Vereen, Parke, Jelks, Martin and Masur Cast in Fetch Clay World Premiere

By Andrew Gans
November 20, 2009

Complete casting has been announced for the world premiere of Will Power's Fetch Clay, Make Man, which will begin performances at the McCarter Theatre Center Jan. 8, 2010.

Directed by Des McAnuff, the production will run through Feb. 14, 2010. Opening night is scheduled for Jan. 15.

The cast will be led by Evan Parke as Muhammad Ali and Tony Award winner Ben Vereen as Stepin Fetchit, with John Earl Jelks, Sonequa Martin and Emmy Award nominee Richard Masur.

"In the days before one of the most controversial fights in boxing history," press notes for Fetch Clay, Make Man state, "23-year-old heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali formed an improbable bond with former Hollywood star Stepin Fetchit. Set in the heady times of the mid-1960s, after years of struggle and a series of Civil Rights victories, Fetch Clay, Make Man explores the story of two wildly different men, each struggling to create and shape his image and legacy."

The design team includes Riccardo Hernandez (set), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (lighting), Darron L West (soundscape), Peter Nigrini (projections) and Lisa Shriver (movement consultant).

Tickets can be reserved by phone (609) 258-2787; toll-free at (888) 278-7932; online at www.mccarter.org; or at the McCarter Theatre Ticket Office at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ.