“Fucking A” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEATRE PRESENTS
Fucking A Written by
SUZAN-LORI PARKS Directed by PATDRO HARRIS DECEMBER 7-10, 2023 STUDIO ONE 855 COMMONWEALTH AVE BOSTON, MA BOSTON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes Caution: This show contains the use of simulated gunfire, theatrical haze/smoke, simulated violence, simulated sexual violence, explicit language, nudity, sexual content, and the use of a prop firearm
CAST FIRST HUNTER
Matthew Beagan
THE BUTCHER
Jacob Bergman
SECOND HUNTER
Kamran Bina
CANARY MARY
Annika Bolton
WAITING WOMEN #1
Lana Breheney
MONSTER
Jaden Bridges
WAITING WOMAN #2
Emma Cahoon
THE FIRST LADY
Jenna Dean
FRESHLY FREED PRISONER
Peter DiMaggio
FRESHLY FREED PRISONER
EJ Hanson
THE MAYOR
Aaron Lamm
FREEDOM FUND LADY
Kaden Mays
THIRD HUNTER
Macy McGrail
JAILBAIT
Brandon Nnoli
HESTER SMITH
Maia Sanaa
SCRIBE/GUARD
Edward Sturm
FRESHLY FREED PRISONER
Thomas Vice
PRODUCTION TEAM DIRECTOR MUSIC DIRECTOR ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Patdro Harris Jonathan Gallegos Kira Gandolfo Shai Vaknine
ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR
Peter DiMaggio
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Youyou Huang
STAGE MANAGER ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Katelyn Thompson Olivia Kelly
DESIGN & TECHNICAL TEAM SCENIC DESIGNER
Madeline Riddick-Seals
ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER
Justin Lahue
PROPS COORDINATOR
Justin Lahue
PAINT CHARGE
Cleo Brooks
COSTUME DESIGNER
Lisa Coleman
ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER
Taylor Needleman
HEAD DRAPER
Sofia Nastri
CRAFTS ARTISAN
Ava Lumen
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Hope Debelius
ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER
Molly Beall
PROGRAMMER
Molly Beall
PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN ASSISTANT PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN SOUND DESIGNER
India Silverman Ivy Comery Mackenzie Adamick
ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER
Jessie Chen
SOUND ENGINEER
Irene Wang
ASSISTANT SOUND ENGINEER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Sebastian Sachs Rachel Schladenhauffen Kaitlyn DiDomenico
PRODUCTION CREW FRONT OF HOUSE
Merrik Giesen Gavin Mariani
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR LIGHTING CREW
Kaya Solheid Nathaniel Ryan-Kern Erin Scheier
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Frane Cebalo Riley Higgins
SOUND BOARD OPERATOR SOUND CREW
Sofia Merie Maravillas Hope Spann Brian Tolan Sienna Sicilliano Victoria Pascrall
PROJECTION TECHNICIAN WARDROBE CREW
Klara Ballay Nora Kempner Kat Mehler Paul Zenas
DIRECTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT Patdro Harris (DIRECTOR) Patdro Harris (Director/Broadway Choreographer/Writer) is nationally and internationally recognized and respected by colleagues, critics, and fans. The Washington Post hails him as a "superb choreographer". The New York Times applauds his artistry as "praiseworthy". The Atlanta JournalConstitution enthusiastically commends his work as "dynamic … brilliant…solid season after season". And the Houston Chronicle says “...excellent and energizing direction and stunning choreography makes the show an absolute joy to experience”. He has directed at distinguished theaters such as The Alliance Theater, Sacramento Theatre Company, Round House Theater, Liberty Theater Cultural Center, San Diego Repertory Theater Company, Penumbra Theater, Tuskegee Repertory Theater, Ensemble Theater, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Theatrical Outfit, Connecticut Repertory Theater, The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Howard University, Syracuse University, Florida A&M University & the University of Northern Colorado. He also served as choreographer, artistic consultant, and movement director with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre D.C, City Theatre of Pittsburgh, Minneapolis Mixed Blood Theatre, Jomandi Productions, The National Black Theatre Festival, Guthrie Theater, The National Black Arts Festival, Portland Center Stage, and Broadway's Royal Theatre. Patdro has traveled the world as choreographer and lead dancer for the incomparable Stevie Wonder. He has worked with such artists as The SOS Band, TC Carson, Daryl Coley, Yolanda Adams, and India Arie. His talents were also showcased as Choreographer and Movement Specialist in Toni Morrison's world premiere opera, “Margaret Garner”. He choreographed the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “A Raisin in the Sun” starring Sean Combs and Phylicia Rashad. Mr. Harris attended Alabama State University. In his current home of Atlanta, Georgia he has served on many arts committees including the Georgia Council for the Arts, and the Advisory Dance Panel for the Bureau of Cultural Affairs. He holds to his credit the 1996 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography and has been honored with a nomination for the same award for Best Supporting Actor. He has received a 2009, 2010, 2011, & 2016 Giorgee Award for Best Director and Best Show of the Year. Mr. Harris served as the first choreographer on the popular reboot TV show Dynasty season 3 episode 4. In 2019 & 2013 he received Atlanta’s top theatre award, The Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Director of a Play.
