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Raisin
Based on Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
Book by Robert Nemiroff & Charlotte Zaltzbweg
Music by Judd Woldin
Lyrics by Robert Brittan
Directed by Charles Newell
Music Direction by Doug Peck
At Court Theatre
5535 S. Ellis
Chicago, IL
Call 773-753-4472, tickets $28 - $54
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Fridays at 8 Pm
Saturdays at 3 & 8 PM
Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM
Running time is 2 hours, 17 minutes with intermission
Through October 29, 2006
True to Hansberry’s work, Raisin sings well
Court Theatre has united the artistic efforts of director Charles Newell and music director Doug Peck (last heard in the terrific production of Man of La Mancha) to mount a worthy production Raisin. This show features a terrific musical rendition of average material. Too bad the score was beneath the caliber of the source material. I believe Lorraine Hansberry deserves better music and lyrics. The first act was filled with bland songs that mostly were serviceable ‘talk songs’ and a couple of sincere ballads. Act two’s score came to life somewhat with a rousing gospel song and a smart showstopper in a classic Broadway style.
This show deals with a black family on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950’s led by Lena Younger (Ernestine Jackson) who struggle to find their place in America. We see them trying to reach up to capture their vision of the American dream. Ruth and Walter Lee want their son to strive for more than Walter’s chauffeur job. Beneatha Younger (Malkia Stampley) studies to be a doctor while Lena wants her family to have their own house and she a garden. When the $10,000 check arrives from Lena’s husband’s life insurance, competing dreams conflict. Walter wants money for a liquor store. Beneatha need college tuition and Lena and Ruth want a house. As each struggle for recognition, the meaning of love, loyalty, courage and honor, Raisin is an emotionally powerful family saga. Filled with story songs and strong anthems, we empathize with this memorable family and quietly cheer for Walter to do the “right thing.”
I was impressed with the humility, honesty and excellent vocals from Broadway veteran Ernestine Jackson as Mama Younger. Harriet Nzinga Plummpp as Ruth and Malkia Stampley as Beneatha offered fine work. The power and majesty of Hansberry’s original work is preserved in this production. I just think that it deserves better than a serviceable score that doesn’t contain enough souring musical moments. This is a worthy show but the score isn’t near as strong as Hansberry’s drama. Raisin is well sung and interestingly staged.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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