{"id":61262,"date":"2011-09-07T18:11:42","date_gmt":"2011-09-07T18:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/0de2709a84.nxcli.net\/0-kjasnb\/2011\/09\/07\/alicia-keys-announces-stick-fly-cast\/"},"modified":"2018-12-18T12:54:40","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T12:54:40","slug":"alicia-keys-announces-stick-fly-cast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/alicia-keys-announces-stick-fly-cast\/","title":{"rendered":"Alicia Keys Announces Stick Fly Cast"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alicia Keys Announces Stick Fly Cast<\/strong>by Wilson Morales<\/p>\n

September 7, 2011<\/p>\n

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Producer Alicia Keys<\/strong> is proud to announce that Dul\u00e9 Hill<\/strong>, Mekhi Phifer<\/strong>, Tracie Thoms, Ruben Santiago-Hudson <\/strong>and Condola Rashad<\/strong> will star in the <\/strong>Broadway premiere of STICK FLY<\/strong>, the critically-acclaimed American play by Lydia R. Diamond <\/strong>and directed by Kenny Leon<\/strong>. STICK FLY <\/strong>begins previews on Friday, November 18, 2011 and officially opens on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Cort Theatre (138 W. 48th Street). Tickets are now on sale through Telecharge.com.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy producing partners and I are thrilled to have such a strong and talented ensemble cast assembled,\u201d said Alicia Keys<\/strong>. \u201cHaving this incredible group of actors to help bring Lydia\u2019s beautiful play to life is going to take Broadway\u2019s wattage to the next level!”<\/p>\n

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Returning to the Broadway stage, Emmy Award nominee Dul\u00e9 Hill<\/strong> (\u201cPsych,\u201d \u201cThe West Wing\u201d) will play Kent \u201cSpoon\u201d Levay (a writer), Tracie Thoms <\/strong>(Rent<\/em>, \u201cCold Case,\u201d The Devil Wears Prada<\/em>) will play Taylor (Kent\u2019s fianc\u00e9e and an entomologist), and Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson<\/strong> (Seven Guitars<\/em>, Lackawanna Blues<\/em>) will play Joe Levay (Kent & Flip\u2019s father and a neurosurgeon). Making their Broadway debuts, Mekhi Phifer<\/strong> (\u201cER,\u201d 8 Mile<\/em>) will play Flip Levay (a plastic surgeon), and Drama Desk Award nominee Condola Rashad<\/strong> (Ruined<\/em>) will play Cheryl (a maid). Casting for the role of Kimber, a part-time teacher, will be announced at a later date.<\/p>\n

It was supposed to be a relaxing weekend at the family home on Martha\u2019s Vineyard\u2026 until the baggage got unpacked. Set at the elegant summer home of the well-to-do LeVay family, STICK FLY<\/strong> begins when two adult sons bring their significant others (one a fianc\u00e9e, the other a new girlfriend) home to meet their parents for the first time. Soon, secrets are revealed, civilities are dropped and identities are explored in a harsh new light. Race and rivalry, class and family, all come together for an explosive comedy of manners about today\u2019s complex world.<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

The creative team for STICK FLY <\/strong>includes David Gallo<\/strong> (Scenic Design<\/em>), Reggie Ray<\/strong> (Costume<\/em> Design<\/em>), Beverly Emmons<\/strong> (Lighting Design<\/em>) and Richard Fitzgerald \/ Sound Associates<\/strong> (Sound<\/em> Design<\/em>).<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

STICK FLY<\/strong> will be produced on Broadway by Nelle Nugent<\/strong>, Alicia Keys<\/strong>, Samuel Nappi<\/strong>, Reuben<\/strong> Cannon<\/strong>, Sharon A. Carr\/Patricia Klausner<\/strong>, Huntington Theatre Company<\/strong>, Dan Frishwasser<\/strong>, Charles<\/strong> Salameno<\/strong> in association with Joseph Sirola<\/strong> & Eric Falkenstein<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

