Backstage blog
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar 1922, Pt. 8
Phoenix Brewer – Caius Cassius
This is Phoenix’s first time acting in a play by William Shakespeare; he couldn’t be more thrilled than to act in the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival’s production of Julius Caesar along with this cast. Previous roles have included Conrad in Stupid Fucking Bird, Dennis Shepard in The Laramie Project, and Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show—all of which were at Sacramento State. Phoenix has just recently graduated Sac State with a BA in Theatre and a BS in Biology and is preparing to embark on a MS of Biotechnology program in stem cell research this fall at his alma mater.
Sarah Palmero – Julius Caesar
Sarah is a Sacramento-area actor who has been with the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival for the last six years. She has appeared on other Sacramento stages with various companies, most recently as Emilia 3 in EMILIA at Sac City College and as Odysseus in THE PENELOPIAD with Women’s Theatre Collective. When she’s not on stage, she’s probably making something with her hands. She hopes you enjoy this year’s festival!
Noah Galvan – Cinna the Poet
Noah has transferred to Sacramento State University (CSU), continuing majoring in Theater and minoring in Psychology. He will be starting classes there this fall. He previously performed in multiple plays at SCC such as Howie Mandelo in SNOW WHITE: A BRITISH PANTO, seven different characters in THE LARAMIE PROJECT, Dapper in THE ALCHEMIST and Chorus in EURYDICE. Noah performed in a musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS as Orin Scrivello at River City High School where his theater journey began. This will be his first time performing in a Shakespeare play.
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar, Pt. 7
Joy Gee – Soothsayer
Joy is delighted to play with the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival once again. Last year she terrified you as Hecate in MACBETH. At Christmas she was part of MOBY DICK: THE PANTO with Splinter Group Theatre. When not performing or helping backstage, Joy writes. She is a published novelist and playwright and is currently working on a new musical.
Kathleen Poe – Decius Brutus
Kathleen is a Music Professor at Sacramento City College but loves doing theater in her copious free time. She played Macduff in last summer’s production of MACBETH, and then The Father in EURYDICE. Some favorite previous roles include The Narrator in WOLVES (Big Idea Theater), Judy Boone in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME (City Theater), Polonius in HAMLET (both at CSUS and Sacramento Shakespeare Festival), Colleen/Edna in MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY (City Theater), and Jaques in AS YOU LIKE IT (Sacramento Shakespeare Festival). She is a proud original company member of Wildflower Women’s Ensemble, an all-female Shakespeare ensemble.
Julianna C. Schultz – Calpurnia/Citizen
Julianna received a BA from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in Drama, Applied Theatre, and Education. Julianna is a Teaching Artist at B Street Theatre working across all aspects of their outreach & education programming. When she is not teaching, Julianna can be found performing with Wildflower Women’s Ensemble. She’s been seen as Ophelia/HAMLET, Romeo/ROMEO AND JULIET, Hermione/THE WINTER’S TALE, and Henry/HENRY V. Ask her about taking classes at B Street!
From Conspirator to Conspiracy
Revisiting the plot to kill Caesar
It was eleven years ago when I was first cast as a Conspirator in Julius Caesar at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival.
Now, more than a decade later, I am once again a Conspirator, albeit a different one. And now, the plot to kill Caesar feels different than it did before. Since our current production is set in 1922 Italy with the rise of Fascism looming, my participation in the conspiracy takes on a very different set of motivations.
Our 2013 production was set around 1870, and in that version, our conspiracy existed to help create independence for Italy. I played Cinna the Conspirator, a faithful follower of Brutus. As Cinna, I respected Brutus’ reluctance in the initial planning stages of the conspiracy and remained on his side throughout the battle at Phillipi, all the way to the bitter end (no spoilers).This time, however, I play Decius Brutus (apparently only distantly related to the more famous Brutus). Decius is more of a Cassius guy, and his motives aren’t quite so pure. A desire for Fascism doesn’t quite rank up there with a desire for national independence, as far as noble intentions go – at least, not in my book. But Decius is all in, going to extreme lengths for the conspiracy, and eventually for Cassius (did I mention no spoilers?)
