What happens when the hopes and dreams of an entire family rest on a dying man?

Craig Schwartz

The struggles of a family to achieve a better life may be fictional in the play, “A Raisin the Sun” but the themes permeate the discussion of race and economics that are still relevant today.

The classic Lorraine Hansberry play debuted in 1959, and was the first play produced by an African American woman on Broadway. The playwright was inspired by her own family experiences moving into an all white neighborhood when she was a child. The play later became a film starring Sidney Portier.

Set in Chicago, the play follows the African American family, the Youngers, on their journey to go beyond being just a working class family. When the father dies, the mother, Lena, receives a check for $10,000 of insurance money .The family differs in how the money should be spent. The son, Walter Lee, wants to invest in risky business decisions, while his mother wants to put money down on a house. It changes their relationships with one other, and ultimately affects their future.

Phylicia Rashad, best known for her role on “The Cosby Show,” directed this rendition of the play. She has also starred on Broadway in the play as the matron and won a Tony for her performance. As a veteran actress both in film and theater, Rashad directed the poignant moments of the piece allowing each actor their opportunity to capture the struggle their character felt. Each emotional scene was highlighted.

The pacing of the play managed to flow between the dramatic monologues into more natural laughter without missing a beat.

The cast includes a mix of newcomers and those with more experience on stage.  Kenya Alexander, who portrayed Benita Younger, a young girl with the dreams of becoming a doctor, shined in her role as a fiery young woman with goals and searching for her identity. She offered many comedic moments in a play that delves into heavy issues.

The pivotal role of Walter Younger (Kevin T. Carroll) offered a perspective of anguish, fear, and confusion. He truly captured the agony of Walter trying to change his life without feeling his family understood him.  All of the actors brought a well-developed character to stage, and there were no weak links. The talented ensemble realized the depth of the characters and never missed an opportunity to take the emotions to the next level.

The entire play was set on a stage the never changes. There were no fancy props or special effects. The lights fade in and out occasionally when a scene changed, but the set was simple. Its simplicity, along with the strong acting from the cast, kept the focus solely on the story. It was done without being melodramatic and kept the balance between humor and realism.

"A Raisin In the Sun" is a play that has uncomfortable moments. But it is those moments that open the dialogue on race, economics, and family. 

Reach reporter Tallie here.