EMH Productions Proudly Presents the Cast and Crew of My Fellow Creatures:
Hello avid Theatre Goers! Thanks for visiting. We have an amazing cast and crew on this production and so here is a little about each of its beautiful stars.
Community Theatre seeks to support local actors and so we're pleased to not only have one "Kelly" on board but two. Both amazingly talented actors will move you in this show along with the awesome talents of Lonon Smith and Sean Williams.
So now you're going to want to come see the show at least twice!
Community Theatre seeks to support local actors and so we're pleased to not only have one "Kelly" on board but two. Both amazingly talented actors will move you in this show along with the awesome talents of Lonon Smith and Sean Williams.
So now you're going to want to come see the show at least twice!
JOHN YOUNG - "Kelly"
SEPT 14th - SEPT. 23rd
If you've been a fan of the local theatre scene for the past three years, you may have seen John around a couple times. Born and raised in Amador County, where John started his theatre career with shows such as Grease and 1984, John moved to Sacramento right when he turned eighteen. Most recently, you may have seen him as Vin in Where We're Born. Other notable credits of his include Erysichthon in Metamorphoses, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, and Trigorin in The Seagull.
Having studied acting for the past six years with a plethora of wonderful teachers and fellow peers and having recently received his Bachelor's in Theatre from Sacramento State, John will soon be moving to Los Angeles to pursue the next steps in his acting career.
About Kelly and "My Fellow Creatures":
Storytelling is, to me, the most sacred of professions. What separates human beings is our ability to pass on knowledge, to retain that knowledge, and to expand upon that knowledge. And so it is with every story that I take a certain love in the characters and the settings. My Fellow Creatures is a special kind of story, though.
For many of us, we want to escape into the stories we experience, but My Fellow Creatures presents a situation that we want to escape from but that we must confront. Kelly, in his core, is not so different than many others. That fact is the one that shakes so many people to the bone. We want him to be monster or some sort of demon, but really, he is just a man. It is this mentality that draws me to Kelly. The scariest part of playing a man labelled a monster is that they're much more human than we think.
Having studied acting for the past six years with a plethora of wonderful teachers and fellow peers and having recently received his Bachelor's in Theatre from Sacramento State, John will soon be moving to Los Angeles to pursue the next steps in his acting career.
About Kelly and "My Fellow Creatures":
Storytelling is, to me, the most sacred of professions. What separates human beings is our ability to pass on knowledge, to retain that knowledge, and to expand upon that knowledge. And so it is with every story that I take a certain love in the characters and the settings. My Fellow Creatures is a special kind of story, though.
For many of us, we want to escape into the stories we experience, but My Fellow Creatures presents a situation that we want to escape from but that we must confront. Kelly, in his core, is not so different than many others. That fact is the one that shakes so many people to the bone. We want him to be monster or some sort of demon, but really, he is just a man. It is this mentality that draws me to Kelly. The scariest part of playing a man labelled a monster is that they're much more human than we think.
DAN FAGAN - "Kelly"
SEPT. 28th - OCT. 14th
After realizing community college was not for him, Dan worked for a short while on coal bed methane rigs in Wyoming, then as a bartender in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He moved back to Sacramento and landed a role in Frank Condon's True Life Stories. He went on to work with Ed Claudio at the Actors Workshop of Sacramento where he performed in Vital Signs, Best Half Foot Forward, and Strangers on a Train. Other local credits include Antigone with KOLT Run Creations and Shorts and Shorters with the Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre.
In October of 2011 Dan began an internship at B Street Theatre where he performed in We Declare, Shakespeare Abridged and the well received American premier of Morris Panych's In Absentia. Dan can be seen at B Street Theatre in their upcoming production of Seminar by Theresa Reebek Aug. 10th to Sept. 23rd.
Dan is proud to be a part of EMH Productions first show of its first season. He is glad to be working with Elise and a very talented cast on such an amazing show.
About Kelly and "My Fellow Creatures":
One night I met Elise Hodge for dinner. She told me that she had read a play that she wanted to direct and gave me a copy. When I got home I began to read it in the darkness of my living room with only the dim light of the street lamp sneaking through the gaps of the curtain to illuminate the words on the page. The play was My Fellow Creatures and it moved me in a way that no other play had before. I was drawn to the characters--their flaws, their tortured souls--especially the role of Kelly. Kelly is like a wildfire, his anger fueled by a tormented past and even though he is guilty of wrongdoing he is someone that I feel compassion for.