Suzan-Lori Parks (PLAYWRIGHT) Named among Time magazine’s “100 Innovators for the Next Wave,” Suzan-Lori Parks is one of the most acclaimed playwrights in American drama today. She is the first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, is a MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, and in 2015 was awarded the prestigious Gish Prize for Excellence in the Arts. Other grants and awards include those from the National Endowment for the Arts, Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts and New York Foundation for the Arts. She is also a recipient of a Lila-Wallace Reader’s Digest Award, a CalArts/Alpert Award in the Arts, and a Guggenheim Foundation Grant. She is an alum of New Dramatists and of Mount Holyoke College. Parks’ project 365 Days/365 Plays (where she wrote a play a day for an entire year) was produced in over 700 theaters worldwide, creating one of the largest grassroots collaborations in theater history. Her other plays include: Topdog/Underdog (2002 Pulitzer Prize winner); The Book of Grace; Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Musical; In the Blood (2000 Pulitzer Prize finalist); Venus (1996 OBIE Award); The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World; Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom (1990 OBIE Award, Best New American Play) ; The America Play and Fucking A. Her adaptation of The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Her newest plays, Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)—set during the Civil War—was awarded the Horton Foote Prize, the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama as well as being a 2015 Pulitzer Prize Finalist.
CAST Matthew Beagan (FIRST HUNTER) is a multi-hyphenated actor and musician from Annapolis, Maryland. While currently earning a BFA in Acting from Boston University, he is also completing a BA in Mathematics. His skill in math drives his work as an actor, wishing to tell stories about neurodivergent math brains like his. He sends gratitude and love to everyone who has supported him along the way. Recent theatre credits include: Once (Andrej), Shakespeare in Love (Ralph/Nurse), and Everybody. Jacob Bergman (THE BUTCHER) (he/they) is a musician, cook, and thartist. Their recent acting credits include Antigone or And Still She Rises (Eteocles) and Everybody (Evil). Jacob has also assistant directed for the School of Theatre's Where do Peaches Grow? (dir. Ludy De Brito),and Uncle Vanya (dir. Christine Hamel), and The Louisville Orchestra's Mammoth Cave with special guest Yo-Yo Ma (dir. Zack Winokur). When not performing in or directing theatre, Jacob can most certainly be found shredding guitar like a maniac or chefing up some swell eats. He is sending all kinds of love and joy to his friends and family for their wonderful support! (Shoutout Mack) Kamran Bina (SECOND HUNTER) (he/him) is a Boston native and has loved continuing to pursue acting in a city that has always been home. He is currently working towards a BFA in Acting with a Business Minor at Boston University. Being in Boston has allowed Kamran to continue to work locally on Film/TV and commercial shoots around the city. Most recently Kamran played Vershinin in Three Sisters (Boston University). He would like to thank all of his professors and family for their continued support.
Annika Bolton (CANARY MARY) is an Acting Major at Boston University ('25). She is super grateful for this show and everyone involved. Annika cherishes her most recent production in New Works process where she shared the stage with her younger brother Nicolas Bolton ('24). Her BU credits include, Niña "Cars, Candy, and other Colorful Things", "HALF" Vayln Lyric Turner, Dunia in "El Nogalar", and the Sophomore Acting Project. She looks forward to all the upcoming opportunities and working with her cohort. She lastly would like to thank her wonderful and amazing family that supports her every step of the way. Lana Breheney (WAITING WOMAN #1) (she/her) is a Junior acting major and is so excited to act in her sixth BU SOT show. Lana has been blessed to be a part of some other amazing productions here at BU, including BU alum, Tonya Saracho's El Nogalar (Maite), Valyn Lyric Turner's Half (Maggie), a devised piece, Choice/CHois directed by Malika Oyetimein (Marguerite), and Gaby Tovar's New Work Cars, Candy, and Other Colorful Things (Madre). Lana would like to thank all of her amazing professors who have helped her become the actress she is today. She would also like to thank her incredible family and amazing friends for all of their constant love and support. She hopes you enjoy the show. Jaden Bridges (MONSTER) (he/him) is so proud to be performing in his fourth show here at Boston University. He was previously a part of Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea (Dontrell), and Three Sisters (Ferapont) and Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet (Oshoosi/ Shua). Jaden has also had the pleasure of directing with STAMP and New Works (Serenity Now, Sanity Later, and Salome). He would love to thank his mother, family, and huge support system of friends.
