Fences

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About Celebration Arts

Celebration Arts provides performing and training opportunities in theatre, dance, and music through a celebrated annual theater season, which showcases some of the nation's top award-winning Black playwrights of the Black experience at our 100-seat theater.

We also present special events and programs including dance and music concerts, comedy shows, and Kids' Time, all dedicated to enhancing our community by showing stories that illuminate us as central subjects.
 

Our Founder

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.

Director's Note

Troy Maxon was hand picked to be king, & then we watch him systematically dismantle it, & he does it with zeal. 

It’s admirable. It’s tragic.  

Troy Maxon was one of the greatest baseball players that ever lived, except for “...Babe Ruth and Josh Gibson.”,  says Jim Bono. 

Troy struck out a few times & “the next time up he hit the ball over the grandstand.” says Lyons. After that game 200 people lined up to shake his hand. 

Rose is pure good. Her patience and forgiveness are Biblical.

Troy does not deserve her - now that’s grace. 

“When you picked Rose, I was happy for you. 

That was the first time I knew you had some sense.”

 - Bono

Troy is hard on Cory so that Cory won’t be like Troy. 

He may have succeeded. 

It’s arguable.  

Bono is loyal to Troy until the end. 

Actually everyone is loyal to Troy until the end - sometimes out of fear. 

The story is beautifully devastating. 

It shakes one to the core in a way I had not realized until staging it.

August Wilson wrote plays that are meant to last. The 10 Play Cycle is an epic theatrical completion. Like Albee & Miller, he told human stories through large scopes. He wrote battles between good & evil - men who believe in free will but choose the self, & then the women who suffered because of their choices, & yet they still forgive. 

Wow. 

FENCES proves that people are flawed to perfection.

It’s why we go to the theater.

- Anthony D’Juan 

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Brandon Rubin

TROY MAXSON

Brandon Rubin is from Sacramento, CA, and is a Celebration Arts veteran. He has an M.F.A. in Theater from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. He would have been seen in Little Rock (Barrymore Award Winner - Best Ensemble) at Passage Theater Company, But I Could Only Whisper at The Flea Theater, and The Royale at Capital Stage. He is very thankful to work with Celebration Arts again and would like to thank his father and mother for always helping him keep the faith in the craft.

Carla Fleming

ROSE

Carla Fleming is a distinguished singer, songwriter, actor, and producer. She has participated in numerous stage and film productions, including POTUS with Big Idea Theater, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, What to Send Up When It Goes Down, Pipeline, Polar Bears, Black Boys & Prairie Fringed Orchids, Spell #7, and Black Pearl Sings with Celebration Arts Theater, as well as The Jackie Wilson Story with Image Theater. Additionally, she has performed in King Lear, Macbeth, and Taming of the Shrew for the Macbeth Project, as well as the musicals Sister Act and Hairspray. Most recently, Carla appeared in Domestic Disturbance, an original musical based on her concept album Domestic Disturbance. This work explores the cyclical nature of domestic violence from a personal perspective, aiming to provide awareness, understanding, and hope amidst adversity.

Kaleb Roberts

CORY

Kaleb Alexander Roberts is the youngest of three brothers and raised by a single mother. From films to spoken words to music, Kaleb mixes the aesthetics of creativity and literature to create and showcase beautiful stories. He loves creating human beings and developing their souls when it comes to storytelling. Kaleb is currently in his sophomore year of college, majoring in Film and Media Studies. 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 life and not become stagnant. Kaleb is exhilarated to return to Celebration Arts for the second time, his debut appearance was in the production, “MUD, RIVER, STONE” which was showcased in the Black Girl Magic season in 2024. He would like to thank God for continuing to bless him and placing the anointing on him, his mother, his brothers, and all of the people who have continued to pour love and wisdom into him when it comes to his passions.

Howie Bryant

GABRIEL

Going into his second season with Celebration Arts, Howie has worked on the past productions Scottsboro Boys: Direct from Death Row, Raisin in the Sun, and Major Jazz. In addition to working in TV, film, and music, Howie enjoys his time on stage working with talented individuals from his own backyard. When not on stage or in front of a camera, Howie enjoys cooking and playing pinball. Howie would like to thank his family and friends for all of their continued support and everyone in attendance who makes projects like this possible.

