James Ijames’ award-winning play reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet with humor and a side of BBQ.
Virginia Rep announces their third title of the 2024/2025 season – Fat Ham playing March 1 – March 23on the Majorie Arenstein stage at the historic November Theatre.
“….the tragedy of Shakespeare is replaced by something witty, moving and life affirming…” (The Daily Beast), Fat Ham reimagines Shakespeare’s story of murder and revenge into what the New York Times calls “hot and sizzling…a revelation.” Juicy, a Black queer Southern kid, already has a lot on his plate when his father’s ghost appears, demanding vengeance for his murder—at the hand of Juicy’s uncle, who is marrying his mother. As generations clash during the family’s barbecue, Juicy must confront the legacy of violence in which he has been raised and decide the man he wants to be in James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play fresh from its Tony-nominated Broadway run.
From Artistic Director, Rick Hammerly, on the show – “Fat Ham both entertains and heals. In James Ijames’ deliciously funny remix of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we are asked to reconsider family, relationships, and gender roles, while exploring how the cycles of violence that harm our communities might be broken.”
Cast and Creative Teams
Directed by Chicago’s Jerrell L. Henderson, Fat Ham is a co-production with Virginia Stage Company of Norfolk, VA.
“Partnerships like this one with Virginia Stage Company not only help us share resources and build community, but also enable us to bring exciting new plays to a wider audience” says Managing Director Klaus Schuller on the partnership.
The cast features a stunning group of actors and creatives from around the country. New York City based actor Marcus Antonio features as Juicy—the thoughtful, self aware Hamlet figure grappling with family and his identity. As his foil, Kevin Craig West plays both Juicy’s recently deceased father (Pap) and the uncle accused of murdering him (Rev). West, an award winning performer, has been featured in Don’t Look Up (Netflix), Spirited (Apple Studios), Law & Order Organized Crime (NBC), and will be featured in the upcoming Power Book III Raising Kanan (STARZ) and Daredevil Born Again (Marvel Studios).
2024-2025 Season at Virginia Rep
VA Rep’s 2024-2025 season continues in 2025 with captivating dramas, family magic, and Broadway hit musicals. Following Fat Ham, Virginia Rep returns to the Hanover Tavern on March 28 with the Hitchcock classic Dial M for Murder, the Jessie Bogese Family Series opens the delightful Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus in April, and the season concludes with the Broadway smash-hit Waitress, featuring music by award winning recording artist Sara Bareilles, in June. More information about the season can be found at www.va-rep.org.
Tickets and Performances
Tickets are on sale and available now at www.va-rep.org or by calling the box office at (804) 282-2620.
Performances are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 2PM, Sundays at 3PM, and select Wednesday matinees.
Patrons should be aware that Fat Ham contains mature content that may not be suitable for all audience members. The play features strong language, depictions of violence, and adult themes. More information can be found on the VA Rep website.
About Virginia Repertory Theatre
Virginia Repertory Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theater headquartered in downtown Richmond, and one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia. Virginia Rep stages four seasons annually: the Signature Season at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre on the Marjorie Arenstein stage, the Jessie Bogese Family Season, the Hanover Tavern Season, and the Theatre Gym Season which partners with three to four Richmond theatres each year.
Full Cast List and Creative
FAT HAM
By James Ijames
§ Denotes members of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE
Direction: Jerrell L. Henderson
Scenic Design: Caitlin McLeod
Costume Design: Nia Safarr Banks §
Lighting Design: Jason Lynch §
Sound Design: Sartje Pickett §
CAST LIST
*Denotes a member of the Actors’ Equity Association
Juicy Marcus Antonio*
Tedra Cloteal L. Horne*
Rev/Pap Kevin Craig West*
Opal Janae Thompson
Larry Jordan Pearson*
Rabby Candice Heidelberg
Tio Adam E. Moskowitz*
