Theater Alliance is set to close its season with American Fast, a gripping and timely play that explores the intense world of March Madness while delving into the complexities of faith, identity, and intergenerational expectations. Written by Kareem Fahmy and directed by Reginald L. Douglas, this electrifying production at Theater Alliance’s Southwest DC pop-up venue promises an unforgettable theatrical experience far beyond the game.
March Madness may bring buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories to mind, but in American Fast, the court becomes the backdrop for a deeply personal exploration of identity, faith, and ambition. The play follows Khady Salama, a rising female college basketball star who must navigate the pressures of the tournament while observing Ramadan, balancing her cultural heritage, athletic aspirations, and personal integrity. This production celebrates the resilience and determination of female athletes while inviting basketball lovers and theatergoers alike into a conversation about sacrifice and self-discovery.
Bringing American Fast to life is an incredible ensemble of actors and an expert creative team, each providing a unique energy to this fast-paced, high-stakes production. Gigi Cammarato stars as Khady Salama, the rising basketball star at the heart of the play, navigating the full-court press of expectations. She is joined by Travis Xavier as Gabe, Raghad Maklouf as Suzan, and Renee Elizabeth Wilson as Coach. As the audience steps into Khady Salama’s world, they’ll witness electrifying performances that capture the heart-pounding stakes of the game and the deeply personal choices that define us.
“I’m thrilled to be making my DC playwriting debut at Theater Alliance and to be collaborating with the gifted director, Reginald L. Douglas, who was instrumental in the development of American Fast,” playwright Kareem Fahmy reflects. “This is the first production of this play to take place during the intersection of Ramadan and March Madness, and I could not be more excited to share this story with DC audiences.”
The production team behind American Fast is a powerhouse of theatrical talent, crafting an immersive world where the rhythm of the game and the pulse of personal conviction collide. Every detail — from the sharp visual aesthetics to the dynamic design — creates an environment that puts audiences in the middle of Khady’s journey. Director Reginald L. Douglas (Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater Company) guides this interpretation with deep insight and compelling energy alongside designers Nadir Bey (Scenic Design), Minjoo Kim (Lighting Design), Cidney Forkpah (Costumes Design), Hailey LaRoe (Projections Design), Brandon Cook and Sayf Turkomani (Sound Design), Isabel Simoes deCarvalho (Props Design), and Logan Benson (Assistant Costumes Design & Wardrobe Supervisor). Crafting the movement that mirrors the tension and triumphs of the court, Siani Nicole joins as Choreographer, collaborating with Nathanael Hatchett, who ensures movement authenticity to the athleticism and precision of the play as Basketball Consultant. Ensuring seamless execution night after night, Regina Vitale returns to Theater Alliance as Stage Manager, with newcomer Isabella Tapia to provide crucial support to keep the show running smoothly.
True to Theater Alliance’s commitment to regional storytelling, the cast and creative team are filled with exceptional Washington, DC talent, reinforcing the company’s mission to highlight the wealth of artistry in our region. This production also marks the third performance of the company’s inaugural season at its venue in Southwest DC, made possible by partnership with Mayor Bowser’s Pop Up Permitting program through the Department of Buildings and collaboration with Hoffman & Associates. Continuing a remarkable year in which the first production in the space, Covenant by York Walker, earned seven Helen Hayes Award nominations in the Hayes category – one of the only black box theaters competing against larger theater institutions, and the heartfelt comedy, The Garbologists, which was loved by critics and audiences alike.
This production is the last one in the inaugural season of new Producing Artistic Director, Shanara Gabrielle; her indefatigable, optimistic leadership, alongside the Theater Alliance staff, has guided the company through a year of resilience and reinvention. Theater Alliance continues to prove its impact in the DC theater landscape and American Fast serves as a fitting culmination of Theater Alliance’s season. This thrilling, thought-provoking story embodies the company’s dedication to justice, artistic excellence, and community connection.
American Fast, presented by Theater Alliance, runs March 20 – April 13, 2025 at 340 Maple Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024. Showtimes are 8:00 pm Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with 3:00 pm matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $40 general admission, $30 for seniors and military personnel, and $20 for students, with a limited number of pay-what-you-will Radical Neighboring tickets available. Purchase tickets at the box office (opens one hour before showtime), or online.
ABOUT THEATER ALLIANCE
Theater Alliance has been a cornerstone of innovation, activation, and diversity in the arts, building a strong reputation in DC’s cultural landscape for over two decades. The company develops, produces, and presents socially conscious, thought-provoking theater that fully engages the community in active dialogue. By creating an audience laboratory, Theater Alliance fosters face-to-face conversations where the diverse perspectives of DC unite to confront issues and tackle difficult questions impacting the community.
