Joseph Stern, Producer
presents the West Coast Premiere of

STICK FLY
by Lydia R. Diamond
directed by Shirley Jo Finney

starring Chris Butler, Avery Clyde, Tinashe Kajese,
Terrell Tilford, John Wesley & Michole Briana White

MARCH 26 - JUNE 14, 2009
Thurs-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm

Previews: March 26 - April 3
Thurs-Sun, Mar 26-29 & Thurs-Fri, April 2-3

Gala Opening Saturday, April 4

Following a two-year hiatus, Joseph Stern's multiple award-winning Matrix Theatre Company returns with the West Coast premiere of an important new play from one of America's freshest and most dynamic voices.

An upper class African American family vacationing on Martha's Vineyard wrestles with parental expectations, sibling rivalry, and issues of class and race. Sensitive Kent LeVay and his slick brother Flip see their weekend at the family home as the perfect opportunity to introduce their girlfriends to their parents. Instead, they stumble onto a domestic powder keg of prejudice, hypocrisy and family secrets.

Set Designer - John Iacovelli
Lighting Designer - Christian Epps
Costume Designer - Dana Woods
Sound Designer - Mitch Greenhill
Propmaster - Chuck Olsen
Stage Manager - Gil Tordjman
Casting Director - Chemin Bernard
Managing Director - Erinn Anova

- WINNER, 2010 Ovation Award:
Best Acting Ensemble

PHOTOS

L-R: John Wesley & Michole Briana White

L-R: Chris Butler & Terrell Tilford

Photos by I.C. Rapoport

PRESS

“Diamond’s play combines complex characters, provocative situations, and literate, funny dialogue in this delicious comedy of contemporary mannners.” LA WEEKLY

“Kicking off a new multi-cultural minded season at the Matrix, “Stick Fly” is a play of ideas, certainly, but also of one characters’ rocky identity quest. And it is, finally, a love story. Diamond has a way with character, and Shirley Jo Finney’s cast is, to a person, superb.” CURTAIN UP

“Lydia R. Diamond’s gripping family drama gets it’s West Coast premier in an absolutely splendid production, rivaling the best of Broadway. Under Finney’s assured direction, there’s not a false note in the multi-layered performances by every one of the terrific cast. John Iacovelli’s superbly detailed set is one of the most gorgeous you’re likely to see in a 99-seat theatre, matched by Christian Epps’ multifaceted yet subtle lighting design and Mitch Greenhill’s simply marvelous sound design. Stick Fly is a winner all around.” STAGE SCENE L.A .

“Stick Fly” is one of the best productions of the year, period. It’s a roller coaster ride from start to finish, but well worth the trip.” - LA WATTS TIMES