian Grandison in collaboration with Melvin Carter Jr.
Directed by Warren C. Bowles
March 11–April 2, 2023
Content warning: Strong language, gunshot sound effect, strobe lighting
Recommended for ages 14+
1950s-1970s. Born and raised in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, the story of Melvin Carter Jr. begins at a time of racial tension in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time Melvin Carter Jr. struggles in school, questions his worth, and turns to fighting and trouble in the neighborhood. This play, inspired by Melvin Carter, Jr.’s book, DIESEL HEART, is a story that has you crying and laughing with joy. Melvin’s story reminds us that the journey we take to finding our voice is never clean or straightforward.
The reviews are in!
- A story that could not be more vital at this time in our history (Arthur Dorman, talkinbroadway.com, 3/19/23)
- Fascinating story of Melvin Carter Jr...is worthy of your time (Rob Dunkelberger, thestagesofmn.com, 3/17/23)
- Melvin Carter Jr. an ordinary and extraordinary man beautifully brought to life on stage (Jill Schafer, cherryandspoons.com, 3/14/23)
- Playwright Grandison goes wonderful job of giving us snapshots of Carter's life (Mary Aalgaard, Play Off the Page, 3/15/23)
- 'Diesel Heart' is more tell than show at History Theatre (Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune, 3/15/23)
- 'Diesel Heart' Melvin Carter Jr. bio needs less history, more his story (Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press, 3/13/23)
Learn more about the show
- READ: Close calls and hard scrapes for 'Diesel Heart' cop St. Paul mayor calls 'Dad' (Star Tribune, Rohan Preston, 3/9/23)
- READ: Weekend Picks (minnpost.com, Sheila Regan, 3/9/23)
- READ: Melvin Carter Jr.'s 'Diesel Heart' (BLCK Press, 3/19/23)
- READ: The Melvin Carter Jr. story (Insight News, 3/16/23)
- LISTEN: Warren Bowles and Mikell Sapp talk about Diesel Heart (badmouthtc.com)
- WATCH: Get to know Melvin Carter Jr.
- VIEW: Diesel Heart playbill
Afterthoughts - post-show discussion special guests
- March 12: Melvin Carter, Jr. Duchess Harris, and Brian Grandison
- March 19: Melvin Carter, Jr., and Rose McGee - ArtsUs
- March 26: Melvin Carter, Jr., and Save Our Sons Board Members Bill Tilton and Robert Edwards
- April 2: Melvin Carter, Jr., and Mikeya Griffin, Executive Director of Rondo Community Land Trust