Sevryn Michael

LYONS

Sevryn Michael is a Sacramento-based actor who has been performing for most of his life! Sevryn got his start as a performer dancing in a youth hip-hop group. His instructor was choreographing a production of Oliver Twist and needed more children to play the orphans. Being the attention seeker he's always been, he absolutely had to audition. Since then, Sevryn Michael has been in over 20 productions. His passion for performing arts knows no bounds. Sevryn is currently a student at Cosumnes River College studying Theatre Arts, with dreams of performing in New York. In addition to acting, Sevryn Michael has written, produced, and starred in his own short films. He believes that the arts should be a break from everyday life and enjoys entertaining people and putting smiles on faces! He would like to dedicate this performance to his older brother, Jibraun. “Thank you for always being a listening ear and teaching me the meaning of taking a leap of faith.” – Sev

Andre Ramey

JIM BONO

Andre Ramey is a dedicated performer currently appearing in the powerful play Fences. As a proud board member of Celebration Arts, he has graced the stage in compelling productions such as Mud River Stone, Gem of the Ocean, Jitney, King Hedley II, Sunset Baby, and The Soldier’s Play, to name a few. Beyond the theater, he treasures his life with his wife, Melinda, and daughter, Eden, who inspire him daily. With a deep commitment to excellence, he passionately supports the mission of Celebration Arts, ensuring that the legacy of this vibrant community of artists continues to thrive and resonate.

Autumn Ellison

RAYNELL

Autumn is happy to make her Celebration Arts mainstage debut as Raynell! A proud Kid’s Time participant, she was most recently seen in Why Dogs Hate Cats during the 2024 fall session of Kid’s Time.

Anthony D'Juan

Director

Anthony D'Juan is a Sacramento based director who has been active since 1996. He was assistant & protégé to Ed Claudio from 1997-2005. He is currently an adjunct professor for the Los Rios Community College District. He’s also the artistic director of The Stage at Burke Junction, in Cameron Park. Playwriting credits include: THEORY OF THE DREAM, SAFE AT HOME, MEN IN RIFFS, POTENTIAL LITERATURE, 3:BLACK GIRL BLUES (with Danielle Mone’ Truitt), THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED, DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE (with Carla Fleming & Joe Archie), BIRDMOCKING and ANY’PERSON. Directing credits include SUBURBIA, OTHELLO, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (THE MUSICAL), Jack Partington’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND (world premier), ENDGAME (best drama 2004), BASH:LATTER DAY PLAYS, THE DISTANCE FROM HERE, OUR TOWN, THE SEAGULL, THE DUMB WAITER, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG (2007), Dan Fagan’s A TIGER WITHOUT MERCY (world premier), Richard Hellesen’s THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES (world premier), THE MOUNTAINTOP, BOOTYCANDY (nominated best director), SKELTON CREW, PASS OVER, THE ROYALE, DIRECT FROM DEATH ROW:THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, 3:BLACK GIRL BLUES, FATSO (with Logan Heller - 2023 revival), PAPI ME AND CESAR CHAVEZ, Carla Fleming’s DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE (world premier), CLYDE’S, Jerry Montoya’s ROBIN HOOD (world premier), THE GOAT OR WHO IS SYLVIA? (nominated best director), PROOF & FAIRVIEW (nominated best director).

Devin Valdez

Assistant Director

Devin Valdez is thrilled to be joining the cast, crew, and creative team of FENCES at Celebration Arts as Assistant Director. Devin has recently directed POTUS at Big Idea Theatre and WAITING FOR GODíNEZ at Teatro Espejo. Acting credits include: GEORGIANA & KITTY: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, PREDICTOR, THE WICKHAMS, MISS BENNET, and THE WOLVES (Capital Stage), MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, GLORIA: A LIFE, HAMLET, and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Sacramento Theatre Company), JASPER (Big Idea Theatre), JUST A PINCH (Matriarchy Theatre), and WELCOME TO ARROYO’S (Teatro Espejo). Devin is so grateful to Anthony D’Juan, James Ellison and Celebration Arts for this opportunity, and to everyone who supports live theatre in Sacramento.

