Reviewed and Recorded by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move
You most likely didn’t know it but…
…but first black actor to become a millionaire in Hollywood in the early 1930s, was also the first black man ever credited in a film. But by the time the 1960s Civil Rights Movement was happening, Stepin Fetchit was reviled by African-Americans for the roles he played. Until “The Greatest” boxing champion, Muhammad Ali becomes his unlikely friend.
Edwin Lee Gibson as Stepin Fetchit displays one of the most powerfully subtle transmogrifications of face, body language, voice and attitude – both frightening and awesome to behold. #LosAngeles #theatre #theater #review @KDT @CTGLA
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
By Will Power
Directed by Debbie Allen
Produced in Association with SpringHill
WITH: Ray Fisher, Edwin, Lee Gibson, Wilkie Ferguson III, Alexis Floyd, Bruce Nozick Freddie L. Fleming
Credits
SET DESIGN BY Sibyl Wickersheimer
COSTUME DESIGN BY Sara Ryung Clement
LIGHTING DESIGN BY Tom Ontiveros
SOUND DESIGN AND COMPOSITION BY Lindsay Jones
PROJECTION DESIGN BY Pablo N. Molina
CASTING BY Kim Coleman, CSA
In the days leading up to one of Muhammad Ali’s (formerly Cassius Clay) most anticipated fights, the heavyweight boxing champion forms an unlikely friendship with the controversial Hollywood star Stepin Fetchit (born Lincoln Perry). With a rhythmic script by award-winning performer and playwright Will Power and direction by Emmy Award® winner, Debbie Allen, Fetch Clay, Make Man explores the improbable bond that forms between two drastically different and influential cultural icons. One a vibrant and audacious youth, the other a resentful and almost forgotten relic—together as they fight to form their public personas and shape their legacies amidst the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-1960s. This true story is as powerful and poetic as Clay himself while also humorous and irreverent like Fetchit’s signature act. Finding commonality in contradiction, Fetch Clay, Make Man examines the true meaning of strength, resilience, and pride.
Previews begin June 18. Opens June 25. Through July 16, 2023.* Previews (June 18 – 24)
Sunday – Saturday at 8 p.m.
No Monday performance.
Opens Sunday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Regular Performances (June 27 – July 16)
Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.
Ticket Prices: $30 – 79 (Ticket prices are subject to change.) Single tickets are available online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Audience Services at (213) 628-2772 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles) or at the Kirk Douglas
LOCATION: Center Theatre Group / Kirk Douglas Theatre 9820 Washington Blvd. In Culver City 90232
Theatre Box Office open 2 hours before performances (at 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City 90232).
Groups: (213) 972-7231.
For patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or blind, have low vision visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/ACCESS
Photo Credit:
Alexis Floyd, Ray Fisher, Edwin Lee Gibson, and Wilkie Ferguson II in ‘Fetch Clay, Make Man’ at Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre June 18 through July 16, 2023, produced in association with The SpringHill Company.
All Uses © 2023 Craig Schwartz Photography
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