CAST Emma Cahoon (WAITING WOMAN #2) (she/her) is a Theatre Arts Performance major at Boston University with an Arts Leadership Minor. Emma has worked on several BU productions, with favorite roles including Polly Jefferson in Little Row Boat, or Conjecture by Kirsten Greenidge, She in the Ain Gordon Project, and Ensemble in Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. Emma has worked for many arts organizations including Pentacle (DanceWorksInc.) and Central Square Theatre, and has performed in theatrical work throughout New England. She is grateful to the entire BU community, and owes all of her thanks to her friends and family. Jenna Dean (THE FIRST LADY) is honored to be a part of this thought provoking and beautiful piece of art. Her favorite credits include: Alicia in Mercury (BU), Chastity in Anything Goes (SSTI), and Salome in The Robber Bridegroom (SCGSAH.) Many thanks to her family, her dogs, and this incredible cast & crew. Peter DiMaggio (FRESHLY FREED PRISONER/ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR) (he/him) is an actor/musician/composer currently pursuing his BFA in Acting from Boston University with a minor in Film and TV and a concentration in Music Theatre. Favorite credits include Once (Guy), Shakespeare in Love (Henslowe), and Mercury (Brian). He’d like to thank his family, friends, and castmates for their overwhelming love and support.
EJ Hanson (FRESHLY FREED PRISONER) is a senior acting major. His recent BU credits include Uncle Vanya and Delinquents Never Stay for Long by Jojo. He hopes you enjoy the show! Aaron Lamm (THE MAYOR) is beyond grateful to work on this production. His credits at Boston University include “Elephant’s Graveyard” by George Brant, as well as “HALF” by Valyn Lyric Turner. He has worked at numerous theaters in his hometown of Chicago, and has done some film work here in Boston as well. Kaden Mays (FREEDOM FUND LADY) (he/him) is a Junior currently pursuing his BFA in Acting with a concentration in Musical Theatre from Boston University. His recent BU credits include Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters as Chebutykin and Angels in America (Sophomore Acting Project 2022) as Prior. He wants to thank his family, friends, and most of all his mama for always supporting his dreams of playing dress up professionally. Macy McGrail (THIRD HUNTER) (she/her) is a junior Acting major at Boston University with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She graduated from LaGuardia High School's Drama Studio in 2021. Her most recent credits include: Shasta in Priscilla (New Works), a resident Sketch Player in Going Down, and Grace Bellamy in the Sterling Renaissance Festival's Wyldewood Players.
CAST Brandon Nnoli (JAILBAIT) (he/him) is an Acting major at Boston University who has been involved numerous productions at BU, including Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea, See Right Through You, and Serenity Now, Sanity Later. He has a strong passion for the art and absolutely admires the impact it has on the world. Brandon is thrilled for his growth as an artist and is anticipatory for the future. Brandon would love to thank his family and friends for their continual support. Maia Sanaa (HESTER SMITH) is a senior at The School of Theatre, pursuing her BFA in Theater Arts Performance w/ a concentration in Acting. This semester marks her anticipated return to Boston after studying abroad for the entirety of her junior year, first through BUinLA’s Film/TV internship program, followed by earning her certificate in Classical Acting at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. Some of her selected favorite credits include; Somebody/Anybody SABGS, North Star (Kyla), Titus Andronicus (Aaron), Everybody (God) & Black SOT’s See Right Through You. Maia is honored to tell Hester Smith’s story & to be bringing the world of Suzan Lori Parks’ Fucking A to life onstage. She gives immense thanks to God, her loved ones for limitlessly pouring into her & to the gift of storytelling in itself.
Edward Sturm (SCRIBE/GUARD) has collaborated widely at BU as both an actor (Shakespeare in Love, Salome) and a dramaturg (Ain Gordon Project, Laure, Mac Beth, Salamander…). A developmental workshop of his play Priscilla premiered at the Booth Theatre earlier this year. Work outside BU includes artistic and administrative positions with The Glimmerglass Festival, Arcola Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita, A Beautiful Noise, and Actors’ Shakespeare Project. He is always excited to explore the ever-expanding possibilities of theatre alongside caring people. Thomas Vice (FRESHLY FREED PRISONER) is a Junior studying Theatre Arts. At BU he previously wrote for Going Down and was Eli in Spitfire Grill. Other credits include Frederick in Scrooge and Al DeLuca in A Chorus Line. He would like to thank his family, friends, and Shawna for introducing him to the theatre.
