A Review of The Little Theatre's "A Raisin in the Sun"
By: J. R. Torres
The Little Theatre's cast delivered a gripping, moving, hilarious tearjerker with their production of Lorraine Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun.' It encapsulated the raw emotions of this timeless tale, depicting the classic American struggle with utmost brilliance.
Set in Chicago in the 1950’s about a black family in poverty finally coming into money after the death of their father, it’s so saddening to see the this particular struggle depicted. The struggle of black "dreams deferred". The truthful words from Langston Hughes’s “Harlem”, which inspired the play, perfectly captures the blue hue of black Americas dilemma. The dilemma of playing a game that's not designed for us to win.
Clifford Clark’s portrayal as Walter "Lee" Younger was whimsically dynamic and powerful, from hilarious to bone chilling bad to the core. A stark contrast from his cool comedic role as "Lee" in the VizionLine.TV original film “Thirst Trap”. In the play, Clark displayed a raw truth as he mashed his head onto the ground of rock bottom. Across the crowd, tears dropped for the broken man with broken dreams burdened by the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The Younger family matriarch, Lena “Mama” Younger played by both Carla Turner & Karen Maynor, offered two great variations that both rang true to the character. Beneatha played by the charismatic Salem Rogers was a joy to watch as she danced across the stage in her Nigerian garb “expressing herself”. The dynamic ensemble cast which included the multi-talented Erika Patrick as Ruth, Sacha Martin & Don-Michael Smith as Asagai, G. Dennis Frasier as Bobo, Ramelle Marshall, and Terrance Patrick Jr. as Travis brought to the stage a powerful cohesive show that had the audience at the edge of their seats. The tight and thoughtfully produced production is a testament to the hard work of the great cast and crew under the direction of Sharon Cook.
Check out The Little Theatre VB for more great local theatre in the 757.
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