Cast
Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar 1922
Lauren Graffigna – Portia, Varro
You may have seen Lauren Graffigna portray Lady Macduff in MACBETH at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, or Segismundo in LIFE IS A DREAM at Sacramento City College or Horatio in HAMLET at Sacramento State University where she graduated with degrees in Organizational Communications and Theatre. She has also been involved in the One Act Festival at the Big Idea Theatre and the B Street Theatre’s 24-Hour Plays. Come and say “hi” to Lauren the next time you are visit the B Street Theatre where she works in the Box Office.
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Jake Brooks — Casca
This is Jake’s third go-round with Sac Shakes after his roles as Charles/William in AS YOU LIKE IT in 2011 and Murderer in MACBETH in 2023. He also just finished playing Demetrius in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Resurrection Theatre. Other notable roles are Gary in SISTER MARY IGNATIUS… (Ovation Stage), Max in CABARET (CSUS), the Very Interesting Man in EURYDICE (City Theatre), and Leon Czołgosz in Stephen Sondheim’s ASSASSINS (River Stage). His favorite play was ROBIN HOOD at CSUS because backstage he met his wonderful partner of 12 years, Dechelle (also he got to learn some sick bo staff moves). On weekends, he works at The Lucas Winery in Lodi.
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Matthew Malone – Octavius
Matthew is thrilled to play the role of Octavius. He has acted with the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival since 2012, with previous roles including MACBETH/Witch, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE/Sam, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS/Dr. Pinch, and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/Flute. Matthew edits The Galt Herald and Elk Grove Citizen newspapers, and he spends his free time reading books, studying French and baking sweet treats.
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Julius Caesar 1922 Opens July 5
“Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.” ~ Marc Antony
Jealous conspirators convince Caesar’s friend Brutus to join their assassination plot against Caesar. To stop Caesar from gaining too much power, Brutus and the conspirators kill Caesar on the Ides of March. Mark Antony drives Brutus and the conspirators out of Rome, and there is war. Still Shakespeare’s original text, but set in 1922 Italy, as the rise of fascism propelled Italy toward World War II. A cautionary tale?
Sacramento Shakespeare Festival presents Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, from July 5 through July 28. Julius Caesar opens Friday, July 5 at 7:30 pm, followed by a sparkling dessert reception in the Chris Daubert Courtyard for the Arts (all are welcome). Performances continue on July 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm, and July 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 2:00 pm. All performances will be held in the Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sacramento City College at 3835 Freeport Blvd. Ticket prices for Julius Caesar are $20 General Admission; $15 for Seniors, Veterans/Military Personnel, and Persons with Disabilities, and $10 for Students. Tickets may be purchased online, or in-person one hour before the performance begins. All details and tickets are available online at www.sacramentoshakespeare.net.
Phoenix Brewer as Caius Cassius, Matthew Malone as Octavius Caesar, Juliuanna Schultz as Calpurnia, Sarah Palmero as Julius Caesar, & Matthew Fairall as Marcus Brutus. Photo by Bruce Clarke. 
Matthew Malone as Octavius Caesar, Sarah Palmero as Julius Caesar & Julianna Schultz as Calpurnia. Photo by Bruce Clarke. Auditions – Julius Caesar 1922
Auditions for our summer festival 2024!!
Saturdays, May 4 & 11, 2 – 5 pm in the Art Court Theatre.
All roles open, and you will be doing readings from the script. We are looking for 25 actors.
Please bring a headshot, resume, and conflicts to auditions.
All participants are required to register for a minimum of 1 unit in our theatre performance series. More information will be given to the cast and crew after casting is complete.
Questions? Email Lori Ann.
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.
Meet the Cast of Macbeth – Part 10
Macbeth opens July 7 and runs through July 23. Tickets available.
Holly Nicola (Witch Team 6/King)
Becoming involved in 2014, after retirement, in theater with Sacramento City College, Holly has since been cast in 12 of its major productions. twice before in its Shakespeare Festival, in The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Her first experience in Cannery Row got her hooked! Holly enjoys minor roles and being part of the ensemble. Other productions in which she has been cast include The Great Gatsby, The Music Man, Carrie – the Musical, Miracle on 34th Street and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and two British pantos, Alice in Wonderland and Snow White. Her involvement has increased her appreciation of theater, due to becoming more aware of all the hard work that goes on not only on the stage, but also behind the scenes.
