Critically acclaimed costume designer and director Stacey Stephens is headed to Dorchester–bringing a modern and urban spin to the Fiddlehead Theatre Company while putting down roots of his own.

Stephens was named associate producing artistic director for Fiddlehead Theatre in late November and in 2015 is already slated to direct and produce costume design for “The Wiz” production in February and “Jesus Christ Superstar” in late April and early May. He is also moving to Jones Hill in early 2015–close enough to the Strand Theatre that he can walk there.

“Stacey brings a wealth of knowledge and artistry to Fiddlehead Theatre Company,” said Meg Fofonoff, the company’s president and artistic director. “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.”

Though Stephens is currently a New York resident, he has previously collaborated with Fiddlehead folks, having directed, designed, and created acclaimed costumes for several recent productions, including the musical “AIDA, ” and has high praise for not only Fiddlehead and Fodonoff, but the Strand and Uphams Corner.

“The Strand, it’s an amazing space. That area, you can just feel the energy of change there,” he said in an interview with the Reporter. “What we’re doing at the Strand, we’re doing better work than the other theatre companies in the city… and charging half the price so local residents can afford to see shows that they wouldn’t normally see.

“It is exciting to get new people in the theater who never went into the Strand, who had only walked by or driven by,” Stacey added.
Stephens has worked in wardrobe on original Broadway productions of “Les Miserables,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Five Guys Named Moe,” and toured extensively as wardrobe supervisor for the national tours of “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” “Les Miserables,” and most recently, “Memphis.”

He has worked extensively in the Boston area as both costume designer and director and has received numerous prestigious Independent Reviewers of New England IRNE awards and critical acclaim. Terry Byrne of The Boston Globe said of Stephens’ costume design: “No matter how appealing the cast is, the real star of the show is Stacey Stephens.”

Stacey’s love for musical theater began in the small Wisconsin city of Waupaca, when his eldest sister had a role in her high school musical “Damn Yankees.” 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. Stacey and Fofonoff have worked together over the last 15 years. He praised her venture with Fiddlehead and the Strand, as well as partnerships with local high schools that introduce Boston Public Schools students to theater.

“There’s so many aspects of this company to be excited about,” Stacey said. He began his position with Fiddlehead on Dec. 1. “Doors are opening and it’s really an exciting time.”

“The Wiz” production runs February 13 to 22 and “Jesus Christ Superstar” runs April 24 to May 3. For tickets and more information on Fiddlehead, the resident theatre company of Dorchester’s historic Strand Theatre, visit fiddleheadtheatre.com.

“The Strand is such a jewel box. It’s an incredible space that is underutilized. To people from the South End, Back Bay, y’know what, it’s not that far. It’s not like it’s in Timbuktu. Once people discover it, the neighborhood will just blossom.”