The story’s reluctant hero, Juicy, a Black, queer, young man, is just trying to get his online degree in HR when his father’s ghost shows up, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. But can Juicy do what his father commands? A family cookout becomes a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy, and a strange, surprising and often hilarious journey. The New York Times called James Ijames’ Pulitzer-Prize winning Fat Ham, “A hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.” See DPT’s take on the uproarious and brilliant award winning play that took Broadway by storm last season!
Fat Ham
September 26, 2024 - November 3, 2024
A hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.
Meet The Cast
X’ydee Alexander
Opal
X’YDEE ALEXANDER (Opa) is an Actor/Dancer working between Detroit and Los Angeles. She is overjoyed to be making her first appearance on the DPT’s stage as Opal. Her recent credits include Piper in Annabella in July at Detroit Repertory Theatre and Danielle in Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea at Openbook
theatre.You can see her next as Dussie Mae in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and in Hysterical! At the Detroit Repertory theatre. She would like to give a huge shout out to her Acting/Audition coach Cassandra Svacha For helping me book this job. Leah Smith for believing in me. CJ Williams (My mom) for constantly pushing me to be a better person and actor. Last but not least but most importantly, my dog Olive for being my dog.
Charles Curtis
Tio
CHARLESCURTIS (Tio) is an immensely talented and versatile artist hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan. For most of his professional career he’s focused on performance art (Dance, Theatre, TV/Film), but this year, he boldly stepped into the world of playwriting, publishing his book of short plays this past June. “To be at a theatre co-founded by a playwright and playing in a Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a surreal and inspiring experience. Everything aligns in the order in which it’s meant to be experienced…i’m grateful that God has seen me fit to be in these spaces; It’s been a journey, believe you, me -BUT WE HERE, BABY!!!“
Erik Hernandez
Larry
ERIK HERNANDEZ (Larry) is thrilled to return home to Detroit and the DPT stage! Selected credits include Clyde’s (Rafael), Power Book II: Ghost (Gordo Castillo), Disney’s Aladdin Nat’l Tour, Spamilton Off-Broadway, Rent (Collins), and M’ullaqatna: Saudi Arabia (Director). BFA in Musical Theatre from UC-CCM. Grateful for the love and support of Xavier, my parents, my family, and Larry Moss for showing me the importance of good writing, Beyoncé for the inspiration, and Harlem for the roots. ILYF.
Roosevelt Johsnson
Pap / Rev
ROOSEVELT JOHNSON (Pap/Rev) is a veteran actor in Detroit Michigan. His credits include Dance with the Devil, Urban Warfare, Detroit Ransome and Diamond Girls, all on Tubi. His experience ranges from tv commercials to stage plays, film, kid productions K-8th, and streaming sites. He has been seen in productions such as Perilous Times, My Brother Marvin, and A Raisin in the Sun. Winning the Detroit Free
Press Actors Award. Mr. Johnson is co-owner of 12th Street Entertainment which rents out party and event entertainment, performers, face painting, balloon twisting, characters and clowning. Mr. Johnson is well versed in our acting industry and community. He is always willing to help other performers. Mr. Johnson is a great talent to watch on any stage.
Janai Lashon
Rabby
JANAI LASHON (Rabby) Janai Lashon, is excited to be a part of the 10th season at DPT. Last season she had the opportunity to play Chelle in Detroit ‘67, and Arlene in Eight Nights. Additional Credits include 3 Molly Cunningham in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Jasmine in Fairview, Alisha in Mrs.Harrison and Ensemble in Game.Set.Match. She looks forward to playing on many more stages and telling as many stories as possible!
Niki Rochelle
Tedra
NIKI ROCHELLE (Tedra) Credits include: First African-American woman on the first Detroit Pistons Automotion Dance Team (co-captain/co-choreographer), Chicago the Musical national tour Annie/Velma Kelly 1st Cover, LL Cool J’s Phenomenon Tour (Japan), Deep Blue Sea movie soundtrack Found Another
Man and Remote Control Soul Rock the Bells/Warner Bros., National Salsa Champion, Mike Ellison’s Hard Enough to Smile, Zap Chain salsa feature and the ballroom feature for It Makes You Feel Good for Detroit’s Concert of Colors and Culturas360, Lifetime TV Dance Moms and Dance Moms Miami. To everyone who has had a beautiful hand in my journey… I thank you.
Duane Shabazz
Juicy
DUANE SHABAZZ (Juicy) is thrilled to join the Detroit Public Theatre’s production in his hometown. He recently returned from San Diego’s THE OLD GLOBE production of Fat Ham. Last summer he was featured in the ensemble production of Malvolio at the Harlem Classic Theatre. He is a proud member of the NYU Grad Acting program, class of 2023 and previously the class of 2020 at Western Michigan University.
Meet The Creative Team
Brian Marable
Director
BRIAN MARABLE (Director) Detroit Public Theatre director: Detroit ‘67, Blues for an Alabama Sky; Detroit Public Theatre actor: Detroit ‘67, Skeleton Crew, Pipeline, Paradise Blue, Mud Row, Thurgood; Baltimore Center Stage: Detroit ‘67; The Old Globe and People’s Light Theater: Skeleton Crew; People’s Light Theater: Thurgood; Irish Classical Theatre: Thurgood; Studio Theatre: Hot Wing King; Performance
Network: The Mountaintop (Martin Luther King, Jr.), The Piano Lesson (Boy Willie); Purple Rose Theatre
Sarah Ackerman
Stage Manager
Badriyyah F. Wazeerud-Din
Assistant Stage Manager
Jeremy Hopgood
Scenic Designer
Brittany McQueen
Costume Designer
Julie Ponema
Assistant Costume Designer
Chantel Gadica
Lighting Designer
Cornell Jermaine
Hair & Wig Designer
Jen Pan
Intimacy & Fight Coordinator
Sarah Johnson
Technical Director
Jalise Little
Audio Designer
Owen Zabor
Master Electrician / Light Board Op.
