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The classic play A Raisin in the Sun
by Lorraine Hansberry has recently been playing at the Royale
theatre in Manhattan. What makes this showing so special
is the amazing cast, which includes Sean Combs, C.E.O and
founder of Bad Boy Worldwide entertainment group who made
his acting debut in the film Made, and Phylicia Rashad,
a twice Emmi-nominated and people’s choice award winner,
who previously appeared in such broadway hits as Jelly’s
Last Jam, Into the woods, Dream girls, The wiz, and Ain’t
supposed to die a natural death. She is most well known
for her role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
The play depicts what happens to
an African American family when money is at stake. The family
is torn about what should be done with the $10,000 insurance
money that they will receive for the death of Walter Lee
Younger Cr.’s death. The money has the worst effect
on Walter Lee Younger Jr. who wants to invest the money
in a liquor store with his friends Willy Harris and Bobo.
Sean Combs who plays Walter in the play gives a shockingly
good performance. One doesn’t expect this type of
performance from a rapper turned actor or even to see a
rapper in a play, but his performance is very convincing.
Another actor that gave an excellent performance was the
young Alexander Mitchell as Travis Younger. He is energetic,
funny and disserving of the role.
The part of Lena Younger (mama) was
played by Phylicia Rashad who in spite of her young age
gave a convincing portrayal of mama. Beneatha Younger who
is Walters’s sister is played by Sanaa Lathan, a smart,
beautiful young lady who was last seen in the film Out of
Time opposite Denzel Washington. She plays an aspiring doctor
who is being put through school by her family. Walter is
upset because he knows some of the insurance money will
go toward Beneatha’s education.
I would imagine that trying to find wardrobe for the 1950’s
would be an extremely difficult job, but costume designer
Paul Tazewell did an excellent job. It was very realistic
clothing for Chicago’s South side in the 1950’s.
The set designer also did a nice job of depicting a small
two-bedroom apartment in that time period.
What I loved most about the play
was not only the actors, the set, or the wardrobe, but the
actual story. This play ends with the characters moving
into the house that mama bought with some of the insurance
money, while Walter’s friend Willy Harris runs off
with the money mama gave him to do with what he wishes.
Though you now know the ending you should still go to see
this play.
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