It’s always easier for me to play a character who is motivated by goodness, so the challenge here is to find some connection with a character who really isn’t.
I also have to say that it’s so much fun to ‘play’ onstage with my fellow Conspirators, who each has his own set of moral guidelines.
Come and see how such “honorable men” (as Mark Antony somewhat sarcastically refers to Brutus and the Conspirators) can rationalize a reprehensible act, creating an endless string of repercussions that still allow us to draw parallels between the distant past, the more recent past, and the present.
“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.”~ Kathleen Poe, Decius Brutus
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar, Pt. 6
Janey Pintar – Calpurnia/Citizen X
Courtney Janey Vargas Pintar, also known as Janey, is an actor, director, and theatre educator.
Her theatre and educational work centers on inclusion and empathy and encourages underrepresented voices. Janey proudly directed SWEAT at Sacramento City College earlier this year.
Lucinda Briggs – Marullus/Citizen
Lucinda was last seen in the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival as Mercutio in ROMEO AND JULIET, and Phoebe in ANOTHER AS YOU LIKE IT REUNION.
Jim Laferierre – Pindarus
Jim returned to acting last year after a decade’s hiatus. Since then, he has performed in CLUE (Village Stage Productions, dir. by Betsy Longoria), MACBETH (Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, co-dir. by Christine Nicholson and Lori Delappe-Grondin), EURYDICE (Sacramento City Theatre, dir. by Christine Nicholson), MOTHER GOOSE: A BRITISH PANTO (Sacramento City Theatre, dir. by Luther Hanson), MOBY DICK: A BRITISH PANTO (Splinter Group Theatre, dir. by Vernon Lewis), JANMADIN (Big Idea Theatre’s Annual One-Act Festival, dir. by David Fox), POODLE WITH GUITAR AND DARK GLASSES (Happy Hour Theatre, co-dir. by Christi Van Eyken and Sean Thomas Olivares), and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Resurrection Theatre, dir. by Margaret Morneau).
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Katherine Folsom – Soothsayer/Citizen 5
Born in San Jose, CA, Katherine started dancing at the age of three and became a teaching apprentice at the age of 13. She has been doing Musical theater choreography since 2002 for musicals such as THE MUSIC MAN; GREASE and EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL. Some of her favorite major acting roles have been Robyn in GODSPELL, Marcy in 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and was nominated for an Elly award for the part of Snoopy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. She received her professional dramatic acting training at The Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts, receiving the ‘Jan Severson Scholarship’ for excellence. And was cast in their professional regional theater’s productions of WHITE CHRISTMAS and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. She returned to the Sacramento Area where she teaches dance full time. When she is not on stage, Katherine loves to skateboard and is featured in a new skateboard documentary, “N-Men: The Untold Story” that has been recently released.
Riley J Burke – Claudius
This is Riley’s fourth production with City Theatre (EMILA/Howard/Eve, EURYDICE/Orpheus, MACBETH/Murderer/Seyton) and they are so excited to be back for this year’s Sacramento Shakespeare Festival! RJ has also been involved in productions at the Folsom Lake College campus appearing in two Falcon’s Eye Theatre productions in the last year; CABARET/Ensemble and ANTIGONE/Ismene. Riley recently had the opportunity to be invited to be a part of the World Premiere of AN HONEST APOLOGY/Ella at Free Fall stage earlier this year and she will be participating in HELP ME/Stella with the company in August. RJ is originally from the Greater Bay Area and some early credits include: ALMOST MAINE/Sandrine, MIA/Immaculate, ANGEL STREET/Nancy, THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, and PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE/Suzanne. RJ plans to study musical theatre well as continue exploring other theatre avenues such as stage management, directing and fight choreography.
