When I go to the theatre, I’m looking forward to being inspired or entertained. When a play can satisfy both needs, I’m in theatre heaven.

Trinity Rep’s fictional recreation of Dr. Martin Luther King’s last night on this earth, brilliantly directed by Kent Gash, succeeded in making me laugh loud and often, while at the same time reflecting on the seriousness of King’s words and legacy.

Katori Hall’s controversial award-winning play opened on Broadway in 2011 and has gained audience momentum ever since.

“The Mountaintop” takes place in Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, where King spent his final night struggling over his doubts, insecurities and fears.

Camae, a pretty motel employee, delivers a cup of coffee to his room and ends up engaging him in conversation that ranges from thought-provoking to out and out hilarious.

While the play has its serious moments, I can’t remember laughing so much at some of the sharpest, funniest dialogue I’ve heard in a long time. A playwright can write funny lines, but it takes a great actor to deliver them. And Mia Ellis as Camae is one great actress. Alongside Joe Wilson Jr. she becomes even greater, as the two veterans give performances that will bring both tears of joy and sadness.

The first half of this intermission-less, 100-minute play set the tone for King’s preparation for the events of April 3.

The play then goes off in a surprising direction as we, and King, discover that Camae is much more than a motel maid.

Wilson has reached deeply into the soul and mind of Rev. King, showing all sides of his character and personality. It is a brilliant performance.

Not having read the play and going into the performance thinking that I was about to see a serious interpretation of King’s final night, I was surprised by the introduction of Ellis’ character. I won’t say that she “stole the show,” but rather that she enhanced it and brought it to a higher level. It takes two to tango, and Wilson and Ellis dance beautifully together.

King has his encounter with his maker and learns to accept his fate. The show ends, you think, as King leaves his room to go out on the balcony. But Trinity, and the theatre community in general, have more to say.

Dr. King was most concerned about his legacy, who would carry on his work, and where the country was heading. The lights go out, the ceiling drops to form a giant screen, and we are shown what has taken place since that fateful day, right up to today’s New York Times headline. The video is changed daily, giving us a reminder that the work of Dr. Martin Luther King is not finished.

“The Mountaintop” is at Trinity’s intimate Dowling Theatre through February 12. If audience reaction on MLK Day is any indication, I’d advise you to order tickets right away. You won’t be sorry. Call351-4242 for reservations.