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Talented cast, director make ‘Raisin in the Sun’ a must-see
By Eric McCrea
The Hopewell Theatre had a sold-out opening night as it honored Black History Month with Lorraine Hansberry’s award- winning play “A Raisin in the Sun.”
The play, which premiered in 1959, follows an African-American family in Chicago and touches on themes of racism and class.
Mama Lena Younger, played by Carla D. Gipson, has recently lost her husband and is receiving a $10,000 life insurance check. Deciding on what to do with this sudden windfall could tear the Youngers apart.
Walter Lee (Jere Beulah) wants to invest the money and create a new life for himself and his family. Beneatha, played by Kristyn DeAnna Ceatham, hopes some of it will be spent on her tuition.
Ultimately, the decision is up to Lena, who has her heart set on a house. When she decides to put a down payment on a house in a white neighborhood, the family is confronted by a neighborhood representative with an unwelcome message. When things seem like they can’t get worse they do, and the Youngers are left to decide whether to fight or relent.
Gipson, who directed and eloquently played matriarch Lena Younger, captivated the audience with a masterpiece performance. She was naturally kind and nurturing, but emotionally devastating as well. When not in the scene, her work was evident in the flawless staging and the perfectly captured spirit of Hansberry’s work.
Beulah had a driving energy that could not be stopped, but he was very focused at the same time. The role of Walter Lee calls for intensity, and Beulah tempered that with great interpretation and a protective subtext.
Playing Ruth Younger, Arianna Lashawn Manigault was subtle and comforting. Her character’s personal struggles don’t overwhelm the script, and Manigault allowed her detailed nuance to convey a lot. She excelled at reacting and interacting.
Cheatham gave a daring portrayal of the intellectual, goal-oriented Beneatha Younger. She was at ease on stage and contrasted the traditional family values with a window into an awakening world.
Duane Davis and TaeShawn Madison each added interest to the plot as Beneatha’s suitors. Davis was wise and peaceful, while Madison was intellectual and constrained. Their characters contrast each other, symbolizing history and progress, highlighting the crossroads Beneatha faces.
Monica Beasley-Martin was unforgettable as the intrusive Mrs. Johnson and her outrageous look was a great tension breaker.
Rounding out this talented cast were Dereon Bailey as Travis Younger, Ezekial Ellis as Karl Lindner and Delmas Stubbs as Bobo.
This script doesn’t necessarily need strong acting for its impact to be felt, but Gipson and her cast took full advantage of this opportunity to tap into something raw and created an unmissable show.
“A Raisin in the Sun” can be seen at the Hopewell Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. For reservations, call 330-746-5455 or visit hopewelltheatre.org.