2024 Season of Black Girl MagicCelebration Arts Presents |
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MUD, RIVER, STONE |
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| Written by Lynn Nottage |
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August 9 - September 1, 2024 |
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Nashell Lynem |
James Ellison III |
Erinn Anova |
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| Michelle Champoux |
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| Place: Hotel Imperial, Africa ... perhaps Mozambique, perhaps not. |
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PERFORMANCE LENGTH: 2 hours. 1 intermission. Production Note: This play has simulated violence. Parental discretion is recommended. |
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Playwrights Horizons, Inc., New York City, produced the New York premiere of MUD, RIVER, STONE was commissioned by The Acting Company.
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Cast
Creative Team
Production Team
Meet the Company
Andre is elated to be cast as David Bradley in MUD, RIVER, STONE in his ninth production at Celebration Arts! He was last seen on the Celebration Arts stage six years ago in A SOLDIER'S PLAY as Sargeant Waters. Andre has appeared in many college productions from American River College to Sacramento State, including VENUS, SONS/ANCESTORS, ONE SHORT SIGHTED WOMEN VS MAMMIE LOUIS AND SAFFRETA MAE, GEM OF THE OCEAN and JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE. His community theater works include KING HEDLEY, BOURBON ON THE BORDER, JITNEY, ACTOR'S IN SHORTS, THE OTHER ROOM, TEMPODYSSEY and most recently, KING LEAR at California Stage. As a new Celebration Arts board member, he thrives on aiding in creating high-quality productions and offerings from this season and the future. He would like to thank his wife, daughter, and all patrons who have come to support him in all his artistic endeavors.
Kyra JeShon is a singer, writer, actress, and the granddaughter of Cynthia Robinson, the trumpet player for Sly and the Family Stone. She began her love for acting and the performing arts at a young age in 1991 with a supporting appearance alongside Angela Bassett in the series Equal Justice. Her live theatre endeavors began with Celebration Arts "Kids' Time" which landed her a role in the BACCHAI. She also enjoyed having roles in GREASE, GUYS AND DOLLS, BYE BYE BIRDIE, and SAFE AT HOME: THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY, as well as local films. What a privilege to be a part of this amazing cast for MUD, RIVER, STONE. She has built a beautiful family since the last time she was on stage. She is a wife and mother of two terrific boys.
Kaleb Alexander Roberts is the youngest of three brothers and was raised by a single mother. From films to spoken words to music, Kaleb mixes the aesthetic of creativity and literature to create and showcase beautiful stories. He loves creating a human being and developing their soul when it comes to storytelling. The vibrant way of combining art, words, and action to unravel factors and images of a story whilst inspiring the audience's imagination amazes him, as it has been his passion since the sixth grade. Kaleb is entering his sophomore year of college, majoring in Film & Media Studies. He has been working and studying nonstop to properly analyze and observe films so he can uncover unseen things by a general audience. He truly enjoys the beauty of education and learning new things because it liberates him from ignorance and misery. Expanding his knowledge helps him explore new challenges in my life and not become stagnant. "I want my legacy and story to live on for lifetimes. I will show people the great anointing that God has placed upon me. I will leave a mark on this world that cannot be erased." - Kaleb
Scott Taylor is thrilled to return to Celebration Arts, having last appeared in the 2018 production of A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Over the last 30 years, he has performed with many theaters, including California Stage, Main Street Theater Works, Chautauqua Playhouse, Theatre El Dorado, T Street Players, Actors Theater of Sacramento, and Sutter Street Theater. Scott's favorite productions include Leading Ladies, A Raisin in the Sun, The Explorers Club, The Last Lifeboat, King Lear, Les Precieuses Ridicules, Pride and Prejudice, The Iceman Cometh, and 10 November. Scott is delighted to be again costumed by his wife, Linda. He gives his teachers, Ed Claudio, Melanie Smith, and Barbara Jay, his constant gratitude and thanks.
Thomas Dean is very excited to be in MUD, RIVER, STONE. He last appeared on the Celebration Arts stage in SMART PEOPLE in 2021. Thomas is from Sacramento and has performed on multiple stages for over ten years. Some of his recent roles include Arthur in AFTER THE BLAST at Big Idea Theatre and Mr. Collins in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE at Chautauqua Playhouse. Thomas is also a playwright, and some of his recently produced works include GRAVEYARD SHIFT and SPUTNIK-5.