PRODUCTION TEAM Jonathan Gallegos (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is an educator, performer, and musician born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. He recently graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee, where he obtained his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy. He is currently a musical theatre lecturer at Boston University, assistant professor of voice and Berklee College of Music, and holds a fellowship at Harvard University. Jonathan has performed with the American Repertory Theater, North Stage Toronto, Speakeasy Stages, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Musical Theatre Southwest, Moonbox Productions, Mother Road Theatre Company, Landmark Musicals, and the Albuquerque Little Theatre. Jmgvocalstudio.com Kira Gandolfo (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) (she/they) is an actor, director and theatre-lover from Washington, DC. Previous Credits Include: Gingko Express (Boston University), The Taming of the Shrew (Actors Shakespeare Project), Once Upon A Carnival (Moonbox Productions). Thanks to Mom and Dad for everything! @kiragandolfo Shai Vaknine (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is a third-year Theatre Arts major at Boston University’s School of Theatre, where he is concentrating in acting and directing. He graduated as a drama major from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in 2021. Previous assistant directing credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Summer Theatre of New Canaan), Mother May I? (Boston Center for the Arts), Mother May
I? (Boston University). Acting credits include: Three Sisters (Kulygin), Uncle Vanya (Yefim), and Andromeda in the Stars (Stheno). Youyou Huang (PRODUCTION MANAGER) is a second-year MFA production manager with a background as a production manager for Collective Rage and Fucking A, and as an associate production manager for ONCE and Little Women. Katelyn Thompson (STAGE MANAGER) is a senior Stage Management major. Select previous credits include: Uncle Vanya, Shakespeare in Love at Boston University, and As You Like It at Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Katelyn would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous support throughout her final year at BU. Olivia Kelly (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is an Acting major at Boston University. They are involved in a few clubs including BU On Tap and the BU EMS Club! Olivia wants to thank her family and friends for everything they’ve done to support her!
DESIGN & TECHNICAL TEAM Madeline Riddick-Seals (SCENIC DESIGNER) (she/her) is a Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Scene Design at Boston University. She has designed productions such as "Little Row Boat" by Kirsten Greenidge as well as STAMP projects "roots" and "See Right Through You". As a multidisciplinary student, she also directed and performed in Director's Project (Fall 2022). She looks forward to the rest of her time at BU and is grateful for her friends, family, and cohort!! Justin Lahue (ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER/PROPS COORDINATOR) is a Boston based theatre artist and filmmaker. Previous collaborations include work with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Speakeasy Stage, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Boston Conservatory, Wheelock Family Theatre, Hub Theatre Company, and Stagewright Films. He is a first year MFA student in scenic design. Website: www.justinlahue.com. Cleo Brooks (PAINT CHARGE) is a Scenic Design major at Boston University, and has worked on numerous BU productions such as Little Row Boat, Mankind, and Alice Tierney. She also runs the social media pages for BU's Quadball team, a division one sport at BU! Lisa Coleman (COSTUME DESIGNER) is a 3rd year MFA Costume Design Candidate. Aspiring Goals to design for Film/ TV/ Opera and Theatre. Costume Designer for the Film "Bad Voodoo", Wardrobe Production Assistant for Television series "East New York", costume designed last years Fringe Festival Opera La Hija De Rappaccini.
Taylor Needleman (ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER) is a second-year undergraduate Costume Design major. Some of her previous Boston University credits include assistant costume designer for Alice Tierney and wardrobe for Mankind. Thank you to the BU costume department, her family, and her friends for the support. Hope Debelius (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is a first year MFA Lighting Design candidate at Boston University. Previous professional credits include Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (Preprofessional Showcase), the Pittsburgh Playhouse (Fall Dance Concert), Bristol Valley Theatre (Cowboy Vs. Samurai), Baltimore Center Stage (Tiny Beautiful Things- Asst.), Pittsburgh Public Theatre (Murder on the Orient Express- Asst.), City Theatre Company (The WanderersAsst.), and the Juilliard School (May Dance- Asst.). She is very excited for this to be her first design at BU, and is grateful to her friends and family for their support! Molly Beall (ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER/PROGRAMMER) (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate Lighting Design major. Some of her recent designs at BU include Hydrogen Jukebox, Arthouse, and Uncle Vanya. She would like to thank BULX and her family back home in Colorado for their support!
