By Becky Grunewald

James Wheatley is a towering figure in the Sacramento arts scene, and his cultural impact is so varied and diverse that it would be difficult to encompass in a single event. But that’s what Celebration Arts is attempting to do with its 2024 fall fundraiser “A Toast to James Wheatley,” on Saturday, Nov. 9 at The Sofia.

Trained as a contemporary dancer and singer in Southern California, Wheatley moved to Sacramento for a state job and founded the Celebration Dance Company in 1976, which incorporated both poetry and dance. Ten years later choral singing and drama were added and the name was changed to Celebration Arts. The drama company has been growing ever since and has put on hundreds of plays.

“I was a teen … and my mom was part of the chorus. He [Wheatley] lived a few blocks from us, so I used to have to tag along to those rehearsals,” Celebration Arts Executive Director Erinn Anova said. “Then I started taking his dance classes. I went away to college [Howard University], and when I came back, Celebration Arts was my playground.”

After graduating, Anova came back to Sacramento to sing in her brother, Harley White Jr.’s, band Papa’s Culture, and on break from tour she would further her education by doing stints at Celebration Arts.

“I learned directing, acting, stage managing, how to run lights — how to do so much,” Anova said. “It was an opportunity that you just don’t get for people to say, ‘Come on in’ and so I’m so thankful to James Wheatley … for allowing that. It’s a training ground.”

Anova went from her “training ground” to having a long career in theater and TV in New York, including guest roles on “Law & Order: SVU” and “Bluebloods.” It is Anova’s connection that led to a donation of wine for the fundraiser from “The Color Purple” actress Taraji P. Henson.

She had dinner with Henson — who she has been friends with since college — a few months ago when Henson’s foray into branding and winemaking came up in conversation. Later, when Celebration Arts decided to make the tribute to Wheatley a toast, an idea struck Anova. 

“I was like, ‘Hey, wait a minute, you need something to drink for a toast.’ I called her, and so she’s donating her wine, and we will be the first people in Northern California to have a taste of the Taraji P. Henson/Terlato Wine Group collection.”

In addition to the dinner and drinks, there will be live and pre-recorded tributes. The live entertainment will include an announcement of the plays in Celebration Art’s upcoming season, which is themed “Family Affair,” with brief play readings by troupe actors. Anova said B Street Theatre’s Sofia Tsakopoulos Center has “been amazingly helpful and supportive in every way.”

It’s a mutual lovefest: According to B Street Executive Producer Jerry Montoya, the celebration is being held at The Sofia “because our home is also their [Celebration Arts] home. Mr. Wheatley’s legacy is that he kept a nonprofit theater alive and thriving through decades of challenges. Theaters close by the dozens yearly. Celebration Arts has endured. It is a testament to the quality and commitment James brings to the arts.”

Similarly, Lyndsay Burch, executive artistic director and CEO of B Street Theatre, said “When I moved to Sacramento 11 years ago, James Wheatley was one of the first names I heard in regards to the theater community. I quickly learned he was renowned as an actor, director and the leader of Celebration Arts. James’ legacy and his work at Celebration Arts has been nothing short of groundbreaking for the arts scene.” 

Wheatley says that his life has been “quiet” since retiring last year and passing the torch to current Artistic Director James Ellison. He’s looking forward to seeing colleagues at his toast, but he wants to put a spotlight on the importance of the ongoing work that Celebration Arts is doing.

“Other than its existence, willingness and determination to work, it is not my vision as to the how, what and when needed to accomplish the mission,” Wheatley said. “The needs of the present, and coming generations shape the vision. It is the responsibility of the board of directors and teachers to keep their eyes and ears open to the needs of the community and find ways to meet those needs.”

‘This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.