Download A Raisin in the Sun program

Concordia Players Presents
A Raisin in the Sun
Directed by Prof. Lori Woodall
April 27, 28, 29 at 7:30pm
April 29 and 30 at 1:30pm
Todd Wehr Auditorium
Concordia University Wisconsin
12800 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Mequon WI 53073
*Please note there is era-appropriate race language used in the
play. Not suitable for children under 13.
Instagram Social Icon
Use #footlights on Instagram
share’n is care’n
@mrkylemac
A Raisin in the Sun
1
LAN
RT OF
A
E
TH
DSCAPING
LANDSCAPE RENOVATION
We work with you and for you to create a new look for your property.
PLANTING & COLORSCAPING
From trees and shrubs to spring bulbs, summer and fall annuals,
we can design a program for you.
CUSTOMIZED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
Each program is designed to meet your specific property needs and budget.
ad,
6565 N. Industrial Ro
2
W
kee,
u
a
Milw
8-1800
I • 414-35
www.stanolandscaping.com
Concordia University Wisconsin
A R AISIN IN THE SUN, BY LORR AINE HANSBERRY
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a soreAnd then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat
Or crust and sugar overLike a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
-from Harlem, by Langston Hughes
S H OW I N F O R M AT I O N
Time: 1959
Setting: Chicago’s Southside
Act I
Scene One: Friday morning
Scene Two: The following morning
Act II
Scene One: Later, the same day
Scene Two: Friday night, a few weeks later
Scene Three: Moving day, one week later
Act III
An hour later
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S
Concordia University Theatre is very proud to present A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine
Hansberry. This play marked the first play written by an African-American woman
produced on Broadway, and Ms. Hansberry became the first African-American playwright
and the youngest American to win the New York Critics’ Circle Award. The play continued
on to great success in film versions, the first of which is the classic 1961 film, starring
Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, which won several awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
Hansberry was the granddaughter of a freed slave, and, in her short life, in addition to
writing, a lifelong Civil Rights activist. Her life was cut short by pancreatic cancer in 1965,
at the age of 35. After her death, her ex-husband Robert Nemiroff adapted a collection of
her writing and interviews in To Be Young, Gifted and Black, which opened off-Broadway
at the Cherry Lane Theatre and ran for eight months. A Raisin in the Sun is considered
one of the hallmarks of the American stage and has found continued success throughout
the decades, including Emmy-nominated television productions from both 1989 and
2008. The play has earned accolades from Broadway as well, winning Tony Awards in
2004 and 2014, including Best Revival of a Play.
A Raisin in the Sun
3
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S
c o n t.
The CUW Players’ version will feature live music from Negro Spirituals and the Civil Rights
era, celebrating the rich culture and versatility of African-Americans, which is something
the play does itself. Arguably, no other play has captured the dynamics of every day
African American life and cultural expression as A Raisin in the Sun, and the play succeeds
in expressing the very souls of Black folk, as expressed by W.E.B. DuBois:
“After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro
is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second-sight in this American
world,—a world which yields him no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself
through the revelation of the other world. It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness,
this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one by the
tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness,—an
American, a Negro... two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark
body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.
The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife, — this longing to attain selfconscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self.”
—W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk
Enjoy the show!
-Director/Producer, Prof. Lori Woodall-Schaufler
N O T E S F R O M T H E D R A M AT U R G
What happens to a dream deferred?
This is the central question of Lorraine Hansberry’s Pulitzer prize-winning play, A Raisin
in the Sun. The dream is, at its core, the American Dream, one that is as universal to
Hansberry’s audiences as she could have chosen. Yet it still a dream that manifests itself
differently for each character in the play. For Mama, it is dream of a better life for her
children. For Walter Lee, monetary success that would establish his identity as a man,
a provider and leader, somebody important. For Beneatha it is a dream to heal the
brokenness of her people and to find herself.
All of the many facets of this American Dream are viewed through the lenses of multiple
generations. Mama shows us a glimpse of what has been. She is a picture of the way
the African American community dealt with their struggles in her youth, holding her
family together with her strong faith and a determination to make the best of things.
