|
Celebration Arts Presents |
||
Crumbs from the Table of Joy |
||
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Gianna Bennett James Ellison III Latasha Burleson-Banks Shelby Saumier |
|
Dear Family,
Welcome to Celebration Arts and thank you for joining us for today’s production of Crumbs from the Table of Joy by the esteemed playwright Lynn Nottage. We are thrilled to have you here and share in the experience of this powerful and evocative play.
At Celebration Arts, we strive to present work that challenges, inspires, and uplifts our community. Crumbs from the Table of Joy speaks to themes that resonate deeply with us today—family, identity, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. Set in the 1950s, the play reflects the complex racial and social dynamics of the time while also exploring timeless human experiences that still speak to us in the present day. It’s a story of love, resilience, and finding one’s voice, brought to life by our talented cast and creative team.
We hope that tonight’s performance stirs something within you and stays with you long after the curtain falls. Please take a moment to read through the program, meet our cast and crew, and learn about the people who worked tirelessly to make this production possible.
On behalf of everyone at Celebration Arts, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support. Whether you are a longtime patron or attending for the first time, we are delighted to share this journey with you and look forward to many more shared experiences in the future.
Thank you for being here.
James Ellison III
Artistic Director
Erinn Anova
Executive Director
About Celebration Arts
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 and Meet the Playwright
Director's Note
I can’t seem to escape Lynn Nottage, which is a great problem to have. My introduction to her work was in 2013 at CSU Sacramento, where I was cast in Intimate Apparel, directed by the legendary Dr. Melinda Wilson Ramey. And in 2023, I had the privilege of performing in Clyde's at Capital Stage, one of the most produced plays in America.
Lynn Nottage is a builder of worlds who is deeply interested in people. She treats her characters with the love and nuance they deserve, inviting us to witness their struggles, joys, and complexities.
I was eager to direct Crumbs from the Table of Joy when I discovered how cinematic it was. Ernestine's love of the cinema reminded me of my own. I fell in love with films as a young girl, a love that has stayed with me ever since. My father introduced me to the world of movies—he loved a good story. Though he’s no longer with us, I know he would enjoy this show. His love for storytelling, like Nottage’s, ignited something in me that I carry into my work today.
This coming-of-age story speaks to the universal desire to belong, to love, and to find one’s place in an ever-changing world. These characters, like so many of us, are simply trying to navigate life, searching for connection and meaning. As Ernestine says, we’re all just “walking… riffing… walking… riffing.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Imani Mitchell
About the Playwright
Lynn Nottage is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright whose work is celebrated for its deep exploration of social issues and the human experience. Her plays include Sweat, Intimate Apparel, Ruined, and Mlima’s Tale. Nottage’s work often centers on the lives of marginalized individuals, shining a light on stories often overlooked in mainstream narratives. She is also a screenwriter and activist, committed to social justice and using her art as a vehicle for change. Nottage teaches at Columbia University and continues to inspire audiences with her impactful storytelling.
Cast
Creative Team
Imani Mitchell
Angela Dee Alforque
Marissa Wooten
Ashley Mendez
Michael Dugan
Quincy Middleton
Sheilagh McCafferty
Brynn Boatwright
Jordin Hinton
Erinn Anova
Meet the Company
Nevaeh Bouie
Nevaeh L. Bouie is a visual artist, actor, vocalist, and freelance paint party instructor who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design with a double minor in Business and Art Studio at CSU Sacramento. Nevaeh began theater at the age of six with the River City Theater Company continuing with Young Actors Stage, Moore Musicals, Sacramento Theater Company Conservatory and Natomas Charter School of Performing Fine Arts Academy. At the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival, Nevaeh earned a Gold Award for Outstanding Performer in a One Act Play A WOMAN CALLED TRUTH as Sojourner Truth; the play earned Gold for Best One Act Play. This will be Nevaeh’s first production with Celebration Arts. She would like thank her fellow castmates and crew. Nevaeh would like to give all praises to God, her mom, family and friends for they have been her rock.
Gianna Bennett
Gianna Bennett is a vibrant stage presence, known for her radiant performances and infectious enthusiasm. Currently captivating audiences as Ermina in CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY, Gianna portrays a 15-year-old navigating faith and change. Her diverse roles include a Mersister and Princess in THE LITTLE MERMAID, a daring pirate in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, and underwater creatures in RAINBOW FISH. Gianna’s regal charm also shone as Ester in THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES. With each role, she brings a whirlwind of excitement and brilliance to the stage.
James Ellison III
James Ellison is a seasoned local actor from Sacramento, whose work spans from the stage to film and stand-up comedy, performing in venues from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Known for his dynamic range and captivating performances, James recently portrayed Thurgood Marshall in the one-man show THURGOOD at Celebration Arts. He has also appeared as Ennis in BROKEOLOGY at B Street Theatre and performed as Jackson in SMART PEOPLE at Capital Stage. With decades of experience, James is a versatile performer and a passionate advocate for the performing arts.
Latasha Burleson-Banks
Latasha is a trained actor who loves the art of storytelling through acting. She got her start in TV and film as a background actor and stand-in, working her way up to a role on Netflix’s 13 REASONS WHY. She does everything from commercials, motion capture work, and even her own film project WHY AM I HERE, that she wrote, produced, and starred in. This is Latasha’s first major role on stage. She has worked diligently to bring Lily to life, sharing Lily’s need to be seen for who she is and to not be dimmed by society’s narrow views of women. It is with the love and support of her husband, Wardell, and her mother, Nicole, that she continues to do what she loves, conveying the human experience through this amazing art form. Latasha would like to dedicate her performance to her Aunt Melvina Allen, an angel who gained her wings September 20th, 2024.
Shelby Saumier
Shelby is overjoyed to be making her debut with Celebration Arts as Gerte in Lynn Nottage’s CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY. Shelby is a recent grad of the theater apprenticeship at Capital Stage, and has previously received her BA in Theater, Teaching Credential, and Master’s in Teaching from Sacramento State. Shelby’s recent acting credits include Sir Andrew Aguecheek in TWELFTH NIGHT (The Happy Hour Theatre), Cel in THE MOST MASSIVE WOMAN WINS (Capital Stage), News Reporter/Basketball Opponent in AMERICAN FAST (Capital Stage), Witch #3 in MACBETH (Sacramento Shakespeare Festival), and Anne Elliot in BEYOND PERSUASION (City Theatre). Shelby is extremely thankful for the opportunity to work under the talented direction of Imani Mitchell; Shelby is most grateful for the unwavering love and support of their family, friends, and life partner Reilly.
Lina Ramirez
Lina is an accomplished professional figure skater from Brooklyn, NY but now calls Sacramento, CA home. She spent over a decade performing in 50 countries around the world while skating for Disney on Ice, portraying the role of Princess Tiana from THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG. Since leaving her touring ice skating career, she has channeled her creativity and love of expression into acting. Her biggest accomplishment in acting thus far has been being a part of the AppleTV+ major motion picture film, SPIRITED, as an Ice Dancer. Lina recently made her theater debut as Ruth from A RAISIN IN THE SUN at the Blackbox Theater in West Sacramento. This will be her second theatrical production, joining Celebration Arts and this wonderful team to bring Crumbs from the Table of Joy to the incredibly supportive and enthusiastic Sacramento community. She is honored to continue telling meaningful stories and hopes to make lasting, positive impacts through her performances.
Imani Mitchell
Angela Dee Alforque
Marissa Wooten
Ashley Mendez
Michael Dugan
Quincy Middleton
Sheilagh McCafferty
Brynn Boatwright
Jordin Hinton
Erinn Anova
Photos
Sponsors
