Fiddlehead tabs award-winning Stacey Stephens

BOSTON — Meg Fofonoff, President and Artistic Director of Fiddlehead Theatre Company, has announced the appointment of Stacey Stephens as the company’s new Associate Producing Artistic Director. Stephens has collaborated in various roles at Fiddlehead Theatre previously, having directed, designed and created costumes for several productions including the company’s recent musical AIDA at the Strand Theatre.  He will both direct and provide costume design for Fiddlehead’s upcoming 2015 productions of The Wiz (February 13-22) and Jesus Christ Superstar (April 24-May 3).  Fiddlehead Theatre Company is the Resident Theatre Company of the historic Strand Theatre in Dorchester, MA. The company is committed to building community through the arts by producing Broadway-quality musical theatre and offering arts education and free programming for the community. 

“Stacey brings a wealth of knowledge and artistry to Fiddlehead Theatre Company,” said Fofonoff.  “As we embark on this very exciting and important journey to open doors and opportunities through live theatre in Dorchester and beyond, Stacey’s leadership is essential. His creative spirit will propel our work in moving forward. We are thrilled that he is joining our team.”
Stephens has worked extensively in the Boston area as both Costume Designer and Director and has received numerous IRNE awards and critical acclaim; Terry Byrne of the Boston Globe said of his costume design, “No matter how appealing the cast is, the real star of the show is Stacey Stephens.”  For Fiddlehead Theatre Company he worked on Funny Girl (2009 IRNE award for Best Costume Design and nomination for Best Director), Odd Couple, Fiddler on the Roof (2008 IRNE nomination for Best Director and Best Musical), Crazy for You (2008 IRNE Award for best Costume Design and nomination for Best Musical and Director).  Additional shows include Into the Woods, Gypsy, The King and I, A Christmas Carol, Barefoot in the Park, Singin’ in the Rain and My Fair Lady (2007 IRNE Award for best Costume Design).
Stephens also designed costumes for several productions at Speakeasy Stage Company including Parade (IRNE Award), The Wild Party (IRNE nomination), and other regional companies including Wheelock Family Theatre, Stoneham Theatre and the Boston Conservatory. He has designed and staged performances for BGMC including Ain’t Misbehavin’ with Nell Carter, and directed and designed Reagle Music Theatre’s critically acclaimed Into the Woods staring Rachel York. 
 
Stephens has worked in wardrobe on the original Broadway productions of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and Five Guys Names Moe, and toured extensively as Wardrobe Supervisor for the national tours of The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables and most recently, Memphis.
Stacey was born and raised in the small Wisconsin city of Waupaca. It was here that his love for musical theatre was born.  When his eldest sister took part in the high school musical Damn Yankees, a spark was ignited, that continues to burn brightly.  He went on to appear in three of those musicals at his high school, and considers the director, the late Jerry Knoepfel, one of his biggest influences on his life and career. He went on to become a 1987 graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. He currently resides in New York City but will return to the Boston/Dorchester area in early 2015.
For more information about Fiddlehead Theatre Company or upcoming productions visit www.fiddleheadtheatre.com