Team of Theatre Alums Premieres ‘Good Bones’ in New York

Columbia alums abound in Good Bones, the new play from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames, which made its New York premiere in September at the Public Theater.

Saheem Ali ’07, who also serves as the Public’s Associate Artistic Director, is directing the new production. It’s not Ali’s first time directing Ijames’s work, having also helmed his Pulitzer-winning Fat Ham at the Public and on Broadway. 

“There’s a realness to James’s language,” Ali told The New York Times. “There’s something so contemporary, truthful, funny, and piercing about it.”

Good Bones is a comedy-laced look at problems many New Yorkers will recognize, including gentrification and the rising costs of the “American Dream.” The story follows well-to-do Aisha as she returns to the struggling neighborhood of her youth and sets out to buy and renovate an old home for her new life. Her plans go awry when Earl, a local contractor hired for the job, brings a very different view of what the community needs, and who gets to make those decisions.

Miguel Angel Bregante Garcia ’24 joins Ali as an SDCF (Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation) Observer, studying his craft firsthand. 

On the acting side, Aaron J. Anderson ’24 and Sabrina K. Victor ’24 serve as understudies, stepping in for the roles of Earl and Travis and Aisha and Carmen in the four-character cast.

Also on the production is Gianna Durante ’24, serving as the Sub PA (Production Assistant) and Script PA for the Stage Management team.

Durante applied for the production on Playbill, and within days was interviewing to join her Columbia peers on set.

“I came into the room after they had been rehearsing for three weeks and I had three friendly faces there. I am so proud of my classmates,” said Durante. “I love seeing them at work.”

While four of the featured alumni hail from the 2024 class, the support in rehearsals has been felt at all levels of production. 

“Being an understudy can be daunting,” recalled Victor, “but the other actors, as well as the director and playwright, have been so warm and inviting and we’ve been able to develop relationships with everyone, who are all just rooting for our success.”

Whether behind the scenes or under the spotlight, Good Bones has proven fertile ground for the talents of its diverse cast and crew. Their efforts will be on full display as they work to balance humor and the humane onstage.

“Audiences should be ready to laugh for sure,” added Victor. “But I hope they walk away questioning how they communicate with their loved ones, how they occupy space on their block.”

Good Bones runs from September 19 through October 27 at Martinson Hall. Tickets are available for purchase here.