Ollie Stokes (Porter/Young Siward) Ollie Stokes is a new student at Sac City College, studying theatre. They have previously been in shows such as Carrie the Musical and Much Ado About Nothing at Butte College.
Meet the Cast of Macbeth – Part 9
Macbeth opens July 7 and runs through July 23. Tickets available.
Joy Gee (Hecate) Joy returns to the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival from Michigan, where she spent several years building a children’s community theater program. Performing on stage is a rare experience for Joy, who is usually listed in programs as a stage manager or technician. Joy is also a novelist, journalist, and playwright whose stage and screenplays have won awards locally and internationally.
Brandon Lancaster (Macbeth) Brandon is elated to appear in Sacramento Shakespeare’s production of Macbeth. Brandon is a proud Alumnus of the Acting Apprenticeship Program at Capital Stage, where he appeared in the company’s production of Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire, and various other roles. Previous credits also include The MotherF**cker With The Hat(Big Idea Theatre), Brilliant Traces (Ovation Stage), The Grapes of Wrath, and Julius Caesar(Sacramento Theatre Company).
Sarah Palmero (Duncan/Messenger) Sarah is grateful to be on stage at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival again. Most recently seen as Mr. Shepherd/Mrs. Croft in BEYOND PERSUASION, she also enjoyed performances as Horatio in SSF’S production of HAMLET and Gertrude in Sac State’s production of the same.
Meet the Cast of Macbeth – Part 8
Macbeth opens July 7 and runs through July 23. Tickets available.
Cuautli Quezada-Gardea (Lennox) This is Cuautli’s first show with SSF and is excited about the opportunity. Cuautli mostly has been performing with Falcons Eye Theater most notably in ????????? ?????’? ????? where they played Puck and recently ???????? where they were part of the chorus. Cuautli plans to continue studying acting at ARC to work towards becoming a professional actor in the future.
Dennis Redpath (Siward/Duncan’s Servant) Dennis started in theatre taking courses at the University of Hawaii and later the University of Montana. After a long break he returned to performing in his first show with City Theatre, the 2013 production of After Juliet. Since then he has been active with both City Theater and the Sacramento Shakespeare festival productions of Much Ado About Nothing, The Uninvited, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, Henry V, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.
Lauren Graffigna (Witch Team 6/Lady Macduff) Lauren is making her Sacramento Shakespeare Festival debut. She is elated to be back at Sacramento City College where she recently performed as Segismundo in Life is a Dream and Rose Red in Snow White: A British Panto. You may have also seen her at the B Street Theatre in the 24 Hour Play Festival’s Norwegian Death Cleaning. Lauren is grateful to be working with Christine and Luther again and with Lori-Ann for the first time- I appreciate your kindness, vision, and leadership. Lauren would also like to thank the Devised Artist Julianna, the Fight Choreographer Dave, the Costume Designer Nicole and her team, and a resounding thank you to our stage managers Hannah and Erika! Above all, Lauren is thankful to her support system of family, friends, and coworkers who make it possible for her to continue to hone her acting skills and pursue her passion for theater arts.
Meet the Cast of Macbeth – Part 7
Macbeth opens July 7 and runs through July 23. Tickets available.
McKenna Sennet (Witch 2, Macduff U/S) McKenna is thrilled to be a part of yet another Shakespeare production. She graduated from Sacramento State last spring with a BA in Theatre and has long dreamed of finding a career in acting and teaching. After directing the department’s senior production of Spring Awakening (1906), McKenna plans on pursuing directing as well. Favorite performances include Hamlet (Hamlet, Sacramento State), Bev/Kathy (Clybourne Park, Solano College Theatre) Lady Macbeth (Macbeth, Solano College Theatre), and Christopher Boone (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Solano College Theatre). While theatre is her passion, McKenna has also acted in several short films. She hopes you enjoy the witchy business, and does not apologize for spooking you.
