A Raisin in the Sun March 12, 2010

Inspire Creative Features Local Actors in A Raisin in the Sun
Inspire Creative, a performing arts company based in Parker, CO, presents A Raisin in the Sun in celebration of Black History Month, featuring local actors Cris Davenport, Gwendolyn Harris, Sheila Fortson, Joseph Fuqua Jones and Tyler Palmer. A Raisin in the Sun plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. March 12 – 20 at Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 Mainstreet in Parker. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Group discounts are available for groups of 20+. Tickets can be purchased online at www.InspireCreative.org or by calling 303-790-0875.
In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, conflict arises when an insurance check provides the means to fulfill conflicting dreams for Lena Younger (Mama) and her children Walter Lee and Beneatha. Hope, racism, feminism, and pride in African heritage are some of the themes in this play about a poor black family's struggle to gain middle-class acceptance in 1950s Chicago
A Raisin in the Sun debuted on Broadway in 1959 and was the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, as well as the first Broadway play with a black director (Lloyd Richards). As the first play to portray black characters, themes, and conflicts in a realistic manner, A Raisin in the Sun received the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play of the Year. Hansberry was the youngest playwright, the fifth woman, and the only black writer at that point to win the award.
Cris Davenport (Walter Lee Younger) recently played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Meeting, and has appeared as Hambone in Two Trains Running, Walter Lee Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy, Zues in Metamorphoses, and in a national commercial for Intelligent Office. John Moore called Cris a “superlative newcomer” in his review of Two Trains Running. Cris received his MFA from the Actors Studio.
Gwendolyn Harris (Lena Younger) most recently performed the title role in Zora at the Mercury Cafe.
Sheila Fortson’s (Ruth Younger) film credits include Letters to God (from the director of Fireproof and Facing the Giants), and commercials for Russell Stover Chocolates, Spasensials and Denver Mattress. She received training from Act One Studios in Chicago, Liberty University, and Benjy Dobin Studios in Denver.
Joseph Fuqua Jones (Joseph Asagai) recently played Malcolm X in The Meeting, and has appeared in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Big Love. As a theatre major, he received his BFA from Western State College.
Tyler Palmer (Travis Younger) most recently appeared in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ production of A Raisin in the Sun.
Visit www.InspireCreative.org to view the actors and director in a round table discussion of Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun.
About Inspire Creative
INSPIRE CREATIVE, INC. is a three-fold arts organization with a heart to encourage individuals to discover their artistic talents, develop them in a safe atmosphere that encourages growth rather than ego and provides them with opportunities to use those talents through exceptional performances, service, training and community. For more information on Inspire Creative, visit www.InspireCreative.org or call (303) 790-0875.
PSA/Listing
Inspire Creative - A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning play about a poor black family's struggle to gain middle-class acceptance in 1950s Chicago. March 12 – 20 - Fri./Sat. at 7 p.m. $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Discounts available for groups of 20 or more. Call 303-790-0875 or online at inspirecreative.org - Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 Mainstreet in Parker.