I am a firm believer that theater strengthens our society by asking important questions about the world we live in. My Fellow Creatures is a beautifully written play that explores the darker side of humanity and poses questions that I still struggle to answer. This is not a light piece of theater to digest but it is something that will provoke you. And in my opinion that is what theater is all about.
In October of 2011 Dan began an internship at B Street Theatre where he performed in We Declare, Shakespeare Abridged and the well received American premier of Morris Panych's In Absentia. Dan can be seen at B Street Theatre in their upcoming production of Seminar by Theresa Reebek Aug. 10th to Sept. 23rd.
Dan is proud to be a part of EMH Productions first show of its first season. He is glad to be working with Elise and a very talented cast on such an amazing show.
About Kelly and "My Fellow Creatures":
One night I met Elise Hodge for dinner. She told me that she had read a play that she wanted to direct and gave me a copy. When I got home I began to read it in the darkness of my living room with only the dim light of the street lamp sneaking through the gaps of the curtain to illuminate the words on the page. The play was My Fellow Creatures and it moved me in a way that no other play had before. I was drawn to the characters--their flaws, their tortured souls--especially the role of Kelly. Kelly is like a wildfire, his anger fueled by a tormented past and even though he is guilty of wrongdoing he is someone that I feel compassion for.
I am a firm believer that theater strengthens our society by asking important questions about the world we live in. My Fellow Creatures is a beautifully written play that explores the darker side of humanity and poses questions that I still struggle to answer. This is not a light piece of theater to digest but it is something that will provoke you. And in my opinion that is what theater is all about.
LONON SMITH - "Arthur"
Lonon Smith switched from acting to writing after a fellowship at the American Film Institute’s Center for Advanced Film Studies. After work in film and television development that included “Matlock,” “The Cosby Mysteries,” and the indie film “Blueberry Hill,” he settled in Sacramento where he has returned to acting.
Lonon appeared in and directed “My Three Angels” and “Almost, Maine” with Theater One and was seen in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” for the Actor’s Theater of Sacramento. His first novel, “Wise Men,” was published last year.
About Arthur and “My Fellow Creatures”:
Arthur may be the most complicated character I’ve been asked to play because he has the most developed sense of his own “rightness.” He sees himself as a martyr to love, however out of bounds his idea of love is seen by society. To that degree he’s a reflection of all of us. We hold to our beliefs, our revealed truths – political, religious, whatever -- even when they damage others. Arthur’s world falls apart when he can’t reconcile his “truth” with a new reality. That’s the kind of conflict an actor can get his teeth into. And I’m both honored and very pleased to be working with director Elise Hodge and such distinguished actors as Dan Fagan, Sean Young and Sean Williams.
Lonon appeared in and directed “My Three Angels” and “Almost, Maine” with Theater One and was seen in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” for the Actor’s Theater of Sacramento. His first novel, “Wise Men,” was published last year.
About Arthur and “My Fellow Creatures”:
Arthur may be the most complicated character I’ve been asked to play because he has the most developed sense of his own “rightness.” He sees himself as a martyr to love, however out of bounds his idea of love is seen by society. To that degree he’s a reflection of all of us. We hold to our beliefs, our revealed truths – political, religious, whatever -- even when they damage others. Arthur’s world falls apart when he can’t reconcile his “truth” with a new reality. That’s the kind of conflict an actor can get his teeth into. And I’m both honored and very pleased to be working with director Elise Hodge and such distinguished actors as Dan Fagan, Sean Young and Sean Williams.
SEAN WILLIAMS - "John"
Sean has been involved with theatre in Sacramento for the last 12 years. He is an active member of the Actors Workshop of Sacramento and has performed in over 20 of their productions including The Merchant of venice, Of Mice and Men, GlenGarry Glen Ross, Inherit the Wind, Titus Andronicus, Death of a Salesman, Hamlet, Beyond Therapy, Strangers on a Train, and That Championship Season. He has also performed locally in Productions of The Best Man, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and more recently Beirut. The pleasure he found in the creativity of the stage led him to New York, where he studied theatre arts at the New Actors Workshop.
