A RAISIN IN THE SUN to Shine on Stagecrafters Main Stage

Stagecrafters proudly presents A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. The show runs November 3rd through November 18th at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S Lafayette Avenue, in downtown Royal Oak.

The story centers on an African-American family in 1950s Chicago, whose matriarch, Mama Lena Younger, dreams of moving her family from the South Side of Chicago to a better neighborhood. However, her son, Walter, and daughter, Beneatha, have other plans. Soon three generations of the Younger family become embroiled in conflict as internal and social pressures threaten their dreams and test the bonds of family.

"A Raisin in the Sun is an American classic," says director Jerry Haines. "The story and themes are timeless. I want the audience leaving the theatre understanding that this is a story of an American family. And although this is an African-American family, this could happen to any family whose dreams are not fulfilled or realized due to circumstances imposed by an oppressive society and lack of opportunity."

This drama first premiered on Broadway on March 11, 1959, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. It took a year of raising money to get A Raisin in the Sun to New York. The 1959 cast featured Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil and Ruby Dee. The show garnered four Tony Awards and was later made into a movie featuring the original Broadway cast. Hansberry used personal experiences and an artistic touch to bring A Raisin in the Sun to life, so people all over the world could experience a timeless classic that speaks to the American experience.

Patrons attending the November 3rd opening night performance are invited to Toast Club, a pre-glow featuring complimentary light hors d'oeuvres and beverages, from 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm in the lobby of the theatre. Anyone with a ticket to opening night can partake. Celebrate all season long when you order Season Package A in our Main Stage Series Tickets.

Show tickets are $23 on Thursdays, $26.50 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets may be purchased online at stagecrafters.org (online handling fees apply) or by phone at 248-541-6430, Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2 pm, using Visa or MasterCard. All seats are reserved and there are no refunds or exchanges on individual tickets. If shows have not sold out, tickets can be purchased at the box office one hour prior to the performance. Student, military and senior discounts are available for specific performances. The Baldwin Theatre is located at 415 S. Lafayette., Royal Oak, MI 48067.

A Raisin in the Sun is rated PG and runs approximately two hours.

Complete Show Dates and Times

• Friday, November 3 at 8:00 pm (Toast Club at 7p.m.)
• Saturday November 4 at 8:00 pm
• Sunday November 5 at 2:00 pm
• Thursday November 9 at 8:00 pm
• Friday November 10 at 8:00 pm
• Saturday November 11 at 8:00 pm
• Sunday November 12 at 2:00 pm
• Thursday November 16 at 8:00 pm
• Friday November 17 at 8:00 pm
• Saturday November 18 at 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

About Stagecrafters

Stagecrafters, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre, is in its 62nd year of providing opportunities for members of the community to develop their talents and to volunteer their time to create an enriching, quality theatrical experience through its Main Stage, 2nd Stage, and Youth Theatre productions. At the Baldwin Theatre since 1985, Stagecrafters has been named Best Community Theatre by Hour Detroit, Detroit Metro Times, and Daily Tribune.

Stagecrafters offers shows that appeal to a wide variety of ages and interests and prides itself on providing professional quality shows at affordable prices, making the performing arts accessible to individuals in our "regional" community.

Raisin in the Sun Cast by Community

• Kyle Bushre Karl Lindner Bloomfield Hills
• Samuel Bushre Travis Younger Bloomfield Hills
• Terri Manning Ruth Younger Bloomfield Hills
• Bernard Bragg Bobo Detroit
• Kenneth Hardrick Moving Man Detroit
• Matthew Love Joseph Asagai Detroit
• Aria Moody Mrs. Johnson Detroit
• Michael Rice Walter Lee Younger Eastpointe
• Bryan Carstarphen George Murchison Redford
• Rosalind Sample Lena (Mama) Younger Sterling Heights
• Kaela Green Beneatha Younger Wayne

Photo: Travis Younger (Samuel Bushre of Bloomfield Hills), Ruth Younger (Terri Manning of Bloomfield Hills), Walter Lee Younger (Michael Rice of Eastpoint), Lena (Mama) Younger (Rosalind Sample of Sterling Heights) and Beneatha Younger (Kaela Green of Wayne).

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