Vernon Lewis

Stage Manager

Vernon is excited to finally be working at Celebration Arts. 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, CANNERY ROW, and GLORIA. Recently, Vernon has been gaining experience Directing and Assistant Directing with shows such as THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED, THE MAGIC LAMP, and BAD TASTE IN BOYS. Vernon is now exploring the world of stage management, with having helped with WHEN WE WERE COLORED: A MOTHER’S STORY. Vernon is excited to be here and hopes you enjoy the show.

Eric Broadwater

Scenic Designer

Eric Broadwater is currently the Professor of Scene Design in the Theatre Department at the California State University Stanislaus where he has designed and supervised over 45 productions. His professional work outside the university includes scenic designs and set painting in regional and local theatres all over the country. Recent local credits include Clyde's, Fairview, and The Great Leap at Capital Stage; Cosmo St. Charles is Dead... at B St. Theatre; and Zora & Langston with Celebration Arts. He also works as a freelance 3D digital artist with a focus on concept art, Museum Design and Interactive Environments.

Michael Dugan

Lighting Designer

Michael is a theatrical designer, technician, and recent transplant to the Sacramento area. This will be his third show designing for Celebration Arts--having previously done the Lighting Design on TINKER THE TOY MAKER and CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY--and his fourth production at CA overall. Before moving here, Michael previously did theater in the Seattle area ranging from a Set Design Internship with Village Theatre working on JASPER IN DEADLAND, Stage Managing with Jet City Improv for YES ANDERSON, Scenic Drafting for Washington Ensemble Theatre’s production of FEATHERS AND TEETH, as well as serving a 3 year stint as a Board Member and Technical Director for the student-run production company Undergraduate Theater Society where he also designed and built for several productions. Currently Michael works as the Master Electrician for Sac State’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

Wesley Murphy

Sound Designer

Wesley Allen Murphy is a multi-instrumentalist from Northern California, where he has worked professionally as a 5-String Banjo player for over 20 years. Some of Wesley's favorite credits include sound design and original composition for Alice in Wonderland (Falcon's Eye Theater), When We Were Colored (The Guild Theater), A Guide For The Homesick, At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen, How Black Mothers Say I Love You, Pillow Talk, The Review (Theater Rhinoceros), Twelfth Night (Freefall Stage), and 20,000,000 Leagues Under The Seas (provided additional sound design and codirected, Falcon's Eye Theater).

Jordin Hinton

Costume Designer

Jordin is a student at Sacramento City College studying in the Fashion Apparel program. He began his creative journey in the fashion field by reconstructing thrifted clothes and applying his knowledge to other organizations and community work. He gained further experience through an apprenticeship with Sheilagh’s Sacramento Costumers program. Jordin has also served as treasurer and public media officer for the Black Student Union and is gearing up to host a fashion show for the BSU’s and P.A.C.E. organizations’ travel abroad program. He has a true excitement to share this journey with the community he builds as he travels.

Erinn Anova

Props Designer

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.

Matt K. Miller

Fight Choreographer

This is Matt’s first collaboration with Celebration Arts and is excited to work on this production of FENCES. Local fight choreography credits include, for B Street Theatre COSMO ST. CHARLES IS DEAD AND SOMEONE IN THIS ROOM KILLED HIM, THE JACKSONIAN and EQUIVOCATION; for Capital Stage, CLYDE’S, THE ROYALE, THE GREAT LEAP, PASS OVER, SWEAT, AN OCTOROON, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, BAD JEWS, DISGRACED and IDEATION; for the former 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.

Sené Goss

Assistant Stage Manager

Sené (Suh-nay - “Gift from Above” - Eritrean) has lived up to her name her entire life. This Midwest native has been gracing stages with her God given gifts for well over 30yrs. Since 2002, Celebration Arts has given Sené a home to always comeback to when ready to dust her acting chops! In 2023, Sené joined Celebrations Arts as Ruth Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun”. She is joining us again to lend her artistry in a different light as ASM! Favorite Quote: “Never be afraid to being, again.”

Evan Lucero

Assistant Stage Manager