STICK FLY<\/strong> was developed in a recent co-production last year between the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston and Arena Stage in Washington D.C. The play had its world premiere at Chicago\u2019s Congo Square Theatre Company in 2006 and was subsequently performed at theatres including the McCarter Theatre in 2007 and the Matrix Theatre Company in Los Angeles in 2009. STICK FLY<\/strong> is the recipient of 2011 Independent Reviewers of New England Awards for Best Play and Best Director of a Drama (Kenny Leon); 2010 LA Drama Critics Circle Awards for Best Production, Best Direction and Best Ensemble Performance; a 2010 LA Garland Award for Playwriting; a 2009 LA Weekly Theatre Award for Playwriting; and, the 2006 Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best New Play. It was also a 2008 Susan Blackburn Prize finalist and a nominee for the 2006 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Work.<\/p>\n

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Tickets are now available by calling Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200, (800) 432-7250 outside the NY metro area, or online at Telecharge.com.<\/p>\n

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DUL\u00c9 HILL<\/strong> (Kent “Spoon\u201d Levay<\/em>) currently stars as Burton ‘Gus’ Guster on the USA Network original series \u201cPsych,\u201d of which he is also a producer and was nominated four times for an NAACP Image Award. Best known as Charlie Young on \u201cThe West Wing,\u201d Hill garnered an Emmy Award nomination, Image Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, as well as receiving two Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble in a drama series. Hill first came to prominence as The Kid in Bring in ‘Da<\/em> Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk<\/em>. His stage credits include Black and Blue<\/em> (Broadway), Shenandoah<\/em> (Paper Mill Playhouse) and The Little Rascals<\/em> (Goodspeed Opera House). In 2007, Hill returned to the stage in the Obie award-winning play Dutchman<\/em> (Cherry Lane Theatre). Born in Orange, New Jersey and raised in nearby Sayreville, Hill began attending dance school when he was three and received his first break as the understudy to Savion Glover in The Tap Dance Kid<\/em> on Broadway. He went on to perform the lead role in the musical\u2019s national tour. Hill also previously appeared in \u201cEdmond,\u201d and \u201cThe Guardian.\u201d His film credits also include Holes<\/em>, Sugar Hill<\/em>, She’s<\/em> All That<\/em> and Sexual Life<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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MEKHI PHIFER<\/strong> (Flip Levay<\/em>). Broadway debut. Born and raised in New York, Phifer\u2019s acting career began when he was selected for the leading role in director Spike Lee\u2019s Clockers<\/em>. He can currently be seen in Starz new series \u201cTorchwood: Miracle Day\u201d as Rex Matheson. His additional film credits include Flypaper<\/em>; Last Man Standing<\/em>; Puff, Puff, Pass<\/em> (directorial debut and featured role); Dawn of the Dead<\/em>; 8 Mile<\/em>; Paid in Full<\/em>; O<\/em>; I Still Know What You Did Last Summer<\/em>; Soul Food<\/em>; Hell\u2019s Kitchen, NYC<\/em>; Tears of a Clown<\/em>; An Invited Guest;<\/em> and The Imposter<\/em>. In June of 2002, he was honored by the American Black Film Festival, receiving the organization\u2019s \u201cRising Star\u201d award. Mekhi is most recognizable for his role as Dr. Gregory Pratt on ER<\/em>, for which he received NAACP Image Awards in 2004 & 2005. His other TV credits include Fox\u2019s \u201cLie To Me, MTV\u2019s Carmen: A Hip-Hopera<\/em>, the HBO Original Movie A Lesson Before Dying<\/em> (NAACP Image Award nomination), the ABC television special Brian\u2019s Song<\/em> and the HBO Original Film The Tuskegee Airmen<\/em>. Mr. Phifer has also made guest appearances on the popular police dramas \u201cHomicide: Life on the Street\u201d and \u201cNew York Undercover.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>TRACIE THOMS<\/strong> (Taylor<\/em>). Broadway credits include Rent, Drowning Crow, The 24 Hour Play<\/em> and The 24 Hour Musical<\/em>. Off-Broadway credits include lead \u201cGeorgia Hayes\u201d in The Exonerated<\/em>. Film credits include starring in Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof<\/em> opposite Kurt Russell, and Rent <\/em>opposite Taye Diggs and Rosario Dawson, and featured roles in The Devil Wears Prada<\/em> with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, and Peter and Vandy<\/em> opposite Jesse Martin and Jason Ritter. TV credits include series regular roles on \u201cCold Case,\u201d \u201cWonderfalls\u201d and \u201cAs If,\u201d and guest stars on \u201cPrivate Practice,\u201d \u201cHarry’s Law,\u201d \u201cSuits,\u201d \u201cHawthorne,\u201d \u201cThe Shield\u201d and \u201cLaw & Order.\u201d Received Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Howard University and graduate degree in acting from Juilliard.<\/p>\n