Her daughter in law, Ruth, is also focused on her family, but she is restless, tired,
and desperate for change, a picture of the weariness and desperation of the African
Americans of 1959. Beneatha- young, independent, determined, and actively fighting
to forge her own path in the world- represents the future. Her aspirations are counter
cultural and expressed violently at times. She, like the last line of the poem Harlem,
foreshadows the explosion that was to erupt in the 1960s during the height of the Civil
Rights movement.
4
This leads to the play’s other theme, that of change. Changing attitudes towards a
woman’s role in the world, God, family, status, money, and the rights of an oppressed
people are woven throughout its narrative. Many of these are issues that the playwright
Concordia University Wisconsin
N O T E S F R O M T H E D R A M AT U R G
c o n t.
encountered sharply in her early experiences. Her father, Carl Hansberry, had been
instrumental in fighting the racially restrictive covenants that excluded African
Americans from living outside of segregated areas of Chicago, moving his family to what
the playwright later described as, “a hellishly hostile “white neighborhood” in which,
literally, howling mobs surrounded our house.” The violence, opposition, and hatred, as
well as the great sacrifice made by her family during this time left a deep impression on
the young Hansberry.
It is through tying together elements of her own life, and the realities of the African
American experience through a story with universal themes of struggle and hope for
a better life that Lorraine Hansberry was able to communicate the play’s powerful
message of change to her audiences of all races and ethnicities. She opened her world
to those who might not otherwise ever take the time to understand it, and in doing so
demonstrated the need for understanding, respect, and a coming together of different
perspectives on each of the play’s central issues, a unity that has the potential to impact
the trajectory of a family, and, ultimately, a nation, for better.
-by Lianna Brice
CAST LIST
Walter Lee Younger.................................................................................................................Marcel Alston
Ruth Younger.................................................................................................................. Courtney Richards
Beneatha Younger.............................................................................................................. Carrie Robinson
Lena Younger.............................................................................................................................. Lori Woodall
Travis Younger.........................................................................................................................Sam Davidson
Joseph Asagai..................................................................................................................... DiAngelo Wragg
George Murchison................................................................................................................Derrion Brown
Karl Lindner.................................................................................................................................... Aidan Mills
Mrs. Johnson.....................................................................................................................Renetta Robinson
Saxophone.......................................................................................................................George Ballesteros
Drums...................................................................................................................................Jonathon Gideon
Dancers............................................................Stephanie Bongard, Angela Penterman, Noah Voigt
Chorus (Singing)................................................ Ethan Karshnik, Owen Kannenberg, Lianna Brice,
Rachel Bartsch, Leah Wilde, Noah Voigt, Iesha Golden
Jonathon Gideon, Sarah Schmeiser, Alexis Smith
R
COLO
ALE
END
OOL
H SCH
HIG
ATRE
THE
TS
SEN
PRE
GRE
COLOR
CH
MAR 5
201
E TO
THE
ARY
END
LEG
BUT
A TRI
MAN
CK
IN BLA
RING
OF
Check out our
NEW Program
Archives!
C
per
Ex
ie
© Disney
RG
NTER.O
URECE
S
URG
ARB G ART R
E
CED MIN
T
FOR
PER E N
C
©The
Kubala
The
R
COLO
s, Inc.
o Architect
Washatk
Search by Season or by
Theatre Company. Only on
UR
ARB
CED MIN E R
T
FOR
PER E N
ALE
END
OOL
H SCH
HIG
ATRE
THE
TS
SEN
PRE
GRE
ents
pres
CH
MAR 5
201
ber
tem
Sep
er 6
emb IO
Nov STUD
28 – STIEMKE
irez
sey
o Ram Ram
Marc Kevin
BY
BY
CTED
DIRE
A Raisin in the Sun
5
Lion
King
| OVERT
1
continues
Support for the arts
with a move to
Milwaukee Catholic Home
Milwaukee Catholic Home’s exciting
schedule of performing arts events
has included performances by Paul
Cebar, Robin Pluer, the Radio Rosies,
and many others. Visit our website’s
“Community Life” page to learn more.