Robert Espinosa – Metellus Cimber
This is Robert’s return to the stage after a long hiatus. He studied Theater Arts at San Francisco State University and has been in many productions, including GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS/Aaronow, MAJOR BARBARA/Undershaft, TARTUFFE/Damis, NOISES OFF/Lloyd Dallas, and KILLER’S HEAD/Mazon. When not traveling with his wife or spending time with his dog, Robert runs his dog daycare that he has owned and operated in downtown for over 15 years. But he is most excited about being part of a Sacramento Shakespeare Festival production and looks forward more shows with them in the future.
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar, Pt. 4
Marco Tabayoyon – Cinna
Marco is absolutely thrilled to be making their Sacramento Shakespeare Festival debut as Cinna the Conspirator. Marco is a local actor with an associate’s degree in theatre arts from San Diego City College, with hopes to find their BFA in acting next year! Some of Marco’s favorite credits include – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Big Idea Theatre) AIRNESS ,(ARC Theatre) MY CORNER (Teatro Espejo), and THE MOUSETRAP(FreeFall Stage). Outside of theatre Marco loves taking walks in nature, and going to the movie theaters. Marco hopes someday to break into more film work, while still balancing their love for theatre!
Matthew Fairall – Marcus Brutus
Matthew Fairall is thrilled to be joining this marvelous cast in his premiere show at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. He was last seen at PCT’s production of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE – Spike. He was most fond of his time at The Actor’s Workshop with the great Ed Claudio, there seen in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW – Petruccio, DEATH OF A SALESMAN – Biff, KING LEAR – Edmund, and with the Walking Shadow Players in MACBETH – Macduff, and WAITING FOR GODOT – Estragon. In addition, he has been seen at Celebration Arts, POLAR BEARS, BLACK BOYS, AND PRAIRIE FRINGED ORCHIDS – Tom; Capital Stage, THIS PLAY IS NOT ABOUT MONICA LEWINSKY- The Expat, B Street Theatre, STOP KISS – Peter, and Resurrection Theatre, BALM IN GILEAD – Fick. His other interests include SCUBA diving, being mischievous, and the Oxford comma.
Esmeralda – Citizen 4
Esmeralda is extremely grateful to be making her Sacramento Shakespeare Festival debut. As a Theater major at Sacramento State, she has studied for the past two years and is ready to put her skills to practice. She has wanted to be an actor since she was young, and is extremely grateful for the sacrifices her family has taken to grant her the opportunity to follow her dream. This is her first professional production, and is ecstatic to be given this opportunity. She would like to thank the directors for choosing her to be a part of this talented group. Her cast and crew all were so lovely to work with. And her friends and family who have supported her throughout her life.)
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar, Pt. 3
Dakoda “deejay” Jones – Dardanius
Dakoda Jones, also known as deejay, developed a love for the performing arts at age 13 and has been a proud theatre kid since. He has studied theater for seven years and performed in over a dozen productions; the latest being SWEAT here on the Sac City College campus. Dakoda graduated from City this past May with an associates in social and behavioral sciences. He will go on to Sac State this fall to study theater along with child and adolescent development in order to pursue his dream of teaching in the arts.
Lauren Ormond – Clitus
Lauren Ormond is overjoyed to be in her third Sacramento Shakespeare Festival production. When it comes to previous Sac Shakes and City Theatre productions, you may have seen her as Caithness/Macbeth, Louisa Musgrove/Mrs. Clay/Persuasion, Sampson/Romeo and Juliet, Carol Henderson/Decision Height, El Bobo/Life is a Dream.
Luna Solis – Soothsayer/ASM
Luna Solis is ASMing their fourth show at City Theatre; this time being the production also as Soothsayer Three. Previous shows at City being Eurydice, SWEAT, and Emilia. They have stage managed four and acted in five productions at Kit Carson International Academy.