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RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON<\/strong> (Joe Levay). Santiago-Hudson\u2019s screenplay Lackawanna<\/em> Blues<\/em>, received the Humanitas Prize, Christopher Award, National Board of Review Honors, NAACP Image Award; and Emmy, Golden Globe and WGA nominations. Film credits include: Their Eyes Were Watching God<\/em>; American Gangster<\/em>; Mr. Brooks<\/em>; Shaft<\/em>; Devil\u2019s Advocate<\/em>; Domestic Disturbance<\/em>; The Invention of Lying<\/em>. TV credits include: \u201cCastle;\u201d \u201cForgotten Genius;\u201d \u201cThe Red Sneakers;\u201d \u201cAmerican Tragedy;\u201d \u201cSolomon and Sheba;\u201d \u201cRear Window;\u201d \u201cMichael Hayes;\u201d \u201cThe West Wing;\u201d \u201cLaw & Order.\u201d He made his directorial debut with Gem of the Ocean<\/em> (McCarter Theater and American Conservatory Theater.) Directing credits include: Things Of<\/em> Dry Hours<\/em> (NYTW), Radio Golf<\/em> (Kennedy Center), Seven Guitars<\/em>, The First Breeze of Summer<\/em> (Signature\u2013 Associate Artist 2008-2009). Ruben made his Broadway acting debut in Jelly\u2019s Last Jam<\/em>. His performance in Seven Guitars<\/em> earned him the Tony Award for Featured Actor in a Play. His most recent theatre performances include A Winter\u2019s Tale<\/em> (Shakespeare in the Park) and Gem of the<\/em> Ocean<\/em> (Broadway.) Awards include Outer Critics Circle, Dramalogue, Clarence Derwent, Glen G. Bartle Award, Distinguished Alumni Award from Wayne State University, two Audelco Awards, Black Filmmaker\u2019s Award, a N.A.M.I.C. Award and an HBO Comedy Arts Festival Theater Award. Santiago-Hudson received a NAACP Lifetime Achievement Theatre Award in 2009.<\/p>\n

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CONDOLA RASHAD<\/strong> (Cheryl<\/em>) will make her Broadway debut in Stick Fly<\/em>. Rashad received rave reviews for her performance in Lynn Nottage\u2019s Pulitzer Prize winning production of Ruined<\/em>, a role which garnered her a Theatre World Award as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. Her other theater credits include Tambourines To Glory<\/em> at the Alliance Theatre, directed by Kenny Leon, and Pearl<\/em> at the Kennedy Center, directed by Debbie Allen. Rashad\u2019s film and TV credits include 30 Beats<\/em> opposite Justin Kirk and Lee Pace, Sex and the City 2<\/em>, \u201cLaw and Order: Criminal Intent,\u201d \u201cSmash,\u201d \u201cGeorgetown,\u201d and \u201cThe Good Wife.\u201d She is a graduate of California Institute of the Arts.<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

