Artistic Director Michael Stevenson & Managing Director Keith Riedell Present THE ROYALE
by Marco Ramirez
Directed by Anthony D'Juan
August 24 - September 25, 2022 Performance Length:  90 Minutes, No Intermission
Featuring Corneilus Franklin*      Matt K. Miller*      Alex Richardson Brandon Rubin*      Brooklynn T. Solomon      Imani Waweru
Scenic Designer Eric Broadwater	Costume Designer Mari Oyaizu Carson
Lighting Designer  Isaiah Leeper
Sound Designer Ed Lee	Properties Designer Kimberly Taketa
Hair & Makeup Designer Corey D. Winfield	Fight Director Matt K. Miller
Stage Manager Melissa Jernigan*
“The Royale” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com Center Theater Group/ Kirk Douglas Theatre, Michael Ritchie, Artistic Director produced the World Premiere of THE ROYALE in Los Angeles, CA in 2013  Originally Produced by Lincoln Center Theater, in 2016, New York City
*Member Actors' Equity Association

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OUR MISSION

Capital Stage’s mission is to entertain, engage and challenge our audience with bold, thought provoking theatre.

THINGS TO KNOW

COVID-19 SAFETY:

To attend a performance everyone in your party must present proof of vaccination for COVID-19 (with a second dose at least 14 days prior to the date of the performance), plus a booster (if eligible and 6 months after your final dose) with a valid photo ID. Masks are currently required while COVID risk levels are high or medium in Sacramento County. Visit our COVID-19 Safety Protocols & Procedures Page to stay up to date.

VIDEO/PHOTOS:

Recording and photography of any kind are prohibited at Capital Stage.

CELL PHONES:

Patrons are asked to turn communication devices off upon entering the theatre.

LATE SEATING & RE-SEATING:

Due to the design of our theatre, we cannot guarantee seating for late arrivals or for patrons who leave the theatre during the performance. As a courtesy to our artists and our audiences, late arrivals will be seated in a suitable location by our staff if possible and at the appropriate intervals.

REFRESHMENTS:

Only concession items purchased in the Wine & Dessert Bar are allowed in the patio and lobby areas.

CHILDREN:

Capital Stage is noted for bringing intimate bold productions to our region and we encourage young adults to experience a live performance. Children age sixteen and up are welcome at Capital Stage unless specifically noted in the production’s description.

WHEELCHAIR SEATING:

Seating locations at Capital Stage for patrons using wheelchairs or with a disability are located in the first row. Tickets for these seats may be purchased in person or by calling the Box Office at 916-995-5464.

RESTROOMS:

Restroom facilities are located in the lounge behind the Wine & Dessert Bar.

INFORMATION:

Brochures and information about upcoming Capital Stage productions and events are available in the box office or by visiting capstage.org.

Capital Stage is a member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Capital Stage is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.

Capital Stage is a member of the National New Play Network, the country’s alliance of leading nonprofit theaters that champion the development, production and continued life of new plays.

Capital Stage is a member of Blue Star Theatres, offering discounts to Military personnel, Military family members, and Veterans.

SDC is the theatrical union that unites, empowers, and protects professional Stage Directors and Choreographers throughout the United States.

Sponsors

Cast

Creative Team

Special Thanks

Jim Hensley, President Abbey Flooring, Inc.