Nakia Brazier, a vibrant and versatile artist hailing from Long Beach, has recently set her sights on Sacramento after living in Los Angeles for the past seven years. Driven by a passion for creative expression in its myriad forms, Nakia is a true. Nakia's journey into performance arts began in high school, where she honed her skills as a member of the school's improv troupe, and later, during college, she appeared in a production of Clifford Odets' WAITING FOR LEFTY. Recently, Nakia has been immersed in the independent film scene, contributing her talents to the production of "Only on Christmas." As a stage actor, Nakia finds fulfillment in the live performance environment, cherishing the opportunity to forge connections and engage in meaningful dialogue with her audience. She aspires to become a fixture at Celebration Arts, where she aims to contribute her unique voice and perspective to the vibrant artistic community of Sacramento.
“For me, the first thing is to tell a good story.” - Lynn Nottage
This is Michelle Champoux's third production with Celebration Arts, previously performing in BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, and ZORA & LANGSTON.
She was over the moon and honored to perform as Charlotte Osgood Mason in ZORA & LANGSTON and now MUD, RIVER, STONE. Her favorite previous productions include ADMISSIONS at Capital Stage and CALIFORNIA SUITE at Sacramento Theatre Company.
She has a Theatre/Dance degree and has completed the Training Congress program at the American Conservatory Theatre.
Michelle is honored for the opportunity to perform at Celebration Arts in Mud, River , Stone exploring the human spirit & relationships.
"Mud, river, and stone are the basic elements of life and of civilization. They're what you use to build up a society, but they also can destroy it." - Lynn Nottage MUD, RIVER, STONE follows an African-American couple on their second honeymoon in Africa, seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots. They become stranded in what was once a grand hotel, where a white hunter challenges their perceptions of the Motherland. Lost in a rain-soaked jungle, they confront complex questions of ownership and belonging in Africa. Playwright Lynn Nottage, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1964, wrote her first play at age eight, inspired by the women in her family—nurses, teachers, activists, and artists in her neighborhood. A graduate of New York's High School of Music and Art, she earned her B.A. from Brown University in 1986 and her M.F.A. in playwriting from Yale School of Drama in 1989. MUD, RIVER, STONE stands out in Nottage's canon for its personal connection to her four-year tenure as the national press officer for Amnesty International. This role provided her with direct exposure to human rights issues and allowed her to interview many individuals from Africa, enriching her understanding of the continent's complexities. This experience, which followed her graduation from Yale, marked a period when she temporarily stepped away from playwriting to explore other career paths. Nottage describes the play as an allegory about imperialism in Africa, with characters who have mythologized the continent to fit their desires, often overlooking its reality. Lynn Nottage is the first, and remains the only, woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice, for her plays RUINED (2009) and SWEAT (2017). #blackgirlmagic Her recent work includes MJ THE MUSICAL, which premiered on Broadway in 2022. She is developing limited-series adaptations of RAGTIME for Paramount+ and CLYDES. She wrote and is directing Everlasting Yea!, a feature film in production for Amazon Prime.
Nashell Lynem brings a rich and diverse background in the arts rooted in her early experiences in Indianapolis, Indiana. Introduced to theater through her church, she quickly discovered her passion for acting, dancing, and singing. Nashell honed her talents from elementary through college, leading theatrical performances, variety shows, and concert choirs. During her college years, she also produced fashion shows, collaborating with popular stores such as JCPenney, Catos, and Lazarus. After a hiatus, Nashell returned to the arts with renewed vigor in her late twenties. She joined Freetown Village, an organization that uses theater to teach black history and traveled across various states, showcasing her acting, singing, and directing prowess. This experience opened doors for her to perform as a background singer for renowned gospel artists like Karen Clark, Tremain Hawkins, and Regina Bell. In 2010, Nashell wrote and produced her play, MOTHER KNOWS BEST, which garnered significant attention and support from major churches, magazines, news outlets, and radio stations in her city. Her impressive portfolio includes working on a pilot with comedian Bruce Bruce and serving as stage manager and assistant director for FAMILY SECRETS, collaborating with actor Tony Grant, known for his work with Tyler Perry. Since moving to Sacramento five years ago, Nashell has taken on the role of Director and Ministry Leader of the Theater Arts program at Center of Praise, one of the city's prominent mega-churches. Her dedication to the arts and her innovative approach have significantly impacted the community.