2462 N. Prospect Avenue • Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.224.9700
milwaukeecatholichome.com
6
Concordia University Wisconsin
PRODUCTION TEA M
Director/Producer........................................................................................................... Prof. Lori Woodall
Asst. Director..................................................................................................................................Erin Eggers
Stage Manager............................................................................................................ Melinda Rhodebeck
Asst. Stage Managers..........................................................................Kaitlyn Pellettiere, Tom Forshee
Dramaturge..................................................................................................................................Lianna Brice
Set Design................................................................................................................................... Alan Atwood
Costume Design.........................................................................................................................Candy Polka
Lighting Design.........................................................................................................................Dan Hummel
Sound Design................................................................................................................... Prof. Lori Woodall
Sound Engineering...........................................................................................................Bradley Dunigan
Music Instructor..................................................................................................................... Helene Pickett
Acting Coach...........................................................................................................................Ryan Schaufler
Lighting Tech.............................................................................................................................Emma Kordik
Sound Tech......................................................................................................................Alexandra Pakalski
Wardrobe Assistants..................................................................................... Laura Snyder, Sarah Denke
Set Construction.............................Michael Landers, Brian Harries, Dan Hummel, Jim Iaquinta,
Alan Atwood, Abhishek Aynala, Kuladeep Reddy V,
Neela Perla, Pradeep Ramayanam,
Sai Avadhanam, Naga Vardhineei
House Manager/Box Manager.................................................................................Savannah Boisseau
Box Office Staff...............................................................................Alexis Rolenc, Sarah Bremer, Josiah
Reyes, Steven Beloin
Marketing/Publicity.....................................................................Jeff Bandurski, Courtney Omernick,
Chris Halper, Andrew Zajak
Graphic Design......................................................................................................................... Rachel Morris
Lobby Photography....................................................................................................Terry Clark-Bauman
Lobby Art Display....................................................................................................................Hannaan Bilal
S P E C I A L T H A N K S TO
CUW Marketing, CUW Business Office, Boomers Magazine, CUW Duplication Center,
Sunset Playhouse, Miller and Campbell, Inc., Hannaan Bilal, Theatre Student Workers,
Footlights, KCACTF, Bob MacPherson and Terry Ronsman, and anyone else we have
missed due to deadline!
CAST BIOGR APHIES
MARCEL ALSTON
(Walter Lee)
Marcel Alston is very
excited to make Raisin
his sixth CUW show.
Previously, he has
appeared in 12 Angry
Jurors, The Importance of Being Earnest,
Hairspray, and Macbeth, to name a few. He
is very excited to play Walter Lee. A favorite
Bible verse of his is Psalms 3.
COURTNEY RICHARDS
(Ruth)
Courtney is pleased to
be on acting one last
time in her final role on
the CUW stage. She last
was seen as Mrs. Gloop
in Willy Wonka. She is thankful to have
started and ended her Concordia Theatre
career alongside Sarah Schmeiser. She is
grateful for all the amazing friendships
A Raisin in the Sun
7
CAST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
and relationships that developed off stage
because of the magic on stage. She thanks
her family for always supporting her acting
and artistic endeavors and thanks God for
giving her a love of the arts. 2 Tim 1:7
at (Holy Communion Lutheran Church
and Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church)
in the production Dance of Death. With
more than 30 years’ experience as a
seamstress, Renetta has taught sewing to
both adults and children. This is Renetta’s
first time with CUW. She is grateful to be
part of her fourth stage production where
she explores the role of Mrs. Johnson
in the production of A Raisin in the Sun.
