McCarter Theater Presents Ali-Inspired FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN, 1/8 - 2/14; McAnuff Set to Direct

The McCarter Theater Center has announced that they will premiere a new play by Will Power (Flow, The Seven), Fetch Clay, Make Man, about boxing legend Muhammad Ali.  The production, starring Ben Vereen and Evan Parke, will be directed by Jersey Boys helmer Des McAnuff and run from Janaury 8 - February 14, 2010.  Opening night is January 15.

Set in the mid-1960s, in the days before one of the most controversial fights in boxing history, 23-year-old heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali formed an improbable bond with disgraced former Hollywood star Stepin Fetchit. After years of struggle and a series of Civil Rights victories, Fetch Clay, Make Man explores the true story of two very different men, each struggling to create and shape his image and legacy. 

In the production, Evan Parke will play Muhammad Ali to Ben Vereen's Fetchit in the production. The cast is rounded out by Richard Masur ("Democracy," "The Burning Bed"), John Earl Jelks ("Radio Golf"), and Sonequa Martin ("Loss of Shadows").

Fetch Clay, Make Man is a recipient of an Edgerton New American Plays Award.

An acclaimed playwright, actor, rapper, and educator, Will Power astounded audiences across the nation and around the globe with his solo hip hop performance piece, Flow. His uniquely poetic and fiercely imaginative voice has earned Will a Trailblazer Award from the National Black Theater Network, a United States Artist Prudential Fellowship, and a Lucille Lortel Award.