Oak Park Brewing Company

Production Staff

Production & Company Manager  - TONY GABRIELSON

Technical Director  - CARLOS LLONTOP

Lead Carpenter - RICH KIRLIN

Scenic Charge Artist  - SAMANTHA McLEAN HAAS

Sound Designer & Engineer  - ED LEE

Lead Electrician  - EUNICE KIM

Stage Manager  - MELISSA JERNIGAN*

Production Assistant  - IMANI WAWERU^

Wardrobe Assistant  - KYLE MISSMAN^

Build Crew  - RICH KIRLIN, KYLE MISSMAN^, IMANI WAWERU^, ANDREW FRIDAE

COVID-19 Safety Manager  - ELIJAH PETERS

Graphic Designer/Webmaster  - MISTY MCDOWELL

Photographer  - CHARR CRAIL

BIPOC Liaison - JAMES WHEATLEY

^ Capital Stage Apprentice  |  * Member Actors' Equity Association

Meet the Company

Corneilus Franklin*

Jay

Corneilus is an alumnus of UC San Diego (MFA) and NYU Tisch (BFA). The South Carolinian started his artistry as a cellist at the SCGSAH. Regional/Off-Broadway: TOMORROW WILL BE SUNDAY (Chautauqua Theater Company), MEASURE FOR MEASURE (Shakespeare Academy at Stratford), THE TEMPEST (Shakespeare Academy), NO ONE ASKED ME (Soho Playhouse), YOU DON’T MATTER (NY Fringe Festival). Educational Theater: PUT YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER (US- La Jolla Playhouse), IRONBOUND (UCSD Wagner Theater), BALM IN GILEAD (UCSD Wagner Weiss Theater), EVERYBODY BLACK (UCSD Potiker Theater), THE GRADIENT (UCSD Shank Theater), SECRET BONDS (NYU Experimental Theater Wing), THE NYU REALITY SHOW (Beacon Theater/Radio City Music Hall), SWEENEY TODD (NYU New Studio on Broadway), OUT CRY (NYU Tisch), SPRING AWAKENING (NYU Tisch Mainstage).

Matt K. Miller*

Max/Fight Director/Fight Captain

Previously at Capital Stage THE HUMANS, SWEAT, AN OCTOROON, LOVE AND INFORMATION, THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY, SUPERIOR DONUTS, SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME; Sacramento Theatre Company, over forty productions including TEMPEST, JULIUS CAESAR, OTHELLO, TARTUFFE, AMADEUS, OF MICE AND MEN, NOISES OFF, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, FULLY COMMITTED; B Street Theatre EQUIVOCATION, THE UNDERPANTS; Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE [ABRIDGED], MACBETH, COMEDY OF ERRORS; credits nationally and internationally, including the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain’s AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE with Sir Ian McKellen. Film and TV credits and more at www.sagaftra.org/iactor/MKMiller

Alex Richardson

Fish

Alex Richardson has been acting for 6 years as of this August and has appeared on screen as well as the stage. You may have seen him in A SOLDIER’S PLAY at Celebration Arts, at the Chautauqua Playhouse in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE or the pilot episode of Blindspotting on Starz. Alex received his bachelor’s degree in theatre from Sacramento State. In addition, he would like to thank his extremely talented fellow cast members, his director, as well as the Capital Stage crew members who work tirelessly.

Brandon Rubin*

Wynton

Brandon is happy to make his Capital Stage debut! Coming back to Sacramento after a long time away from home he is excited to finally be able to perform for his friends and family!

Brooklynn T. Solomon

Nina

Brooklynn T. Solomon has been acting for over 20 years. She was last seen at Capital Stage in MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY. Some of her favorite performances include Big Idea Theatre’s BOOTY CANDY and SKELETON CREW, Celebration Arts' SPELL #7, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, SUNSET BABY, STICK FLY, THE BLUEST EYE and BOURBON AT THE BORDER. Most recently, she appeared in Sacramento Theatre Company’s CLUE: THE MUSICAL, GLORIA: A LIFE and WHEN WE WERE COLORED: A MOTHER’S STORY. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Sacramento State University.

Imani Waweru

Ensemble

Imani is a Capital Stage apprentice with an area of interest in acting and a student at Folsom Lake College. She has a performance background in dance and is especially excited to make her theater debut on this season’s production of THE ROYALE. She would like to give a special thanks to Melissa Jernigan for her guidance in production management, Anthony D’Juan for providing her the opportunity to be onstage, her amazing fellow cast members, and all of the Capital Stage crew members who’s hard work made this production possible. She is incredibly grateful to be able to immerse herself in a community of talented artists and have the opportunity to learn, grow, and create.