James Ellison III has served as the Artistic Director for Celebration Arts since December 2022. A dedicated actor, volunteer, and board member, Ellison has been part of the Celebration Arts family for over 20 years, starting with a pivotal 1 AM phone call with founder James Wheatley when he was just 19. In 2023, Ellison delivered a memorable performance as Thurgood Marshall in the one-person show THURGOOD during the Celebration Arts 2023 Season of Overcoming. He also made his directorial debut with A RAISIN IN THE SUN, marking a significant milestone in his career. A seasoned stage, television, and film veteran, Ellison has performed in various productions across California, from commercials and community theater to professional stages at B Street Theatre and Capital Stage in Sacramento. A passionate advocate for the visual and performing arts, Ellison has testified before the California State Legislature, underscoring the critical importance of arts funding. "State funding is the water that keeps the arts hydrated. You cut the funding, you cut our water," he asserts. Ellison's commitment to the arts and his community shines through his work, making him a vital force in Sacramento’s cultural landscape.
Erinn Anova is excited to return to Celebration Arts Theatre, as this 38-year-old esteemed organization was instrumental in developing her as an artist and theatre professional. Raised in Sacramento, Erinn became affiliated with Celebration Arts as a teen, through dance classes, and went on to work in the theatre as an actress (The Colored Museum, For Colored Girls, Miss Julie), stage manager, sound designer, dramaturg, and director. In 1998 she directed August Wilson’s seminal play Fences at Celebration Arts, starring James Wheatley, and it was nominated for an Elly Award for “Best Direction.” Currently, as Executive Director, she is excited to partner with and support Artistic Director, James Ellison lll, in leading Celebration Arts to an unprecedented era of change and growth while also maintaining financial health, staying committed to the theatre’s core vision, and bringing fruition to the best future imaginable. Prior to her current role at Celebration Arts, Erinn worked in the Los Angeles theatre community and served in many capacities. Chief among them: The Matrix Theatre (Managing Director) where she was responsible for theater operations, marketing, company management, play development, and assistance with programming. The Fountain Theatre (Assistant Director, Casting, Dramaturgy, Repertory). Celebration Theatre (Lead Producer, Board Member). The Edgemar Center (Producer). In addition, Erinn has spent the past 30 years as a professional performer, appearing in numerous theatre productions and television shows such as Law & Order, Bull, and FBI. Favorite roles include “Mrs. Mueller” in Doubt at The B Street Theatre, “Marina” in Shakespeare’s Pericles, and “Delia” in Blues for An Alabama Sky at the Sacramento Theatre Company, and “Debbie” on HBO’s The Deuce. As a background vocalist much fun was had on tours with amazing singer/producer Raphael Saadiq and hip hop phenoms Blackalicious. Erinn received a BFA from Howard University in Theatre and an MA in Education from Loyola Marymount University. She was a 2023 recipient of the BRIO Award for Literature honoring her soon to be released (Fall 2024) children’s book Pretty Bun.
Eva Hernandez is excited to be working on their first show with Celebration Arts. They love Lynn Nottage's writing and have previously stage managed SWEAT by Lynn Nottage at Sac City College. Their other stage management credits include EURYDICE at Sac City College, POODLE WITH THE GUITAR AND DARK GLASSES with Happy Hour Theater, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, ALMOST, MAINE, and ALL SHOOK UP with C.K. McClatchy High School, and THE FALL & THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT at Annual One act Festival by Big Idea. They were a Stage Management Intern at Broadway Music Circus working on shows such as THE COLOR PURPLE and SOMETHING ROTTEN and are currently working over at Capital Stage from time to time. Eva is so excited to be working on MUD, RIVER, STONE and hopes you enjoy the show!
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ABOUT CELEBRATION ARTS
Originally the Celebration Dance Company founded in 1976 by James Wheatley, Celebration Arts became a 501c3 organization in 1986. For more than 30 years, Celebration Arts continues to be a cornerstone of music, dance, and theater for the Sacramento region’s African American community bringing Black artists and stories to its stage at 2727 B Street. In addition, Celebration Arts provides educational programs to children through Kids’ Time and dance training for teens, adults, and seniors. More information can be found at celebrationarts.net.
James Wheatley
Founder
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nicole Manker
President
Executive Director
Kelly McDole
Vice President
Halifu Osumare, PhD
Board Member
Andre Ramey
Board Member
Donna Wood
Board Member
Non-Board Officer
Niyah Moore
Secretary
Elaine Douglas
Emeritus Advisor
Linda Goodrich, PhD
Emeritus Advisor
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