“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”—from “Harlem,” by Langston Hughes
Leonard Dozier loves “A Raisin in the Sun,” the classic play about the dreams and struggles of an African-American family in 1950s Chicago.
But having performed the role of Walter Lee Younger, its protagonist, twice, the actor thought he was “done.” Still, when Donald L. Alsedek, executive artistic director of Open Stage of Harrisburg, announced that the downtown professional theater would be presenting “Raisin,” Dozier couldn’t resist.
“It’s one of the best pieces of literature in contemporary American art,” he said.
Since its opening on March 11, 1959, the play has risen to iconic status. Both humorous and touching, it was doubly groundbreaking—the first work written for Broadway by an African-American woman and staged by Broadway’s first black director. The playwright was Lorraine Hansberry (who tragically died of cancer at age 34) and the director, Lloyd Richards.
Nominated for four Tony Awards, “A Raisin in the Sun” revolves around the conflicting dreams of three generations of a black family, the Youngers, living on Chicago’s South Side. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama dreams of moving to a new home and better neighborhood. Her son, Walter Lee, a chauffeur, wants to buy his own liquor store. His sister, Beneatha, aims for medical school. Meanwhile, they are beset by white prejudice.
Revisiting “Raisin” is appealing to Dozier, both because it affords him the opportunity to work at Open Stage again and because he’s now 35.
“That’s the actual age of Walter,” he said. “And I have more life experience under my belt.”
The actor appeared at the theater previously in four plays by August Wilson—“The Piano Lesson,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Joe Turner Come and Gone” and “Fences.” He was nominated for regional Broadway World Best Actor Awards for the last two.
From Dozier’s present perspective, “Raisin” seems less about racial consciousness per se and more about a man striving to improve his lot.
“But, in these racially tense times, it does retain its relevance on that level as well,” he said.
“A Raisin in the Sun” certainly has legs. It was turned into a musical in 1973 and a made-for-TV movie in 1989, in addition to a 2004 stage revival with Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. More recent was the revival with Denzel Washington, which, noted Alsedek, gave a boost to a play that never really waned.
“It proved that the play still resonates, maybe more than it did in 1959,” he said. “It has become more universal and maybe even more relevant, since a lot more people are in line for that American Dream. It speaks to a large audience.”
What hasn’t changed is the perception of the play being very well written. “What a shame Hansberry wasn’t able to go on,” Alsedek commented.
Alsedek has assembled a cast that is a mixture of actors new to Open Stage and veterans.
In addition to Dozier, they are Jessica Gondwe (Ruth Younger), Madison Bond (Travis Younger), Nhadya Salomon (Beneatha), Sharia Benn (“Mama” Lena), Jurdan Payne (Joseph Asagai), Jeremy Patterson (George Murchison), Aaron Bomar (BoBo), Dan Burke (Karl Lindner) and Jason Moffitt (moving man). Gwen Alsedek designed the set and costumes, and Tristan Stasiulis did the lighting design.
One aspect of “Raisin” that may be more noticeable today is feminism.
“It’s really a women’s play,” Donald Alsedek said. “Over the years, we’ve thought of the male star—which in the original production and 1961 movie was Sidney Poitier—but, if you really take a look, the play has three very strong female parts. Mama is the glue of the family.”
Set at the brink of the Civil Rights movement, “Raisin” also explores changing expectations.
At one point, Mama states: “I was just happy to get the family together and keep it from getting lynched.” Her children, however, have other, larger dreams.
“A Raisin in the Sun” runs Feb. 6 to 22 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 223 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Tickets cost $25 to $35, except for limited $15 tickets on PSEA Thrift Thursday, Feb. 12 and 19. Student tickets are $21 with valid ID. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.openstagehbg.com or call 717-232-OPEN.
