The highly anticipated, Pulitzer Prize winning Fat Ham has begun previews today! Here’s everything we know about James Ijames’s latest production.
What’s the Story?
Based off of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Fat Ham is a new coming-of-age Broadway musical that examines love, loss, pain, and joy through a modern lens.
The story focuses on Juicy, a queer Southern college kid. He is grappling with some serious questions of identity when the ghost of his father shows up in their backyard and demands vengeance. However, revenge doesn’t come easy to Juicy, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man in search of his own happiness and liberation.
The Powerhouse Producing Team and Cast of Fat Ham
This Pulitzer winning musical is written by James Ijames. Theatre buffs may recognize his other work, Kill Move Paradise (2019), and know that this playwright delivers unforgettable narratives.
Directing this exciting production is Saheem Ali, a decorated New York based theatrical director. He has a long history of directing Shakespeare plays, making him perfect for the job. He’s also worked with James Ijames before in workshopping Kill Move Paradise.
Lastly, Oscar-nominee and Grammy-winner Cynthia Erivo had also joined the producing team ahead of opening week. Need we say more? This production team will ensure the show will bring the house down.
Currently, the complete original off-Broadway cast will return for this limited run with Nikki Crawford as Tedra, Chris Herbie Holland as Tio. Adrianna Mitchell, Billy Eugene Jones, Calvin Leon Smith, and Benja Kay Thomas rounds out the rest of the cast.