She would like to thank her husband,
family and friends for their support and
genuine love. She would also like to thank
Lori for this tremendous and wonderful
opportunity. “l laboured, yet not I. By the
grace of God, I am what I am, and do what I
do. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
CARRIE ROBINSON
(Beneatha)
Carrie Robinson is
currently a freshman
studying Political
Science with a minor
in Social Sciences. This
is her second production at Concordia, her
first being Willy Wonka- Depp Cast, where
she was Grandma Josephine, Philea Trout,
and an Oompa Loompa. She is excited to
perform as Beneatha Younger in A Raisin
in The Sun. She would like to thank her
DIANGELO WRAGG
Mom and all of her friends for being so
(Joseph Asagai)
supportive, and always her biggest fans!
Di Angelo is
She would also like to thank Lori Woodall
encouraged to debut
for giving her this amazing opportunity to
in his first play here
continue theatre endeavors! “I can do all
at CUW. He is a junior
things through Christ who strengthens me”
majoring in Biblical
Philippians 4:13
Languages with a minor in Christian
Thought. I would like to thank the Lord
SAM DAVIDSON
Jesus Christ who is head of my life. I also
(Travis)
would like to thank Lori Woodall for this
Sam is in 8th grade
opportunity and the dynamic cast, crew
and is so excited to
and production team for allowing me to
be in a college play!
broaden my learning experience amongst
He has performed in
excellence. He also thanks his family and
numerous plays with
Cousin Francesca … All audience thanks
Morning Star Productions: Rag Doll’s Dance, for sharing your time with us remember
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Glory Rising Matthew 6:33 and Be Encouraged.
and The Paper Bag Christmas.
AIDAN MILLS
RENETTA ROBINSON
(Mr. Lindner)
(Mrs. Johnson)
Aidan Mills is a
Renetta Robinson is
sophomore and this is
his fourth show at CUW.
a Milwaukee native
and a wife, mother
He enjoys making
and grandmother. A
people laugh, but he
relative newcomer
also enjoys more serious roles. He would
to the theatrical stage, she is currently a
like to thank his friends, who got him
student at John Casablanca’s modeling
interested in acting at CUW. His favorite
training center and was last seen on stage
bible verse is Romans 8:38-39
8
Concordia University Wisconsin
CAST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
WILL TURNER (Bobo)
Will is very excited for
his third play with CUW.
He is a senior studying
criminal justice. He last
was seen in Willy Wonka
playing a number of
different roles. He would like to thank
God for blessing him with many talents.
He would also like to thank his family and
friends for their continued support.
DERRION BROWN
(George Murchison)
Derrion is grateful
to being making a
guest appearance in
Concordia production
of A Raisin in the Sun. It
has been a pleasure for him to watch these
students find their way in this journey
and he is inspired by their progression.
He would like to thank the cast and crew
for their hard work and director for this
opportunity and guidance.
NOAH VOIGT (Chorus/Dancer)
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.”
Noah is a senior majoring in Graphic
Design with a minor in Theater Marketing.
He is thrilled to be acting alongside such
a talented cast and crew, and is excited
to see the amount of interest in Theatre
among the freshman class this year. He has
been in several of Concordia’s productions,
with the most recent being Willy Wonka
and 12 Angry Men. He also enjoys doing
tech and design work for Acacia Theatre.
STEPHANIE BONGARD (Dancer)
Stephanie is excited to be back on stage
with the Concordia Players! She was
previously Olive in The Women of Lockerbie.
She thanks her friends and family for
always supporting her passions. Psalm 91.
LIANNA BRICE (Chorus)
Lianna Brice is a junior studying Choral
Music Education and Theatre. This is
her ninth show at Concordia, and she
appeared onstage earlier this year as
Charlie in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate
Factory and Woman 1 in The Women of
Lockerbie. Lianna is grateful for the hard
work of the cast and crew, for the love and
support of family and friends, and for her
Savior, Jesus Christ. “So, whether you eat
or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the
glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
ALEXIS SMITH (Chorus)
Alexis is very excited to be a part of
another theatre production at CUW!! She
is a senior studying Special Education,
Early Childhood Education and Theater
(minor). Her past favorite shows she has
been in at CUW include Hairspray, Macbeth,
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,
Three Genius Cabaret, and the title role as
Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web. She would
like to thank the cast, crew, director, and
production team for all of their hard work
on the show, and her family always for their
love and support. She would also like to
thank God for giving her this opportunity
to make new friends and use her gifts.
