Photo Flash: First Look at August Wilson's FENCES at Milwaukee Rep

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre's 2015/16 season comes to a close with August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play FENCES. The production, which is a co-production with Arizona Theatre Company and Indiana Repertory Theatre, is helmed by legendary American theater director Lou Bellamy and features an all-star cast. FENCES plays in the Quadracci Powerhouse from tonight, April 26, through May 22, with Opening Night on Friday, April 29. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

FENCES tells the gripping story of sanitation worker Troy Maxson, a star baseball player whose career was blunted by the racism prevalent in pre-Jackie Robinson America. Feeling his world rapidly changing, Troy builds a fence to protect what is familiar and hold off what threatens. This August Wilson blockbuster shows what can happen when a strong man is robbed of his dreams.

James T. Alfred returns to The Rep as Lyons, last appearing in Clybourne Park. Other credits include Penumbra Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Guthrie Theater. Television credits include a recurring role as Tyree in the FOX drama Empire, the award-winning Starz Original Series Boss, Prison Break, and Chicago P.D. Joseph Jefferson-nominated David Alan Anderson makes his Milwaukee Rep debut as Troy Maxson. Other credits include Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Cleveland Play House, and Penumbra Theatre Company. Drama Critics Circle Award-winner Terry Bellamy, a founding member of Penumbra Theatre Company, makes his Milwaukee Rep debut as Gabriel. Other credits include Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Guthrie Theatre. Ira Aldridge Award-winner Marcus Naylor makes his Milwaukee Rep debut as Jim Bono. Other credits include appearances Off-Broadway, and with Philadelphia Theatre Company. Television credits include Law and Order: SUV, and Slings and Arrows. Edgar Sanchez makes his Milwaukee Rep debut as Cory. Other credits include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, American Players Theatre, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Kim Staunton makes her Milwaukee Rep debut as Rose. Regional credits include Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, and the O'Neill Theatre Center. She has appeared on and off Broadway, in film, and in television, including guest starring roles on Army Wives, Bones, Law and Order, and in TNT's original movie, Glory and Honor. Makayla Davis makes her Milwaukee Rep debut as Raynell. She has attended classes at First Stage Children's Theatre since 2008 and recently appeared at Once On This Island at Skylight. Maya O'Day- Biddle returns after debuting in The Rep's recent production of The Color Purple and this season's A Christmas Carol, to play Raynell for select performances (May 1, 8 and 15 all at 7pm).

The creative team for FENCES includes: Lou Bellamy (Director); Vicki Smith (Scenic Designer); Mathew J. LeFebvre (Costumer Designer); Don Darnutzer (Lighting Designer); Brian Jerome Peterson (Sound Designer); Brent Gibbs (Fight Choreographer); JC Clementz (Casting Director); Anne M. Jude (Stage Manager); and Jessica Connelly (Assistant Stage Manager).

FENCES runs in the Quadracci Powerhouse now through May 22. Tickets (starting at $20 and subject to change) can be purchased online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by phone at 414-224-9490 or at the Ticket Office (108 E Wells Street).

Photo Credit: Tim Fuller