Check out photos of the cast for The Public Theater and National Black Theatre co-production of 2022 Pulitzer-winning Fat Ham by James Ijames. The disco-themed shoot features hair and makeup design by Shanaya Hewitt, Allie J., Amanda Thesen, and Chris Trotman, as well as styling by Dominique Fawn Hill.
Starring in the production, which began previews May 12 for its New York premiere, are Marcel Spears as Juicy, Nikki Crawford as Tedra, Chris Herbie Holland as Tio, Billy Eugene Jones as Rev/Papp, Adrianna Mitchell as Opal, Calvin Leon Smith as Larry, and Benja Kay Thomas as Rabby. Opening night is set for May 26, and performances will run through June 12.
Fat Ham is Ijames' reinvention of Shakespeare's Hamlet, exploding the psychological classic into a comic tragedy. Taking place at a cookout, Juicy, a queer Southern college kid, grapples with identity questions, the ghost of his father, a supernatural demand for vengeance, and the choice of breaking or continuing cycles of trauma and violence.
The Public's Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director Saheem Ali directs the production which also features scenic design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Dominique Fawn Hill, lighting design by Stacey Derosier, sound design by 2022 Tony nominee Mikaal Sulaiman, hair and wig design by Earon Chew Nealey, fight direction by Lisa Kopitsky, and choreography by Darrell Moultrie. Props are by Claire M. Kavanah, and illusions are by Skylar Fox. Jereme Kyle serves as production stage manager and Ryan Kane serves as stage manager.
For tickets and more information, visit PublicTheater.org.