Marco Ramirez

Playwright

Marco Ramirez is a prolific writer for both stage and screen. His plays have been produced throughout the United States, including the Kennedy Center, the Old Globe in San Diego, and the American Theatre Company in Chicago. Ramirez also writes for television (Orange is the New Black, Fear the Walking Dead, Daredevil, and Sons of Anarchy), for which he has been nominated for Emmy Awards. He trained at both NYU and The Juilliard School.

Anthony D'Juan

Director

Anthony D'Juan is a playwright/director, from Sacramento, CA. He has been serving in local theater since 1996 and was an assistant & protégé to Ed Claudio from 1997-2005. His writing credits for the stage include THEORY OF THE DREAM, MEN IN RIFFS, SAFE AT HOME: THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY, AND THE DREAM GOES ON, 3: BLACK GIRL BLUES (with Danielle Mone’ Truitt), THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED, THE PURVEYORS, US & THE REST OF ‘EM, BIRDMOCKING and ANY’PERSON. Directing credits include SUBURBIA, OTHELLO, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (THE MUSICAL), TOP DOG/UNDERDOG, ENDGAME, BASH, OUR TOWN, THE SEA GULL, THE DUMB WAITER, A TIGER WITHOUT MERCY (world premier), BOOTYCANDY & SKELTON CREW (both at Big Idea Theater), THE MOUNTAINTOP & PASS OVER (both at Capital Stage) and 3: BLACK GIRL BLUES (at the Sophia Home of B Street).

Michael Stevenson

Artistic Director

For Capital Stage, Michael has directed THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT, ADMISSIONS, THE HUMANS, THE OTHER PLACE, SWEAT, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, LUNA GALE, STUPID F##KING BIRD, HOW TO USE A KNIFE, DISGRACED, MR. BURNS, IDEATION, CLYBOURNE PARK, MAURITIUS, ERRATICA (World Premiere), and LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES. He has directed at regional theaters including: B Street Theater, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Company, Perseverance Theater Company, and Sacramento Theater Company. As an actor he has appeared at many regional theaters including: 42nd Street Moon, American Conservatory Theater, The Aurora Theater, Bailiwick Repertory Theater, Capital Stage, B Street Theater, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theater. He holds an M.F.A. from the American Conservatory Theater.

Keith Riedell

Managing Director

Keith celebrates his 16th year at Capital Stage, joining the company early in the second season. He brings to Capital Stage his varied experiences in the theatre, management, team building, counseling, training and corporate improvement. In his role as Managing Director he hopes to make Capital Stage a world class place to work, while playing an important role in the social justice efforts in our region.

Tony Gabrielson

Production & Company Manager

Tony joins Capital Stage this season as the Production and Company Manager. He has worked with many theaters and dance companies locally and around the country over the last 15 years, most recently Stage Managing SMART PEOPLE last season, here at Cap Stage. Favorite productions include: DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA, ON BORROWED TIME at Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ, and developmental workshops of BOTTLESHOCK! THE MUSICAL. He is blessed and beyond grateful to continue working as an artist in our community. Love and thanks to Jessa and Piper - his favorite people.

Melissa Jernigan*

Stage Manager

Melissa has most recently worked at Capital Stage on THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT, PASS OVER, MISS BENNET 2021 and HOLD THESE TRUTHS, and has been stage managing at Capital Stage since 2016: Some favorites include VIETGONE, MISS BENNET 2017/2018, THE NETHER, AN OCTOROON, AND STUPID F##KING BIRD. Other theatrical credits include Production Assisting on Broadway’s LENNON, Off-Broadway: FELA! the Lagos Tour, David Cromer’s OUR TOWN, John Leguizamo: A WORK IN PROGRESS, BEAUTY OF THE FATHER at Manhattan Theatre Club, BREATH & IMAGINATION at Hartford Stage, OUR TOWN starring Helen Hunt at The Broad Theatre in Santa Monica and THE LASSO OF TRUTH at Marin Theatre Company.