DESIGN & TECHNICAL TEAM Jessie Chen (ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER) is a sound designer from Taiwan, a first-year student in the sound design MFA program at BU. She had a good time being a sound engineer in Marcus( a show in Quarter 1.) Jessie is looking forward to having more interesting facts to share in the bios of her next show! Irene Wang (SOUND ENGINEER) (she/they) is a junior BFA Sound Design Ivy Comery (ASSISTANT PRODUCTION Major at Boston University School of ELECTRICIAN) is a sophomore lighting Theatre. Professional credits include design major, born and raised in Atlanta. Sound Supervisor for SpeakEasy Stage's She has previously worked on the BULX The Prom and Audio Engineer/A1 for crews for La Hija de Rappaccini and Little Berkshire Theatre Group's Million Dollar Women. Ivy would like to thank her Quartet. Most recently at Boston friends, family, and wonderful team for all University, she was the Production Sound of their support! Engineer for the Fringe Opera Series in Studio One. Mackenzie Adamick (SOUND DESIGNER) (she/her) is a third-year Sebastian Sachs (ASSISTANT SOUND graduate student studying Sound Design ENGINEER) is a sophomore studying at Boston University’s School of Theatre. Theater Arts with concentrations in Select professional credits include Sound and Production Management. Actors' Shakespeare Project (How I They are very excited to work with this Learned to Drive, Let the Right One In, amazing team. Past BU credits include Coriolanus, As You Like It), New Let The Right One In and El Nogalar. Repertory Theatre (The Normal Heart), Selected other credits from the Park Lean Ensemble Theatre (The School of Baltimore include Guys and Mountaintop), Commonwealth Dolls, The Rhimers of Eldritch, and Blue Shakespeare Company (Macbeth Stockings. [Composer]), Huntington Theatre Company (The Art of Burning - Asst.). Previous BU productions include Patterns Rachel Schladenhauffen (TECHNICAL of Wind, Mercury, Antigone, Mankind, El DIRECTOR) is a Technical Production student from North Reading, MA. At BU, Nogalar, The Nina Variations, Dontrell she has been a member of the TD teams Who Kissed the Sea. Upcoming for Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea and Let productions include A Midsummer the Right One In. Rachel would like to Night’s Dream (CSC), Romeo and Juliet thank her fantastic ATD Kaitlyn for all of (ASP), and One Penny Down (BU). her work and support. India Silverman (PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN) is a 3rd year Lighting Design Undergrad from Seattle. Other BU productions include Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Andromeda in the Stars, El Nogalar, Once, Little Row Boat; Or Conjecture, and Shakespeare in Love. She spent last summer at the Glimmerglass Opera Festival as an electrics apprentice. Instagram: @india.lights
PRODUCTION CREW Merrik Giesen (FRONT OF HOUSE) is a BFA student at Boston University, currently pursuing an all-encompassing degree in Theatre Arts. He is eager to get back to Studio ONE and thrilled to greet upcoming audience members.
Nora Kempner (WARDROBE CREW), (she/her) is a first-year Design and Production student planning to study costume design. A Massachusetts native, she is very excited to work on her first show at BU.
Gavin Mariani (FRONT OF HOUSE) comes from western Massachusetts and is a freshman in the first-year performance core at BU. He is eager to learn more about the play production process at BU so he can be ready to step on to the stage next year.
Kat Mehler (WARDROBE CREW) is a first year in the Design, Production, and Management Core. This is her second show with BU, after being a production assistant on Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet. Thank you to the whole team!
Sofia Merie Maravillas (SOUND BOARD OPERATOR) is a Design, Production, and Management major that is looking to concentrate in Stage Management next year. She is excited to be a part of the sound crew for Fucking A after working on building its set these past two months as well.
Paul Zenas (WARDROBE CREW) is a first year Acting Major here at BU and is very excited for what's to come!
ABOUT BOSTON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF THEATRE The School of Theatre at Boston University College of Fine Arts offers conservatory-style education for the study of acting, stage management, design, production, and all aspects of the theatre profession within the setting of a major research university. The School of Theatre seeks to provide students with opportunities for artistic growth through rigorous curriculum, professional connections, and an emphasis on collaboration and new work. Learn more about the current BU School of Theatre production season at bu.edu/cfa/theatre/season. Learn more at bu.edu/cfa/theatre And find us on social media @buarts, @bu_schooloftheatre