A Glimpse into…
Esmeralda – Citizen 4
I was given the wonderful opportunity to join the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival this year. When I first auditioned for this show, I was intimidated by all the amazing talent around me. As intimidated as I was, I wanted to be included in this community. Thanks to the directors, I was cast to be a part of this show. This is my first show since elementary school, so naturally, I wanted to show that I deserved to be here. I wanted to be considered as an equal to all my talented castmates. Luckily, during our rehearsal process, everyone was treated as an equal importance to the story. I never felt as if I was less important to the story than another person. Everyone had importance on how the show came together. This community welcomed me with open arms and I couldn’t have been more grateful for this amazing cast and crew.
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar pt. 2
Ted Muhlhauser – Strato
Ted is a legislative and legal office manager for the State of California by day. Joining the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival is a bucket-lister for Ted. In 2021, Ted got his first taste of Shakespeare when he played the Bard of Avon’s ghost in City Theatre’s online production of HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: WELCOME BACK (GHOSTLIGHT 2). Although Ted has bounced around California local theatre for five decades, this is the first time he takes the stage in a play written by Shakespeare. Ted’s prior stage credits include MR. BURNS, A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY/HOMER ACT 3, FROGGY LESUEUR in THE FOREIGNER, and FRED in Edward Albee’s THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE.
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Anna Colatrella – Flavius/Citizen
Anna is excited to be returning for her second show with Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. Originally from Sacramento, Anna is a rising senior at the University of Hartford, where she will be graduating with a BFA in Musical Theater and a minor in Marketing in the Spring of 2025. Previous roles include Juliet/ROMEO AND JULIET (Sacramento Shakespeare Festival); Quincey/Bart/MR. BURNS (The Hartt School); and By My Side/GODSPELL (Musical Mayhem Productions). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Jonathan Plon – Mark Antony
Jonathan is thrilled to be returning to the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival this year for JULIUS CAESAR. He earned his B.A. in Theatre 2023 at Sacramento State University, and, in the same year, he completed the Irish Summer Theatre Programme at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. Previous credits include: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/Oberon at Resurrection Theatre, ROMEO AND JULIET/Friar Laurence, and HAMLET/Hamlet for Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, POODLE WITH GUITAR AND DARK GLASSES/Gray at The Happy Hour Theatre, HAMLET/Claudius and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE/Paunch at Sacramento State University, as well as A CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME/Ed Boone at Sacramento City College.
Photo by Bruce Clarke
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR LENORE JUSTMAN
March 3, 2024
We are inviting you to a special celebration of life event for Lenore Justman, who has been a pillar of our community for over three decades. Join us in honoring Lenore’s legacy and share your stories and memories with us. It will be a time of love, remembrance, and community support. We look forward to seeing you there.
This past summer our theatre community lost one of the sweetest souls to grace our theatre.
Lenore Justman.
Actor, costumer, stitcher, wardrobe mistress, concierge, friend. A pillar of our theatre community at Sacramento Shakespeare Festival and an ardent lover of all things wonderful. Her laugh made you smile, even if it was just in memory. She was always willing to pitch in and help.
I was honored to work with her on my very first show here in Sacramento, “The Wake of Jamey Foster” at The Show Below. She was our costume designer and cared so much about how we felt about what we were wearing and if it matched our characters. That started a three-decade friendship that I cherish.
Many of you may also remember her as the “concierge” at the park for the festival. She was often the welcoming face you saw as you headed into the “bowl” or the person who sold you our merchandise. She would welcome everyone, have a chat, have a laugh, and wish you a pleasant experience.
If you knew Lenore, we’d love to hear your stories. Please join us.
When: Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 6:00 pm.
Where: Art Court Theatre, Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport Blvd. (parking on 12th Ave. is free on Sundays)
What: Please bring your stories to share over some snacks and drinks. If you have a treat you’d like to share, please note the ingredients on a small card so those with food sensitivities can be informed. Also, please no alcohol (we are on campus.)
Plates/napkins/cups would also be appreciated.
