The Acting Company has announced casting for its 2019 Summer Repertory Season: Native Son and Measure for Measure, which will play July 14–August 24 at the Duke on 42nd Street (229 W. 42nd Street). Opening night for both productions is July 28.
The two productions will feature the same cast, consisting primarily of recent graduates of actor training programs, with half of the company made up of graduates of the Juilliard Drama Division. Seret Scott will direct Nambi E. Kelley’s adaptation of Richard Wright’s classic novel Native Son, and Janet Zarish will direct the Shakespeare comedy.
The cast of Native Son includes Anthony Bowden as Jan, Jason Bowen as the Black Rat, Rebekah Brockman as Mary, Rosalyn Coleman as Hannah, Laura Gragtmans as Mrs. Dalton, Lorenzo Jackson as Buddy, Henry Jenkinson as Mr. Britten, Galen Ryan Kane as Bigger Thomas, Keshav Moodliar as Shop Owner/Reporters, and Katherine Turner as Bessie.
For Measure for Measure, the cast will feature Bowden as Lucio, Bowen as Escalus, Brockman as Isabella, Gragtmans as Mariana and Mistress Overdone, Jackson as Claudio, Jenkinson as the Provost, Kane as Friar Thomas, Moodliar as the Duke, Turner as Juliet and Francesca, and Sam Lilja as Angelo.
“Nambi Kelley’s play adds to the power of Richard Wright’s seminal novel,” Artistic Director Ian Belknap stated. “By layering a psychological realm, double-conscience, an alter ego for Bigger Thomas, she has created a world that could only exist on stage, reclaiming the novel for a twenty-first century audience. The ethical and moral conflicts in Native Son are reflected in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, which captures the doubt of one’s faith in themselves and the larger world. These plays will be performed by the best young actors, bringing a new perspective and making them fresh and aspirational.”
The creative team includes Neil Patel (scenic design), Sarita Fellows (costume design, Native Son), Jessica Shay (costume design, Measure for Measure), Alan Edwards (lighting design), Fred Kennedy (sound design, Native Son), Fabian Obispo (sound design, Measure for Measure), Deb Hecht (voice and speech), Emmanuel Brown (fight director, Native Son), and Michael Rossmy (fight director, Measure for Measure). Bernita Robinson is the production stage manager, and Alayna Graziani is the assistant stage manager.
Single tickets to the repertory productions are on sale now through the Duke on 42nd Street box office and online at Dukeon42.org. Subscriptions for the 2019 The Acting Company repertory productions are on sale now online at TheActingCompany.org,
