Director Jon Herbert reunites with actors Czyz Bledsoe and Mikil Hernandez in Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s production of August Wilson’s “Fences” March 21-31 at the Historic Fox Theatre downtown.
Bledsoe and Hernandez starred in SCT’s 2023 production of “Pass Over.” That play was Bledsoe’s stage debut, while Hernandez is a veteran of Springfield theater. The duo was also in the cast for Springfield Little Theatre’s production of “In the Heights.”
This is believed to be the first time, or one of the first times, the work of August Wilson has been staged in Springfield.
‘A lyrical, heartbreaking love song'
“Fences,” considered an American classic, tells the fictional story of Troy Maxson, played by Derrick DeVonne King. Maxson is a garbageman and former baseball player who was excluded from the major leagues because of his race. While Maxson starred in the Negro leagues, he was deemed “too old” by the time the major leagues integrated.
Troy’s bitterness takes its toll on his relationship with his son, Cory, who wants his own chance to become a football star, and his wife, Rose, who reevaluates her marriage when Troy comes home with a secret that changes their lives. Bledsoe plays Cory, while Bekki Coker stars as Rose.
“Fences is a lyrical, heartbreaking love song sung in Wilson’s unparalleled poetry, about people whose hearts beat vast and deep,” said a press release from Springfield Contemporary Theatre.
The cast of “Fences” also includes Chavela Caldwell-Almaraz, Ross Neba and H. Wes Pratt.
Productions of ‘Fences' have won Tony Awards
The Springfield cast is working with well-regarded material. “Fences” not only won a Pulitzer Prize, it also captured four Tony Awards in 1987 in categories including Best Play. James Earl Jones won Best Leading Actor for his performance as Troy.
A 2010 Broadway revival of “Fences” won a trio of Tonys, including Best Revival of a Play. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis won Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress, respectively. That production was adapted into a film in 2017, with Washington and Davis reprising their roles and earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
Take part in a Talk Back session
Springfield Contemporary Theatre is hosting Talk Back sessions following the March 24 and March 28 performances of “Fences.” Audience members will hear insight from the cast and crew about the behind-the-scenes process of staging this show and be able to ask questions.
SCT's production of ‘The Color Purple: The Musical' wins awards
Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s ground-breaking production of “The Color Purple: The Musical” won a pair of 2023 BroadwayWorld Kansas City awards.
The production was named Best Musical (Non-professional), while Sade Shine captured Best Performer In A Musical (Non-professional).
Season ends with ‘The Other Place'
The 2023-2024 production season for Springfield Contemporary Theatre wraps up with “The Other Place,” directed by Karen Sabo and produced in collaboration with Resident Artist Ensemble. The play, called a “haunting drama” centers around Juliana Smithton, a successful neurologist whose life seems to be coming unhinged.
“The Other Place” runs April 26-May 12 at the Historic Fox Theatre, with performances Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre had originally planned to stage “Parade” June 14-20. That production was canceled after Rick Dines, SCT’s managing artistic director, announced he is leaving the company. Dines had been scheduled to direct “Parade.” SCT plans on producing a series of special events this summer before launching its 29th season in the fall of 2024.
Want to go?
What: Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s production of “Fences”
When: March 21-24 and 28-31; Thursday-Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday
Where: Historic Fox Theatre, 157 Park Central Square
Tickets: $27-$32, available online or at the door
For more information: Visit the Springfield Contemporary Theatre website, or follow them on Facebook.
