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
A hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.
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?
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
SARAH ACKERMAN* (Production Stage Manager) [she/they] is a freelance stage manager from Warren, Michigan. She was previously was the PSM for Hedwig and the Angry Inch and the last 3 iterations of Detroit’67 as well as the props designer for Clyde’s at DPT. Sarah has a BFA in stage management from Michigan State University. Their most recent credits include The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (Nashville Opera) and It Happened in Key West (Fulton Theatre). Her event stage management credits vary with clients such as Mastercard, Ford, and The Detroit Jazz Festival. She teaches all aspects of theatre at Stoney Creek High School and freelances as a scenic painter, makeup/wig designer, guest lecturer and vocalist. Proud member of Actors Equity. Many thanks to Mom, Dad, Charlie, and the DPT Staff.
Badriyyah F. Wazeerud-Din
Assistant Stage Manager
Badriyyah F. Wazeerud-Din // Assistant Stage Manager (she/her)
Badriyyah is delighted to be part of the Detroit Public Theatre family. She was the PSM (Clyde’s), RSM (DPT’s Holiday Cabaret 2024) and an ASM (Detroit ’67 On Tour 2023-2025, Passing Strange, DPT’s Holiday Cabaret 2023, Eight Nights, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Fat Ham, Soft Target) at DPT, stage manager/production assistant for the African World Festival, and a stage manager for the Obsidian Theatre Festival. Badriyyah is a captivating singer-songwriter/recording/voiceover artist who enjoys telling stories through music. Family and friends bring her the greatest blessings and joy. IG: @badriyyahthesinger
Jeremy Hopgood
Scenic Designer
Jeromy Hopgood is a Michigan-based educator, designer, and author whose designs have been seen in venues across the globe. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 and one of a select group of designers featured in the US National Exhibit at the 2023 Prague Quadrennial as one of the finest media designs created by an American designer. Select design credits include Flint Rep (The Who’s: TOMMY), People’s Light Theatre (Skeleton Crew – Barrymore Award nominated), Meadow Brook Theatre (Ella: First Lady of Song), Detroit Public Theatre (Girlfriend, Pipeline, Skeleton Crew, Temples of Lungs and Air), Williamston Theatre (Predictor, Alabaster), and over 25 productions at Michigan Shakespeare Festival. Jeromy is a Professor of Entertainment Design & Technology at Eastern Michigan University, and is the author of The Projection Designer’s Toolkit, QLab 4, and Dance Production: Design & Technology. Jeromy’s portfolio can be seen at www.HopgoodDesign.com
Brittany McQueen
Costume Designer
Coming Soon.
Julie Bonema
Assistant Costume Designer
Julie is beyond thrilled to costume her first show with Detroit Public Theater! She has been costuming in the Metro-Detroit theatre community in addition to independent films for 20 years. She would like to thank Brittani and the whole cast, crew, and creative team of Fat Ham for welcoming her into the DPT community, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Chantel Gadica
Lighting Designer
Chantel loves lights! She studied theater at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and has since worked as a Lighting Designer, Production Manager, and Producer. Chantel is excited to be back at DPT, where she last designed Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Some of her favorite projects include Cleopatra Boy (A Host of People), Fred (On The Rocks Theater), and TERRANEA: HAKAWATIA OF THE SEA (Body Watani). She’s an Associate Artist with A Host of People. Love to Charlie and her three imaginative and hilarious kids, Lucelenia, Claudia, and Iris.
Cornell Jermaine
Hair & Wig Designer
Cornell Jermaine is an esteemed Hair and Makeup Designer renowned for his artistry, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a distinguished career spanning the entertainment and fashion industries, Cornell has established himself as a true visionary in his field. His exceptional talent has graced numerous Broadway productions, including “Beautiful: The Carole King Story,” August Wilson’s “Jitney,” and Disney’s “The Lion King,” where his work has consistently elevated performances and captivated audiences. Expanding his artistic reach beyond the stage, Cornell has left an indelible mark on the casts of various television and film projects, such as Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s “BMF: Black Mafia Family,” Eddie Murphy’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley,” and Oprah Winfrey’s acclaimed dramatic series, “Greenleaf.”
Cornell’s work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and his unique ability to enhance each individual’s beauty. His approach seamlessly blends technical expertise with creative flair, resulting in transformative looks that resonate both on and off-camera. Driven by a passion for his craft and a deep respect for his clients, Cornell consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. His unwavering professionalism, coupled with a warm and collaborative spirit, has made him a sought-after artist in the industry.
Cornell Jermaine continues to push the boundaries of hair and makeup design, inspiring both peers and newcomers alike. His dedication to his art and clients ensures that every project he touches is elevated to new heights of excellence.
Jen Pan
Intimacy & Fight Coordinator
Jen Pan (she/they) is a Ypsilanti-based fight and intimacy director, stage combat instructor, and stunt performer. Their work was recently seen at Detroit Public Theatre, Croswell Opera House, Detroit Repertory Theatre, Obsidian Theatre Festival, PTD Productions, Livonia Shakespeare in the Park, and more. They are a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), co-founder and lead instructor at Theatrica Gladiatoria (a year-round academy in Ypsilanti, MI for stage and film combat – www.fightglad.com), and co-coordinator of the Mitten Mayhem Stage Combat Workshop (www.mittenmayhem.com).