LYDIA R. DIAMOND <\/strong>(Playwright<\/em>) is making her Broadway debut with her award-winning play, Stick Fly<\/em> (\u201910 IRNE Award \u2013 Best Play, \u201910 LA Critics Circle Awards, \u201910 LA Garland Award \u2013 Playwriting, \u201908 Susan S. Blackburn Finalist, \u201806 Black Theatre Alliance Award \u2013 Best Play), Voyeurs de Venus <\/em>(\u201906 Joseph Jefferson Award \u2013 Best New Work, \u201806 BTAA \u2013 Best Writing), The Bluest Eye <\/em>(\u201906 Black Arts Alliance Image Award \u2013 Best New Play, \u201808 American Alliance for Theatre and Education Distinguished Play Award), The Gift Horse <\/em>(\u201905 Theadore Ward Prize, Kesselring Prize 2nd<\/sup> Place), Harriet Jacobs, Stage Black, <\/em>and Lizzie Stranton <\/em>(2008 Boston University Playwriting Initiative Commission). <\/em>Theatres include: Arena Stage, Chicago Dramatists, Company One, Congo Square, Everyman Theatre Company, Freedom Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Hartford Stage, Huntington Theatre Co., Jubilee Theatre, Kansas City Rep, L.A. Theatre Works, Long Wharf, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, McCarter Theatre Co., Mo\u2019Olelo Theatre Co., MPAACT, New Vic, Playmakers Rep, Plowshares Theatre Co., Providence Black Rep, Steppenwolf, TrueColors, The Matrix, Underground Railway Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and The Contemporary American Theatre Festival. Lydia\u2019s plays have been produced at Universities around the country including: Duke, Howard, Boston University, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin, Columbia College Chicago, Spelman College, University of California \u2013 San Marcos, and University of Maryland. Lydia has been commissioned by: Steppenwolf, McCarter, Huntington, Actor\u2019s Theatre of Louisville\/Victory Gardens, Humana, Boston University, and The Roundabout. Stick Fly <\/em>and Harriet Jacobs <\/em>are published by NU Press, Bluest Eye, Gift Horse, Stage Black <\/em>\u2013 Dramatic Publishing. Lydia was an \u201905\/\u201906 W.E.B. Du Bois Institute non-resident Fellow, a 2007 TCG\/NEA Playwright in Residence at Steppenwolf, an 06\/07 Huntington Playwright Fellow, a 2009 NEA\/Arena Stage New Play Development Grant Finalist, is a TCG Executive Board Member, a Resident Playwright at Chicago Dramatists, an Honorary Doctorate of Arts Recipient from Pine Manor College, and a recent recipient of the Huntington Theatre\u2019s 2011 Wimberley Award. Lydia is on faculty at Boston University.<\/p>\n

KENNY LEON<\/strong> (Director<\/em>). Tony nominated director and Julia Hansen Award winner; Kenny Leon is one of the most acclaimed directors in contemporary American theatre. In 2010, his hit Broadway production of Fences<\/em> garnered 10 Tony Nominations including Best Director and won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, Best Actor and Best Actress. Past Broadway credits include Radio Golf<\/em>, Gem of the Ocean<\/em> and the Tony-winning revival of Lorraine Hansberry\u2019s A<\/em> Raisin in the Sun<\/em>. Mr. Leon was nominated for Best Director by the Directors Guild of America for the television film of \u2018A Raisin in the Sun\u2019 which also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and won 3 NAACP Image Awards. Prior to founding Kenny Leon\u2019s True Colors Theatre Company, he served 11 years as Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre, where he produced the premieres of Disney\u2019s Elaborate Lives: The Legend of Aida, <\/em>Pearl Cleage\u2019s Blues for an Alabama Sky <\/em>and Alfred Uhry\u2019s The Last Night of Ballyhoo. <\/em>Other directorial credits include Toni Morrison\u2019s opera Margaret Garner,<\/em> the world premiere of Flashdance: The Musical, <\/em>Alicia Keys\u2019 \u201cAs I Am<\/em>\u201d worldwide tour and <\/em>the August Wilson Century Cycle at the Kennedy Center, for which he was Artistic Director. He\u2019s directed extensively around the United States including Chicago\u2019s Goodman Theatre, Boston\u2019s Huntington Theatre, Baltimore\u2019s Center Stage, Los Angeles\u2019 Center Theatre Group and New York\u2019s Public Theatre. This past fall, Mr. Leon directed the world premiere of Marcus Gardley\u2019s Every Tongue Confess<\/em> starring Phylicia Rashad at Arena Stage in D.C. He will return to Broadway in 2011 to direct Katori Hall\u2019s The Mountaintop<\/em> starring Samuel L. Jackson and will direct the feature films Babylon <\/em>and Cotton <\/em>later this summer. He has also directed episodes of \u201cPrivate Practice\u201d for ABC and \u201cGhost Whisperer\u201d for CBS.<\/p>\n

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