Carlos Llontop

Technical Director

Having been a Technical Director for Folsom Lake College for many years as well as a Lead Technician at the Harris Center of the Arts, Carlos is excited to enter his second season with Capital Stage. Some of his favorite productions include SPRING AWAKENING, THE WHO'S TOMMY, HAIR, and MARAT/SADE. He wants to take a moment to thank his previous professors and mentors Ian Wallace, Rebecca Redmond, David Harris and Sam Coquerille. He would also like to thank his amazing team of apprentices for all their hard work and dedication. He is looking forward to making some magic and creating art with his fellow artists for time to come.

Eric Broadwater

Scenic Designer

Eric Broadwater is currently the Professor of Scene Design and Chair of the Theater Department at California State University Stanislaus where he has designed and supervised over 30 productions. His professional work includes scenic designs and set painting in regional and local theaters all over the country. Recent credits include BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, THE ROOMMATE, AN OCTOROON and MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY at Capital Stage, THE MAN OF LA MANCHA at Sacramento Theatre Company and several designs for the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. He also works as a freelance 3D digital artist with a focus on Interactive Environments. www.BroadwaterScenic.com

Isaiah Leeper

Lighting Designer

Isaiah Leeper is very excited to be lighting up Capital Stage for the third time after designing for PASS OVER and SMART PEOPLE! Recently he was able to bring light to the world of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and FENCES at Sacramento Theatre Company as well as ROMEO AND JULIET at Sacramento City College. He would like to take the time to thank the cast, crew, and entire company for their support and wonderful energy.

Mari Oyaizu Carson

Costume Designer

Mari Oyaizu Carson has been designing costumes in the Sacramento area since 2006. She got her start designing THE SUGAR BEAN SISTERS for the now-defunct Studio Theatre in 2006. From there on she designed costumes for various local theaters before returning to school to get her MFA in theatrical design from the University of California at Davis. She picked up a few other skills along the way such as being the Lead Electrician for Capital Stage last season. She last designed the costumes for THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT and PASS OVER for Capital Stage.

Ed Lee

Sound Designer & Engineer

Ed is delighted to be part of another season at Capital Stage. He has been involved in almost every production since the company’s aquatic days at the Delta King, from artwork for SPEECH AND DEBATE to appearing in FIRST PERSON SHOOTER. Favorite sound design credits include: MASTER CLASS; SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME; 4000 MILES; MISTAKES WERE MADE; RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN; and UNCANNY VALLEY.

Kimberly Taketa

Properties Designer

Kimberly is excited to return for another season at Capital Stage. She's an alumni of the Capital Stage Apprentice Program and returned the previous season to Prop Design LIFESPAN OF A DREAM and SMART PEOPLE. She is a graduate of Sac State and alumni of the Music Circus Intern Program, primarily as a Props Artisan. She has worked as a Props Master, Light and Scenic designer, and Stage Manager for over 20 productions. She is currently the Technical Director at The Fourth Wall. Notable productions being THE PRODUCERS, DIVINERS, LUNA GALE, MAJORIE PRIME, BARE: THE MUSICAL, and finally, her directorial debut of Team Starkid’s THE TRAIL TO OREGON at the Fourth Wall.

Corey D. Winfield

Hair & Makeup Designer

Corey is a performer and theatrical technician who has worked in the entertainment industry for 30+ years. Having worked in stage, film, and television, he has had the privilege to put his work before local, US, and international audiences. Locally you may have noticed his technical work in shows like HAIRSPRAY as Hair/Wig Designer, WEST SIDE STORY as Co-Director/Choreographer, and THE ADDAMS FAMILY as Costumes/Make-up/Hair. You may also have seen him perform in ANGELS IN AMERICA as Belize, ANNIE as Oliver Warbucks, SEUSSICAL as Sour Kangaroo, THE PRODUCERS as Roger DuBris, Bob Irvin’s SHREW! as Vincentio, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW as Dr. FrankNFurter.