Psalms 57:3
A Raisin in the Sun
9
CAST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
RACHEL BARTSCH (Chorus)
Rachel is an accounting major from
Cameron, WI. She is proud to join this
talented cast and crew on stage once again
at CUW. She gives special thanks to her
family, friends, and fellow thespians for
their constant encouragement.
Colossians 3:23
ETHAN KARSCHNIK (Chorus)
Ethan is a freshman at CUW with a Mass
Communications major and Theatre minor.
Having previously worked on Willy Wonka
at CUW, he is excited to perform a new
show and further advance his skills in this
theatre department.
OWEN KANNENBERG (Chorus)
Owen is a freshman with aspirations to
major in Business Management. He is also
very excited to have a role in the chorus
for this play. In addition, this is his first
production with Concordia Theatre.
GEORGE BALLESTEROS (Saxophone)
George Ballesteros has found a saxy home
in the CUW Drama department. Outside
the theater department George is a
freelance bassist who has performed with
bands all across the greater Milwaukee
area. This is George’s first show at CUW and
certainly will not be his last.
JONATHON GIDEON (Musician/Chorus)
Jonathon is a sophomore music major
from Plymouth, Wisconsin. This is his fourth
show with the Concordia Players. He most
recently appeared as Willy Wonka in Willy
Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
1 Corinthians 13:1
10
Concordia University Wisconsin
LEAH WILDE (Chorus)
Leah Wilde is a Chorus Member in the
play A Raisin in the Sun. This is her second
Concordia University production and is
very excited to be in it! Leah hopes you
enjoy this classic production.
SARAH SCHMEISER (Chorus)
Sarah Schmeiser is a senior Illustration
major and English minor, graduating this
May. She has participated in several shows,
both on stage and behind the scenes. The
friends made through these experiences
have made the work well worthwhile. She
is especially thankful to have both started
and ended her theatre career at Concordia
alongside Courtney Richards. She is
thankful to all the hard work the cast and
crew put into these shows, and to our Lord
who grants us talent so that we can show
His love to others. Isaiah 30:21
IESHA GOLDEN (Chorus)
This would make Iesha’s second show at
Concordia University. She has been in
many musicals in high school, from Jesus
Christ Superstar to Dream Girls and even
Hamilton. Iesha is a freshmen, she majors
in Psychology and minors in Theatre.
She would like to thank her family and
friends for being an awesome support
team, and she gives thanks to the cast and
crew for making this production run well.
She would like to thank God for making
everything possible.
ANGELA PENTERMAN (CHORUS)
Angela is a nineteen-year-old freshman
currently studying Graphic Design.
Although this is her first time in Theatre,
she has been dancing since she was four
years old, with her experience including
competitive dance and the CUW Dance
Team.
