Led by acclaimed actor James Ellison III (BROKE-OLOGY at B Street Theatre, BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, SMART PEOPLE and SWEAT at Capital Stage, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Sacramento Theatre Company) in the titular role of Thurgood Marshall, audiences will be transported through time in this one-person play, as they witness the milestones and challenges that shaped Marshall's legacy. Mentored by Mr. Wheatley since he was 18, Ellison is also the artistic director of Celebration Arts.

Ellison will make his directorial debut this season with our final 2023 production, A RAISIN IN THE SUN. He dedicates his work in the theatre to his sister Yawanda and cousin Byron, who both passed away in October 2021.

Founding the Celebration Dance Company in 1976, James Wheatley brought it under the umbrella of Celebration Arts in 1986. For many years, he directed the majority of the productions during our annual theater season. He is also a playwright and has notable achievements as an actor, singer and dancer, winning six Elly acting awards and an Elly for his original play, Petra.

Mr. Wheatley received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance and the Sacramento Chapter of the Links, Inc.

Since its inception, Celebration Arts has been a cornerstone of cultural enrichment, dedicated to bringing the African-American experience to the forefront of Sacramento's performing arts scene. THURGOOD is another testament to the organization's commitment to excellence and celebrating African-American history and contributions.

Sarina knew she was born to perform at an early age. Knowing this, she was driven to study theater arts and earned a B.A. in Drama before moving out to California. Soon after, she began performing with theater groups in Los Angeles, demonstrating her talent in both acting and dancing. Around Sacramento, one of her favorite roles was Mrs. Muller in DOUBT, for which she earned an Elly nomination. Recently, you may have seen her as Leroy/Attorney General Knight in DIRECT FROM DEATH ROW THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and as Kate in GOOD PEOPLE.

Sarina also acts in short and feature length films. Her most recent film project in which she was cast as lead, SAMANTHA AND THE FISHERMAN'S DREAM, is currently in post-production.

Sarina is thrilled to be the Assistant Director for this important play that takes us on a journey into the life of the prominent and highly regarded Thurgood Marshall. She has enjoyed watching James Ellison III transform into Justice Marshall all while absorbing the expertise of Mr. James Wheatley.

George Stevens, Jr. has achieved an extraordinary creative legacy over a career spanning more than 60 years. His play THURGOOD opened in 2008 at the Booth Theater on Broadway. THURGOOD has since been produced in theaters across America. Stevens is the founder of the American Film Institute and a writer, director and producer. Film and television productions include AFI Life Achievement Awards (1973-98), The Kennedy Center Honors (1978-2014), George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey, The Murder of Mary Phagan (Jack Lemmon, Peter Gallagher), Separate But Equal (Sidney Poitier, Burt Lancaster), The Thin Red Line, Herblock: The Black and the White and The Obama Inaugural Concert. Stevens has written three books. His memoir, My Place in the Sun, Life in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Washington was released in 2022. Awards include 15 Emmys, 2 Peabody Awards, 8 Writers Guild Awards and an Honorary Oscar presented in 2012 for "extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement."