Off-Broadway NewsCasting Announced for Jerry Dixon-Helmed FergusonThe world-premiere production tells the story of the 2014 events in Ferguson, Missouri, through the exact testimony of the Grand Jury hearing for Michael Brown’s shooting.
By
Ruthie Fierberg
September 27, 2017
Jerry Dixon
The world-premiere production of Phelim McAleer’s Ferguson will be presented October 19–November 5 at the 30th Street Theatre in New York City.
Directed by Jerry Dixon, the play recreates the events of August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri, during the Grand Jury hearing concerning the shooting of Michael Brown. According to a statement, the work is “a staged version of the Grand Jury testimony exactly as it was heard it in the courtroom.”
Michael Brown was shot by police officer Darren Wilson and died. His death is largely associated with the founding of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A 2015 staged reading in Los Angeles that caused controversy received positive reviews.
The cast for the upcoming production includes Cedric Benjamin (TV: Luke Cage) as Dorian Johnson, Kim Brockington (TV: Asunder, The Guiding Light) as Sheila Whirley, Paul DeBoy (Mamma Mia!, TV: The Blacklist) as Bob McCullough, Ian Campbell Dunn (TV: The Blacklist) as Darren Wilson, Chaundre Hall-Broomfield (LCT’s Pipeline) as Mark Williams, Sarah Nedwek as Kathi Alizadeh, Geoffrey Dawe, LaVonda Elam, Jonathan Miles, Ben Prayz, Kevin Sims, Carol Todd, and Renika Williams. Casting is by Michael Cassara.
The production features scenic design by Jason Simms, lighting design by Charlotte Seelig, costume design by Martín Lara Avila, sound design and original music by Jeremy Earhart and Trevor “TK” Kuprel, and video and projection design by Caroline M. Trewet. Bob Brownell serves as production stage manager.
Dixon made his Broadway debut as a performer in the original Once On This Island—which returns in a revival production in December. He has also been featured in the casts of Five Guys Named Moe and If/Then on Broadway. He wrote the music and lyrics for husband and fellow actor Mario Cantone’s solo Broadway show, An Evening With Mario Cantone. Dixon also wrote the music and lyrics and served as assistant director for Broadway’s special engagement, Laugh Whore. Regionally, he has directed productions of Two Gentleman of Verona, The Full Monty, Show Boat, and more.
Ferguson is produced by Theatre Planners/Racquel Lehrman.
Photo Archive: If/Then, Starring Tony Winner Idina Menzel, Opens on Broadway
Photo Archive: If/Then, Starring Tony Winner Idina Menzel, Opens on Broadway
Tony winner Idina Menzel starred as a woman who journeyed down two possible roads to self discovery in the Broadway musical If/Then, created by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal writers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. The show opened on March 30, 2014 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
