Raisin is the story of a Black family in 1955 who decides to move into an all-white neighborhood. The Younger family struggles to achieve their dreams while facing obstacles like racism, housing discrimination, and assimilation.
From Genesius Theatre
Pictured above, from left to right: (front sitting) Calvin “Buddy” Scott as Bobo Jones and Aja Rogan as Travis Younger; (row 2) Alvin Green-Lewis as Willie Harris, Marie “Susie” DeBooth as Beneatha Younger, Chrissyanne Lawson as Mrs. Johnson, Davina Lopez as Mama Lena Younger (sitting), and Kimberly Doyle as Ruth Younger; (back row) Darin Barron as Joseph Asagai and James Barksdale as Walter Lee Younger. Photo courtesy of Don Carrick of Studio 413
Genesius Theatre presents the Grammy and Tony award-winning — Best Original Broadway Recording and Best Musical 1974, respectively — hit Broadway show, Raisin, The Musical, based on Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking play and film, A Raisin in the Sun. The musical opened on Friday, May 2, and will run through Sunday, May 11, at Genesius Theatre, 153 N. 10th St., Reading.
Specifically, the musical will run at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, which also happens to be Mother’s Day. The production will run for about two hours and 15 minutes, with one intermission.
Hansberry’s classic A Raisin in the Sun is transformed into a soulful, inspiring musical as a proud Black family’s quest for a better life explodes in song, dance, humor, and incisive human drama. Raisin ran for three years on Broadway and enjoyed a record-breaking national tour.
The piece follows members of the Younger family, who live on the south side of segregated Chicago in the 1950s and aspire for a better life. When the patriarch dies, a $10,000 life insurance check provides hope. However, mother and son don’t have the same vision for the funds. Walter Lee Younger Jr. wants to use the money to open a liquor store. For “Mama” Lena Younger, the money means the opportunity to move to the white neighborhood of Clybourne Park. The characters also must navigate housing inequality, economic hardship, and racism.
The Genesius production features an all-Black cast of local theater veterans and many newcomers to the Genesius stage. The show features James Barksdale as Walter Lee Younger, Davina Lopez as Mama Lena Younger, Marie “Susie” DeBooth as Beneatha Younger, Kimberly Doyle as Ruth Younger, Aja Rogan as Travis, Darin Barron Jr. as Joseph Asagai, Chrissyanne Lawson as Mrs. Johnson, Rick Fisher as Karl Lindner, Calvin “Buddy” Scott Jr. as Bobo Jones, Alvin Green-Lewis as Willie Harris, Calvin Scott as the Pastor, Verna Doyle as the Pastor’s Wife, and Ashley South as Althea.
“It’s both hopeful and sad that the musical and the play remain relevant decades later,” said LJ Fecho, artistic director of Genesius and the director of the show. “It’s as if we are saying, ‘When will this story simply not resonate any longer?’ When will we be able to say, ‘Can you believe that’s the way Americans acted toward their fellow human beings?’ I feel like we’re holding it up now to offer that there’s still hope that we’re going to get past racial inequality. The musical certainly is filled with poignant drama and pathos, but it’s also filled with lots of good laughs, sweet sarcasm, and the robust music!”
In addition to Fecho, the musical is being music directed by Kevin Cooper, choreographed by Jericho Joy, and stage managed by Sara Huard. Also, with lighting design by Sonja Mowery & David Tyson of Scary Good Productions, sound design by Albert Garcia, costume design by Dara Tatarowicz, props design by Jeffrey Jones, wig/hair design by Diane Keck of Thanx Hair Artistry, set design by L J Fecho and Randall Hauk, scenic art by Marjory Ewald, and assistant stage managed by Jennifer Stepp.
This dramedy also features a wide range of music styles, including honky-tonk, gospel, rhythm & blues, jazz, Broadway, and pop. Genesius solely uses live music, and this musical has a 16-piece live orchestra in its intimate 96-seat theatre.
For tickets ($18-$37.50) and additional information, visit www.genesiusdifference.org.
Sponsored by Don Carrick of Studio 413 and Diane Keck of Thanx Hair Artistry. Season sponsored by Sweet Street Desserts.
Genesius Theatre
Genesius Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 153 N. 10th St. in Reading. The theatre is accessible to individuals who use mobility aids. Free parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. If the main parking lot is full, pull up and ask the parking attendant for a parking pass to the overflow lot at Walnut and Moss streets. Street parking is also available.
For more information on accessibility or parking, call the theatre at 610-371-8151 or email info@genesiustheatre.org.
Genesius Theatre & The DoubleTree By Hilton
Genesius and the DoubleTree have partnered on the park/dinner/shuttle/show/shuttle program. At any performance, audiences can park for free in the DoubleTree garage, dine at Cheers American Bistro in the DoubleTree prior to the show, and then enjoy a complimentary shuttle to and from the show.
How it works: Purchase tickets separately on the Genesius website and call the DoubleTree to make reservations (two hours prior to the show time is recommended). You must mention the shuttle upon making a reservation and upon arriving at the restaurant. Then, enjoy a full afternoon or evening of tasty food, delectable drinks, and a wonderful show!
Virtual Show Program
In its effort to have less paper waste, cut costs on printing, and reduce its carbon footprint, Genesius now hosts its full playbills in living color on its website at GenesiusDifference.org. Programs are available a week in advance of opening night and feature cast and creative team bios, photos, ads from its business supporters, Genesius event updates, and additional show information.
The post Genesius Theatre Presents Raisin, The Musical appeared first on BCTV.
Source: bctv
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