He is very grateful to the cast and crew of this production for their desire to 'play' with him and he would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support even when he wasn't sure of the path for which he chose.
"Sometimes, those close to you, know you better than yourself". Trust.
He is very grateful to the cast and crew of this production for their desire to 'play' with him and he would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support even when he wasn't sure of the path for which he chose.
"Sometimes, those close to you, know you better than yourself". Trust.
E. HODGE - DIRECTOR & PRODUCER
I laugh that every time I say "I have no interest" in something, I wind up doing it. I'd never really thought of directing, but several years ago when I was first with The 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company in LA, I started assistant directing. It was a series of really great, hands on crash course experiences where I got to work with Ronnie Marmo ("General Hospital"), long time TV and film actors Richard Cox, Bobby Costanza, and Michael Rooker as well as the amazing and wonderful Debbie Geffner. It was through these experiences that I began to take on directing myself. I've now worked on over a dozen or more shows the last few years and locally in Sacramento that included a really fun time with "Shorts and Shorters" at the Thisltedew Dessert Theatre and "A Festival of Comedies" with the Actor's Workshop under Ed Claudio.
I'm really excited to be working with the cast and crew of "My Fellow Creatures" along with all the emails and exchanges I've had with its writer, Michael Rubenfeld. This show has a really wonderful group behind it, bringing to the stage a night of thought provoking, powerful theatre. Doesn't get any better than that.
About "My Fellow Creatures":
This is a rare gem in theatre. Its compelling, intelligent and beautifully written. A story like this is filled with anger, compassion, incomprehensible ideals, and brings to the forefront a very complicated issue we as a society don't take on. And maybe we should. That's the great thing about theatre, and a play like "My Fellow Creatures". Its what we as artists aspire to: complex, moving characters and story that really allow us to explore deep emotions and issues. I knew that when I handed it over to Dan Fagan, he'd be as moved by it as I was and I can't agree more with his comments he shares here on this page.
I've been asked by my Mother why I found this play so fascinating. It really bothered her, and I understand why. Child molestation is a rather abhorrent subject. I was drawn in initially to read the play because of the author's note, which you can read below. Lonon Smith talks about Arthur's sense of "rightness" and how to a degree that its a reflection of us all. That is what drew me into the play. We all have something we stand up for, sometimes rabidly, right or wrong, whether we hurt others or not. Why? Its a question worth asking and exploring. Michael, the writer, discusses a lot of this in his interview and much of what he says resonates with me.
Asking important questions, delving into them is how we evolve, grow beyond our own small view of life, love, relationships, world views. To answer my Mother, and those who may not quite understand, this play led me to look at things I haven't before, to effect positive change in the world at large if I can. That is the fascination with this and theatre in general. How will it ultimately affect you?
I'm really excited to be working with the cast and crew of "My Fellow Creatures" along with all the emails and exchanges I've had with its writer, Michael Rubenfeld. This show has a really wonderful group behind it, bringing to the stage a night of thought provoking, powerful theatre. Doesn't get any better than that.
About "My Fellow Creatures":
This is a rare gem in theatre. Its compelling, intelligent and beautifully written. A story like this is filled with anger, compassion, incomprehensible ideals, and brings to the forefront a very complicated issue we as a society don't take on. And maybe we should. That's the great thing about theatre, and a play like "My Fellow Creatures". Its what we as artists aspire to: complex, moving characters and story that really allow us to explore deep emotions and issues. I knew that when I handed it over to Dan Fagan, he'd be as moved by it as I was and I can't agree more with his comments he shares here on this page.
I've been asked by my Mother why I found this play so fascinating. It really bothered her, and I understand why. Child molestation is a rather abhorrent subject. I was drawn in initially to read the play because of the author's note, which you can read below. Lonon Smith talks about Arthur's sense of "rightness" and how to a degree that its a reflection of us all. That is what drew me into the play. We all have something we stand up for, sometimes rabidly, right or wrong, whether we hurt others or not. Why? Its a question worth asking and exploring. Michael, the writer, discusses a lot of this in his interview and much of what he says resonates with me.
Asking important questions, delving into them is how we evolve, grow beyond our own small view of life, love, relationships, world views. To answer my Mother, and those who may not quite understand, this play led me to look at things I haven't before, to effect positive change in the world at large if I can. That is the fascination with this and theatre in general. How will it ultimately affect you?
