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Cappies: Dreams exposed in Maplewood-Richmond Heights 'Raisin'

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 8, 2011 - Maplewood Richmond Heights' production of "A Raisin in the Sun" on Friday showed the audience what truly happens to a dream deferred.

Based on a poem by Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes, "A Raisin in the Sun" was written by Lorraine Hansberry. It premiered on Broadway in 1959, was nominated for four Tony Awards and was turned into three different films, a musical, and was revived on Broadway in 2004.

The production as a whole was dramatic and full of tension, with bits of comedy thrown in to break it up. The story starts with the Youngers, an African-American family living the 1950s just trying to make it until the insurance check from their deceased grandfather arrives. Although the check is endorsed to Lena "Mama" Younger (Jazmyn Epps), who is the rock of the family, the family members all dream of what they could do with their share. The family had an emotional connection that showed through the good and the bad times, they would still be there for each other.

Walter Lee (Chris Dubose) the strong-headed, hard-working man dreams of opening a liquor store and being a big business man. Dubose has a strong, powerful voice and held his character throughout the entire performance. His wife Ruth Younger (Morgan Patterson-Gill) was passionate about her role. She just wanted to get her young son Travis (Kendall Nelson) and the rest of her family out of their South Side apartment in Chicago. The couple together had excellent chemistry. Although they may have had disagreements throughout the play, their true love for each other showed in the end.

Beneatha (Brianna Jones), the comedic younger sister with feminist ideals and a need for individuality, aspires to be a doctor. Jones was sassy, eccentric and gave off the impression that she didn't need anyone to get what she wanted in life.

Overall, the technical aspects of the show were excellent. The set (designed by Alejandro Socorro) was a realistic apartment with accurate appliances and furniture from that period. As scenes changed, the lights (designed by Alexis Telford) in the backdrop changed from morning to night. A tremendous amount of props (selected by Krystal Peterson and Erin Goodenough) -- which were all also correct for the time, such as a real record player and the real food in the refrigerator -- added a nice touch.

Maplewood-Richmond Heights performers left the audience feeling as though everything was going to be all right for the Younger family.

Kristen McPike is a student at McCluer High School.

About the Cappies

The Critics and Awards Program for high school theater -- known as Cappies -- was formed in the aftermath of the Columbine shooting to celebrate writing and performing arts at America's high schools. It operates chapters across the nation.

St. Louis' program was launched in 2002-03.

At the end of the year, the top performers, technicians and reviewers are honored during a Tony-style gala.

The Beacon is happy to help spread the word by printing some reviews.