Lauren Ormond (Caithness/Apparition/Cawdor Fighter)
Lauren Ormond is so excited to be in her second Sacramento Shakespeare Festival production! She has previously been in several City Theatre Productions including Home for the Holidays, Decision Height (Carol Henderson), Romeo and Juliet (Sampson), Life Is A Dream (El Bobo), and Beyond Persuasion (Louisa Musgrove/Mrs. Clay). She would like to thank her family and friends for their unending love and support.
Phoebe Olson (Macbeth Servant/Cawdor Fighter/King)
Phoebe Olson is a second-year student at SCC and in her first production with Sacramento Shakespeare Festival/SCC. Phoebe was previously in Romeo and Juliet and The Crucible at Sacramento Theatre Company, and a Young Professionals Conservatory alum.Meet the Cast of Macbeth – Part 6
Macbeth opens July 7 and runs through July 23. Tickets available.
Petra Tafoya (Angus/Apparition) Petra has been acting in plays for a year now. You have seen her in ROMEO AND JULIET, as Head Guard in LIFE IS A DREAM, as Prince Charming in SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DUDES, and as Captain Harville and Charles Hayter in BEYOND PERSUASION. She also house managed for THE ALCHEMIST.
Jim Laferriere (Doctor/Witch Team 6/Porter) Jim is jumping back into acting after a decade’s hiatus. This is his 2nd show in 2023, after performing in Clue with Village Stage Productions in Elk Grove. He previously studied theater in high school and college, with roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and West Side Story. His impossible dream is to write, direct, and/or perform in a movie that is one day labeled “classic” by film snobs like himself.
Shelby Saumier (Witch 3) Shelby Elizabeth Saumier is overjoyed to be returning to the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. Previous acting credits include: Anne Elliot in BEYOND PERSUASION (City Theatre), title role in HENRY V (SSF), Florinda in THE ROVER (Big Idea Theatre), Narrator/Engineer/Ensemble in STORIES TO BE TOLD (CSUS), Elinor Dashwood in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (City Theatre), Phantom in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Green Valley Theatre), Jane Bennet in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (City Theatre), Yvonne Chandel in A FLEA IN HER EAR (ARC), Claudio in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Wildflower Ensemble), and Sandrine/Glory/Hope in ALMOST, MAINE (CSUS). Shelby proudly attended Sacramento State University, where she received her BA in theatre, her teaching credential, and her MA in teaching. Shelby would not be where she is today without the love and support of her friends, family, and life partner Reilly.
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Macbeth opens July 7 and runs through July 23. Tickets available.
Bethany Wheat (Malcolm) Bethany is an actor/singer/dancer from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. A 2021 graduate of CSU Sacramento, she has previously worked with director Christine Nicholson on The Bald Soprano. She was most recently in Matriarchy Theatre’s production of Quantum directed by Nicole C. Limón and before that with Green Valley Theatre Company in The Rocky Horror Show as Janet. She’d like to thank her friends for being stinky and remind her family to RWYA. May the melancholy god protect thee✌.
Tim Sapunor (Old Man/Witch Team 6) This is Tim’s sixth production with the Shakespeare Festival. Previous plays and roles include Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Love’s Labour’s Lost (King Ferdinand), Othello (Brabantio), Measure for Measure (Provost), and The Merry Wives of W345indsor (Master Page). He was most recently seen as Master Lovewit in City Theatre’s The Alchemist. He has a B.A. in Theater Arts from U.C. Santa Cruz (1974). He is a retired elementary teacher who worked at Leonardo da Vinci School where the arts are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Angie Rivera (Hecate Witch/Macbeth Servant/King) Angie relocated to Sacramento California from Colorado just a couple of years ago. She is excited & thrilled to return to the theater after so many years away from the theater world as her life focus was on raising 3 children, obtaining master’s degree, and full time career as a Speech Language Pathology. She did use theater during in her position as a speech therapist at the Colorado mental hospital – wrote and directed plays to help patient’s improve their lives.
