Review: Star-Powered A RAISIN IN THE SUN at the Ruskin Group Theater

Winning the Best Play Award from the New York Drama Critics' Circle, A RAISIN IN THE SUN made history when it opened in 1959, penned by Lorraine Hansberry who went on to be the first black playwright to have her work produced on Broadway and the youngest American to win the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. The title comes from a Langston Hughes poem entitled "Harlem," also known as "A Dream Deferred" which asks the question what happens to a man when The American Dream seems out of his reach.

The setting is the Younger household in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, and involves the family members' struggle to achieve their individual dreams and potential despite challenges from a system that seems built to thwart them. It's as hard-hitting as a play can get, written brilliantly so the audience is pulled into the story from start to finish: one that revolves around the American dream and how a family will use an insurance settlement from the death of the father to finally achieve what has always been so elusive for each of them. Mama wants to buy a house for her family but selects a neighborhood where blacks aren't wanted, a situation the Hansberry family dealt with when they moved into a white neighborhood and her father had to sit out at night with a rifle to protect his family. Mama's son Walter Lee works as a chauffeur but desperately wants his own business, and outspoken daughter Beneatha wants to be a doctor.

What makes the current production at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica so special is its Tony Award winning director Lita Gaithers Owens cast Tony Award nominee Starletta DuPois as Lena "Mama" Younger. DuPois has a long history with A RAISIN IN THE SUN having first been cast as Beneatha, then became known for her role as Ruth in the acclaimed American Playhouse film version, and now Mama. "A true gift at this point in my career is having experienced the life of this play through three extraordinary women characters that the playwright created," DuPois shared. In fact, her emotional and physical understanding of the role so central to the play was thrilling to experience as her entire physical presence totally embodied Mama right down to every moment of her joys, heartbreak, anger, and love for her children, as if DuPois was channeling Mama from her very soul.

DuPois is surrounded by equally drive-for-perfection actors, especially her two children. The riveting eyes of Redaric Williams lend such intensity to his portrayal of Walter Lee, it almost seems as if you can look into his frustrated soul as he moves through every human emotion as his life seems to dissolve around him. Lovely Charlotte Williams reprises the role of Beneatha after portraying the woman on a quest at the Westchester Playhouse earlier this year. Her intuitive sense of believing in herself and speaking her mind makes Beneatha a portrait of the new generation of women who think there is more to life than just getting married and starting a family as soon as possible. Ms. Williams is a joy to behold when her eyes flash, letting you know exactly what Beneatha is thinking even without uttering a word. And this woman can dance!

Walter Lee's wife Ruth is portrayed by Angelle Brooks as a woman caught with an unwanted pregnancy whose frustration with her lot in life makes her lash out to the slightest upset around the house, which of course is too small for another baby. Thankfully after Walter Lee seems to come around and express his real love for her, Brooks relaxes and allows Ruth's goodness and sex appeal to shine through. Their son Travis is played by model and rising star Jaden Martin as a typical urban teen, playing his parents and grandmother for whatever he needs. And while his hairstyle may be a little too contemporary for the role, Martin portrays a great kid, minding his manners and making sure to honor his grandmother every chance he gets.

Other actors include handsome and suave Kristian Kordula as George Murchison, Beneatha's wealthy suitor, and Mohirah Hall as Joseph Asagai, a college student from Nigeria who appreciates Beneatha's spirit and intelligence. Unfortunately, director Owens has Hall constantly being upstaged causing him to deliver his lines to the back wall of the set so it was difficult to see any of his expressions. And with his great smile, it would do the show well to have him facing the audience as much as possible. Understudies Garrett Michael Green went on as bad news deliverer Bobo, and Kevin Ragsdale played Karl Lindner, the nervously fearful white representative from the Clybourne Park neighborhood where the Youngers plan to move. Technical credits are solid all around, with the intimate theater a perfect setting for the Youngers too-tiny-for-its-occupants apartment.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN runs through Saturday, September 17, 2016 with performances at the Ruskin Group Theatre at 3000 Airport Avenue, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. For tickets and information call 310-397-3244 or visit www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.

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