MICHAEL RUBENFELD - WRITER
Michael Rubenfeld is a writer, director, actor and producer originally from Winnipeg, now living in Toronto, Canada. His plays include Present Tense, Spain and My Fellow Creatures.
He is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Absit Omen Theatere with Hannah Moscovitch. In 2008 he was hired as the Artistic Producer of the Summer Works Theatre Festival.
Michael is a 2001 graduate from the National Theatre School.
Author's Note as Printed in "My Fellow Creatures":
"I've been asked a number of times why I decided to write on this topic.
Why pedophilia?
At first I would have said that is was because I wanted to deal with the issue. I wanted to take it on. Explore it. Understand it. Help it breathe so that we can change it. Protect the children, etc., etc. Once I realized that I wasn't actually qualified to do any of these things, I was able to comfortably settle in to writing an incredibly complicated love story.
My Fellow Creatures presents an opportunity to explore the universal perplexity that is love in one of the most incomprehensible contexts imaginable.
There are those that would argue that this play has nothing to do with love and that pedophiles do not actually love children; that they are sick and twisted monsters.
But who are we to judge what is love and what is not?
Can anyone ever define what love is for another person?
Can anyone really define love?
This play is not a judgement of pedophiles. It is an exploration on the nature of love and relationship. Does it come to any conclusions?
I invite you to be its judge."
-----Michael Rubenfeld
Toronto, 2008
He is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Absit Omen Theatere with Hannah Moscovitch. In 2008 he was hired as the Artistic Producer of the Summer Works Theatre Festival.
Michael is a 2001 graduate from the National Theatre School.
Author's Note as Printed in "My Fellow Creatures":
"I've been asked a number of times why I decided to write on this topic.
Why pedophilia?
At first I would have said that is was because I wanted to deal with the issue. I wanted to take it on. Explore it. Understand it. Help it breathe so that we can change it. Protect the children, etc., etc. Once I realized that I wasn't actually qualified to do any of these things, I was able to comfortably settle in to writing an incredibly complicated love story.
My Fellow Creatures presents an opportunity to explore the universal perplexity that is love in one of the most incomprehensible contexts imaginable.
There are those that would argue that this play has nothing to do with love and that pedophiles do not actually love children; that they are sick and twisted monsters.
But who are we to judge what is love and what is not?
Can anyone ever define what love is for another person?
Can anyone really define love?
This play is not a judgement of pedophiles. It is an exploration on the nature of love and relationship. Does it come to any conclusions?
I invite you to be its judge."
-----Michael Rubenfeld
Toronto, 2008
NASTASSYA FERNS - SET DESIGNER
Nastassya Ferns is a local artist who has exhibited her work around California. She is the director of Less Than Zero, a design company which publishes independent works of art, writing, and clothing. She mainly draws inspiration from architecture, movement, and literature.This is her first show as Designer with EMH Productions. In 2010, she received an Elly nomination for her work on KOLT Run Creations' "Crime and Punishment."
About My Fellow Creatures:
When Elise approached me with the idea of My Fellow Creatures, I was immediately drawn to it. My love of subversive art and literature tends to land me in interesting directions, and I was thoroughly intrigued with the subject matter. The afternoon she sent me a copy of the script, I immediately went to a private, quiet area and devoured the story. The personable nature of the characters mixed with the taboo of pedophilia unfolds into a stunning finale before your eyes, and I am artistically drawn to this stunning finale- a perfect match! The environment and space of the Wilkerson theater lends itself perfectly to the story, and my design compliments it well. Please enjoy the minor details and thought provoking work provided by our team!
About My Fellow Creatures:
When Elise approached me with the idea of My Fellow Creatures, I was immediately drawn to it. My love of subversive art and literature tends to land me in interesting directions, and I was thoroughly intrigued with the subject matter. The afternoon she sent me a copy of the script, I immediately went to a private, quiet area and devoured the story. The personable nature of the characters mixed with the taboo of pedophilia unfolds into a stunning finale before your eyes, and I am artistically drawn to this stunning finale- a perfect match! The environment and space of the Wilkerson theater lends itself perfectly to the story, and my design compliments it well. Please enjoy the minor details and thought provoking work provided by our team!