FENCES

by August Wilson
Directed by Monty Cole
July 1 - August 6, 2022
American Blues Theater

This is the sensational drama about Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro Baseball League, who now works as a garbage man in Pittsburgh. Troy and his wife Rose want the American Dream – to own a house with a white picket fence that keeps the family safe and trouble out. When mistrust builds and secrets are revealed, this iconic Black family begins to crumble in America’s embrace. Director Monty Cole’s innovative and intimate production explodes Wilson’s masterful text with raw emotion. You’ve never seen Fences like this before!

Monty says, “August Wilson’s work is deeply metaphorical, loaded with symbolism and surrealism, and yet all we seem to focus on is the decade his plays take place in. We wanted to build a production that explored the depth, beauty, humor and strangeness of his worlds while allowing it to be accessible to a bold, new generation. Loaded with incredible performances by an outstanding cast who remains on stage for most of the play, this production was designed to be a shot to the heart.

ENSEMBLE: Kamal Angelo Bolden (Troy Maxson), Manny Buckley (Gabriel), Shanésia Davis (Rose), Ajax Dontavius (Cory), Martel Manning (Jim Bono), William Anthony Sebastian Rose II (Lyons), and Riley Wells (Raynell).

PRODUCTION TEAM
Scenic Design: Yeaji Kim
Lighting Design: Jared Gooding
Sound Design: Rick Sims
Costume Design: Stephanie Cluggish
Properties Design: Verity Neely
Fight/Intimacy Choreographer: Charlie Baker
Assistant Director: Monet Felton

Stage Manager: Cara Parrish

PRESS AND RECOGNITION

“3.5 out of 4 stars. The casting and staging combine for an intense revival of a modern American classic.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“Monty Cole’s blistering staging of Fences for American Blues Theater should not be missed. SEE THIS PLAY.” – Kelly Kleiman, Chicago Reader

Nominated for Six Joseph Jefferson Awards including Best Production, Best Ensemble, Best Director, Best Performance in a Leading Role (Kamal Angelo Bolden and Shanesia Davis), and Best Lighting Design (Jared Gooding)