PRODUCTION TEA M BIOGR APHIES
PROF. LORI WOODALL
(Director/Producer/
Mama)
Lori is a CUW Theatre
Professor, and this
labor of love, Raisin,
puts her just shy of her
20th directed play at CUW. Past favorites at
CUW are The Women of Lockerbie, Hairspray,
Sense and Sensibility, and Waiting for the
Parade. She is a 25 + year professional
Theatre artist with an MFA from Cal Arts,
and as an actress last appeared a few
weeks ago playing Ann Atwater in Best of
Enemies with Acacia Theatre, opposite her
husband, Ryan Schaufler. Though she was
not planning to play Mama, she thanks
God for the opportunity to play alongside
her CUW students and work, learn, and
grow with them and from them. She is so
excited to work with veteran CUW actors,
new students, and community actors with
such talent, depth, and dedication. Lori has
had nearly a lifetime attachment to this
play, having played Ruth in college, and
Beneatha professionally with Hansberry
Sands back in 1999, one of her all-time
favorite roles. She has enjoyed being a
“Mama” to her beloved students. In her
spare time, she is a wife and mother of two
little ones, and enjoys Drama Ministry. She
recommends all Theatre artists try acting
in a show they are directing, just for the
insanity of it (wink). All glory and praise be
to God, for carrying our burdens and being
our Strength. Isaiah 40:28-31
ERIN EGGERS (Assistant Director)
Erin Nicole Eggers recently returned to
the U.S. after directing David Mamet’s
AMERICAN BUFFALO with TheatreX at
the Gerhart Theatre in Cairo. Favorite
Milwaukee directing credits include
BEST OF ENEMIES with Acacia Theatre,
Harold Pinter’s THE DUMB WAITER, Sam
Shepard’s TRUE WEST, and David Mamet’s
OLEANNA at The Alchemist Theatre and
the world premiere of STARLINGS by
her favorite playwright, Ben Parman, at
Soulstice Theatre. Thank you to Lori for this
opportunity. Love and gratitude to Janet
& Randy, Aaron & Erica, Ben, Jason, David,
Claudio, and Lorca. For Aaron and DJ.
MELINDA RHODEBECK (Stage Manager)
Melinda is happy to return to Concordia.
She has been working in theatres around
Milwaukee for 10 years. Shows include
SLEEPWALKING (Morning Star), THE GREAT
DIVORCE (Acacia Theatre), and GODSPELL
(Concordia). Thanks to Lori and the
ASMs and crew for making everything so
enjoyable. Ps. 40:5
TOM FORSHEE (Assistant Stage Manager)
Tom is very excited to be in his eleventh
production on the CUW stage. Tom is an
English major and has minors in Spanish
and Theatre. He would like to thank
everybody involved in the production,
as well as his family and friends, for their
unwavering support on his journey to
becoming a professional actor. He would
also like to thank God for giving him this
wonderful opportunity to use the talents
given to him. Joshua 1:9
KATIE PELLETTIERE
(Assistant Stage
Manager)
Katie is a freshman
here at CUW, she is
a Secondary Ed and
English major with a
Theatre minor. She is from Lake Villa, IL. She
is a freshman here and feels blessed for the
theater because it has encouraged her to
make friends. This is her third show that
she has Assistant Stage Managed. Katie
would like to thank her parents for always
encouraging her to follow her dreams.
ALAN ATWOOD (Set Design)
Alan is currently on loan from Morning Star
Productions where he serves as Artistic
Director. This is his third set design for
A Raisin in the Sun
11
PRODUCTION TEA M BIOGR APHIES
CUW, having designed for Macbeth and
12 Angry Jurors, and Always a Bridesmaid.
When not producing shows at MSP or
performing his one-man plays in prisons
across Wisconsin, he enjoys spending time
with his wife, Mary Ellen, his four kids, and
three grandchildren.
DAN HUMMEL (Lighting Design)
Professor Hummel teaches Stagecraft 1
and 2 at CUW, and designs lighting and
sets for some of the productions, like
lighting for The Women of Lockerbie,12
Angry Jurors, Always a Bridesmaid, and
sets for Godspell, The Importance of Being
Earnest, Charlotte’s Web, and Willy Wonka.
He also designs for the Acacia Theatre
Company on this stage and his lighting
and projection technology were last seen
12
Concordia University Wisconsin
c o n t.
in Best of Enemies a month ago. Dan is
glad to work on this important and iconic
production with such talented staff and
students, and hopes we will all be changed
by the depths Ms. Hansberry makes us feel.
CANDY POLKA (Costume Design)
Candy is pleased to return as Costume
Designer for Raisin, as she has enjoyed
working with the CUW students for over
25 years. Past shows include Willy Wonka
and the Chocolate Factory, The Women of
Lockerbie, Hairspray, and The Importance of
Being Earnest, to name only a few. Thanks
to Lori and the team for the opportunity
to work with them again. Candy also does
design work for Heritage Designs, and
enjoys time with her family and grandkids,
and helping out at church. God bless!