The award-winning, critically acclaimed Fat Ham by James Ijames will open in TheatreSquaredâs West Theatre on April 17 in co-production with City Theatre Company (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)Â and will run through May 12. Tickets, ranging in price from $43 to $68, can be purchased by calling (479) 777-7477 or by visiting theatre2.org/fat-ham.
Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this deliciously funny send-up of Shakespeareâs Hamlet took Broadway by storm in 2023 following a sold-out run at the Public Theater. When the ghost of Juicyâs father demands that Juicy avenge his murder, fatal intent doesn't come easy to this sensitive, self-aware, young Black man in search of his own happiness and liberation. From an uproarious Southern family cookout emerges a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy, revenge and karaoke.
Khalil Kain (Rev/Pap,) Maria Becoates-Bey (Tedra,) Linda Haston (Rabby) | Photo Credit: Kristi Jan Hoover, courtesy of City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh PA
Critics were universally enthusiastic during the showâs Broadway run. "A hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy. Perhaps the real tragedy of Hamlet is that it doesnât end with a dance party," said The New York Times, who named the show a "Critics Pick".
The production Northwest Arkansas audiences will see was lauded with equally rave reviews during its run at City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
"In front of a packed house, Fat Ham lifted the audience out of its seats to dance and clap at the uplifting conclusion," said onStage Pittsburgh.
"This decadent play contains the elements that makes contemporary theater not only a place for entertainment, but healing; it's raw, visceral, funny, and fabulous," said Director Monteze Freeland. Freeland is the co-Artistic Director at City Theatre. "Partnering with our friends at TheatreSquared deliberately expands City Theatre's national reach and will allow our beloved local artists the opportunity to share their talents with the Fayetteville community and beyond. We hope to see you at the cookout!"
The showâs acting company includes Brandon Foxworth, Maria Becoates-Bey, Khalil Kain, Elexa Hanner, LaTrea Rembert, Linda Haston, and Jordan Williams.
The creative team includes Sasha Schwartz, Scenic and Projections Designer;Â Alexis Carrie, Costume Designer; John D. Alexander, Lighting Designer; Howard Patterson, Sound Designer; and Taylor K. Meszaros, Stage Manager.
"Fat Ham delights on several levels," says TheatreSquared Executive Director Shannon A. Jones. "Itâs an innovative exploration that weaves together the contemporary and the classic, offering audiences an exhilarating new way to engage with timeless themes like power, identity, and justice. Audiences get a modern take on one of Shakespeare's greatest works, reimagined with a fresh, thought-provoking twist.
"Weâre also thrilled to co-produce with our partners at City Theatre," Jones continued. "This collaboration not only enriches the theatrical experience but also underscores the power of partnership in bringing groundbreaking stories to life on our stage."
Tickets
Performances of Fat Ham are scheduled Tues-Sat at 7:30pm, and Sat and Sun at 2pm at TheatreSquaredâs West Theatre on 477 W. Spring Street in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas. Tickets range from $43-$68. All fees are included, with no additional charges at checkout.
Subscription packages for TheatreSquared include full six-play packages starting at $180, with four play flex packages starting at $106. Benefits for season ticket holders include savings of up to 20% on every show, free unlimited exchanges, discounted reserved parking, and same-day discounts on T2 merchandise and in The Commons Bar/Café.
Through T2âs Lights Up! For Access program, supported by the Walmart Foundation, SNAP benefit recipients can purchase $1 tickets, while students and patrons under the age of 30 can purchase $15 tickets. Fully subsidized, free tickets are also available for clients of a number of local community service organizations. For more information, visit www.theatre2.org/lights-up.
Subscription packages and single tickets can be reserved by calling TheatreSquared at (479) 777-7477 or by visiting www.theatre2.org/subscribe.
About TheatreSquared
TheatreSquaredâs signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting has driven its growth to become the stateâs largest theater, offering more than 350 performances annually in an intimate setting. Its pioneering work has been recognized with the 2022 Obie Award as well as critical acclaim from The New York Times ("Best Theater of 2020" list), The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. The playwright-led company is one of mid-Americaâs leading laboratories for new work, having launched more than 70 new plays. Notable collaborators have included Candrice Jones, Bryna Turner, The Kilbanes, Sarah Gancher, JosĂ© Cruz Gonzales, Mary Kathryn Nagle, Qui Nguyen, Mona Mansour, Amy Evans, and many others. TheatreSquaredâs homeâwinner of the 2021 International Architecture Awardâis a cultural landmark. Offering far-reaching access and education programs and an open-all-day gathering space, the Commons Bar/CafĂ©, TheatreSquared remains rooted in its founding vision, that "theaterâdone well and with passionâcan transform lives and communities."
Major funding for the TheatreSquared Season 18 is provided by the Walton Family Foundation; the Walmart Foundation; the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation; the Windgate Foundation; the Shubert Foundation; the Tyson Family Foundation; the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage; the National Endowment for the Arts; Bob and Becky Alexander; Jane Hunt; Barbara Shadden; Todd Simmons and Melissa Hall Simmons; and Simmons Foods.
Marketing support for TheatreSquared Season 18 is provided by Experience Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Flyer, 3W Magazine, CitiScapes, KUAF, 5NEWS, MailCo USA, iHeart Radio, NWA Daily, ROARK, and Fayetteville City Lifestyle.
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