Review: 'A Raisin in the Sun' Performed at MRH

What is a dream deferred? This was once a disputable question brought up by the late influential poet of the 20th century, Langston Hughes. His question and his poem struck up great controversy for what is means to be Black in America and what the "American Dream" really symbolizes. not only had the honor of performing their rendition of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin the Sun, but they had the honor of bringing the truth to the light.

Life on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950's was quite turbulent. It was plagued with poverty, paternalism, and the most prevalent which were racism and apartheid. The story tells of a poor African-American family who once struggled as cotton-pickers, sharecroppers, etc. for generations and generations, but the family had nothing to show for it. Finally they are alloted an insurance check, after the death of "Big Walter", the foundation of the family, in the amount of $10,000 that will change their lives completely. What they fail to realize is that money is not the source of their help. Many tribulations must take place throughout the course of this play in order for them to come to this realization.

Chris Dubose, who was a brilliant depiction of Walter Lee Younger, can be seen as the basis of these internal issues that were at hand for the family as well as the basis his own vice. The chemistry between every cast member was wonderful. The entire cast maintained a consistency of natural reaction to tragedy through eye contact, non-verbal communication, expression etc. These elements helped generate an emotional connection that the audience can connect with throughout the course of the show. Morgan Patterson-Gill, who embodied Ruth Younger, remarkably exuded these characteristics behind every mishap that her character faced, including her unintentional pregnancy, which is quite impressive being that this production is only her third throughout the course of her high school career. Mama Lena, who was portrayed by Jamyne Epps, can arguably be viewed as the foundation of the family after her husbands death.

Not only did the cast do justice in taking its audience by storm, but the set and props designed by Alejandro Socorro and assisted by James Owens contributed to the brilliance. However, there were a few minor crew dilemmas. There seemed to have been some minor lighting and set transitional difficulties regarding timing. These difficulties proved themselves prevalent in the closing scene as Lena Younger (Jazmyne Epps) exited the stage. These disturbances with lighting and leisurely set changes may have created an issue with the audience's ability of recieving the through line of the show, which can arguably be seen as the importance of the family structure despite adversity.

Maplewood Richmond Heights obviously committed to this lovely rendition of A Raisin in the Sun, and it was quite evident in their production. The conclusion of the show brings back up the question, "What is a Dream Deferred". According to Maplewood Richmond Heights's rendition of A Raisin in the Sun, a dream deffered will most likely always be an unattainable desire, screaming "What if?" from the depths of one's heart.

Patch would like to thank Alexis Tucker of McCluer High School for sharing this St. Louis Cappies review.