The Artistic Director Says...

It has been a magnificent challenge writing,"Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story," which is my playwriting debut. It also has been inspiring and humbling to have the support of my colleagues, friends and family, and a tremendous joy to direct the brilliant actor/artist Sean Blake, who portrays Sammy Davis Jr. It has been a blessing to be able to live in this wonderful Evanston community where I am encouraged every day to share my artistic dreams, and then be presented with the resources to make those dreams a reality.

This is my fourth season as Artistic Director of the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, and each season there has been noticeable growth for the theatre, for the artists who have been involved in our workshops and productions, and for me personally and artistically. I am grateful to each and every one of you who have supported FJT over the past 35 years that this theatre has been producing plays. Some of you have been along for this theatre's entire journey, and some have just begun to witness the exceptional theatrical experience we present on stage, our array of workshops and our year-round special events. Four years… Thank you, my Evanston family, for allowing me to experience this awesome opportunity!

Tim Rhoze
Artistic Director

Six Questions for Actor Sean Blake of "Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story"

Sean has toured nationally and internationally. He has performed regionally at theatres such as The Goodman, The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Seattle Rep Theatre, and The Long Wharf Theatre, to name a few. He is a two-time Jeff nominee and BTAA nominee here in Chicago.

How did you come to be selected as the actor to portray Sammy Davis Jr. in FJT's upcoming production? Tim and I had briefly discussed it about six years ago and now here I am. What have you learned about Sammy that you did not know before landing this role? There are so many things; it’s hard to name just one. I think the biggest thing would be the events involving how he lost his eye. There are so many rumors – it was good to know the truth! Are you ever uncomfortable on stage playing the man known as the World's Greatest Entertainer? Every day since I learned I was definitely doing it!!

Is there anyone today whom you can say has the kind of talent and persona that Sammy had?

There’s not anyone I can think of off the top of my head, if you will. He was truly one in a million.

You work a lot in musical theatre in Chicago and around the country, but seldom land roles in straight plays like "Why Not Me?A Sammy Davis Jr. Story." Why is that?

Well, when you are only given the chance to do one thing, you become what is called “pigeonholed,” and that has been me. You rarely get a chance to do other things to stretch yourself. I have been pushed further than I ever thought possible doing this project, and I couldn’t be more grateful to Tim Rhoze.

Sammy was inspired to achieve greatness by many icons as he grew up in show business: Count Basie, Bill Robinson, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday, to name just a few. Who has inspired you along your artistic journey? Wow – so many people. E. Faye Butler, Tim Rhoze, Morgan Freeman, and truly, Sammy Davis Jr., to name a few. I try to learn something from every person I work with. I believe when you stop wanting to learn, you stop growing. Bonus Question: What three movie titles would describe your life to this point? ”High Anxiety” is one for sure. “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “The Help,” because lately I’ve been cooking and cleaning A LOT to calm my nerves! hahahaha

Puzzle of the Month

Each month, we have a challenging puzzle, trivia question or brain teaser for our subscribers to play. Each month, a lucky winner receives a great prize!

Last Month's "Do you know..." What was the first play produced by Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre (formally the Foster Community Theatre)? The correct answer was What The Wine Sellers Buy Congratulations to Aaron M! You have won two complimentary tickets to go see, Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story

This Month's "Do you know..." How many Grammy Awards did Sammy Davis Jr. win? Send your answers to Lilien at llemieux-jordan@cityofevanston.org with the subject, "Puzzle Answer."

Upcoming Events

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson's highly acclaimed Pittsburgh Cycle, or American Century Cycle, illuminates 100 years of the African American experience decade by decade. This exciting, year-long, free and interactive community reading series is being held through a collaboration of the Evanston Public Library with Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. On Monday, August 18, at 6pm, this month's discussion will focus on August Wilson's Fences, moderated by Director Ron OJ Parson. It will be held in the Community Meeting room at the Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. Cant make it by 6pm? Join us for an extended, informal discussion starting at 7:30pm at the Celtic Knot, 626 Church St., right across from the Library. For more information or to register, call 847-448-8620 or click here.

Special Offer for Premium Discount Card Holders

Present your FJT Premium Discount Card on Opening Night for "Sammy" (August 9) and you'll receive two admissions for one punch! Present your card at the box office that evening.

Upcoming Summer Season

New this season!
You can now purchase tickets to all of our plays and concerts online at fjtheatre.com.

August 9-24: Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story by Tim Rhoze (SOLD OUT AUG. 10)
August 29: Jazz Meets Blues Concert featuring Marlene Rosenberg and David "Chainsaw" Dupont
August 30: Gospel Celebration Concert: The Men of Gospel Music

Social Media

Like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fleetwoodjourdaintheatre

Follow us on Twitter: @FJTheatre

Contact information

Noyes Cultural Arts Center/Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201  847-448-8260
Please visit our website for updates: www.cityofevanston.org/fjtheatre

Classes and auditions are held in Studio 223 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.
Plays and concerts are held in the Theatre at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.

Find out what's happening at FJCC

To learn more about classes, clubs and other activities at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, click the link below. www.cityofevanston.org/fleetwood.