Samantha McLean Haas

Scenic Charge Artist

Samantha has been painting sets for over a decade in the greater Sacramento area. She's worked at Sacramento City College, University of California Davis, Sacramento Theatre Company, B Street, and Broadway at Music Circus. This is her third season with Capital Stage.

Matt K. Miller

Max/Fight Director/Fight Captain

Previously for Capital Stage, THE GREAT LEAP, PASS OVER, SWEAT, AN OCTOROON, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, BAD JEWS, DISGRACED and IDEATION; for B Street Theatre, THE JACKSONIAN and EQUIVOCATION; for Sacramento Theatre Company, THE CRUCIBLE, MAN OF LA MANCHA, THE GRAPES OF WRATH and DIAL M FOR MURDER; and Sierra Repertory Theatre’s MACBETH. Internationally, Matt has staged combat for the world premieres of Timberlake Werternbaker’s OUR AJAX and Judith Thompson’s ELEKTRA IN BOSNIA, both produced in Greece. Matt is also an actor, director, playwright and adjunct professor of theatre. A full list of credits and bio can be seen at www.sagaftra.org/iactor/MKMiller

Vernon Lewis

Dramaturg

Vernon is very excited to be working with Capital Stage again. For the past 15 years, Vernon has been able to be a part of many thrilling productions such as a list of British Pantos, multiple Shakespeare Festivals at Sacramento City Theatre, and assortment of supporting and lead roles in BOOTYCANDY, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and CANNERY ROW. Recently, Vernon has been gaining experience Directing and Assistant Directing with shows such as THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED, THE MAGIC LAMP, and PASS OVER.

ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA)

Founded in 1913, this union represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence.

Capital Stage Staff

MICHAEL STEVENSON - Artistic Director

KEITH RIEDELL - Managing Director

TONY GABRIELSON - Production & Company Manager

MISTY MCDOWELL - Marketing Manager

AALIYAH PETERS - Audience Services Manager

CARLOS LLONTOP - Technical Director

ED LEE - Resident Sound Designer & Engineer

RICH KIRLIN - Lead Carpenter

ANDREW FRIDAE - Carpenter, Technician

LOGAN HELLER – Box Office Assistant, Apprentice Coordinator

CHRIS SAECHAO – Box Office Assistant

CECILIA CASTILLO JUAREZ - Concessions Associate 

JAMIE JONES, PETER MOHRMANN, GAIL RUSSELL, JANIS STEVENS – Associate Artists

KYLE MISSMAN, IMANI WAWERU - Apprentices

ELIJAH PETERS - COVID Safety Officer

Capital Stage Board Members

Chastity E. Benson
California State Association of Counties

Donnell Brown
National Grape Research Alliance

Dan Brunner, Treasurer
Arts Patron

Melissa Conner
Seed Communications Design

Kathryn E. Doi
Hanson Bridgett LLP

Sherry Hartel Haus
Downey Brand

Steve Koonce
Arts Patron

Kris Martin
Arts Patron

Kristi Quesada Mathisen
Sacramento Country Day School

Lori Abbott Moreland
Arts Patron

Damaris L. Perez
Crowe LLP

Vince Sales
Everyday Impact Consulting

Mike Tentis, Board President
University of the Pacific

Peggy Wheeler
California Hospital Association

Board Emeritus:

Stephanie Gularte, Founding Artistic Director
Capital Stage

Peter Mohrmann, Co-founder
Capital Stage

Clif McFarland
Mitchell Chadwick

Arlen Orchard
SMUD

Jonathan Williams, Co-Founder
Capital Stage

Julie Stark
Arts Patron