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A Raisin in the Sun -
Cast & Production Team Biographies
A note from the Director -
Dr. Corlis Hayes
"What drew my interest in directing A Raisin in the Sun is its similarities to August Wilson's Fences. Family matters and power relations are two themes shared by both masterpieces. Clearly, in these two dramas, The Youngers go through issues like the death of a loved one, just like Troy's family in Fences. Hansberry's classic work A Raisin in the Sun, like Wilson's Fences, proves that a play set in the 50's, with themes that portray the black experience, are just as relevant today.
Now you know the story..... Now come check out the play!"
*A Raisin in the Sun will be utilizing two casts for the duration of this production*
The Casts of A Raisin in the Sun
Each cast is named after historic theatres in Chicago, IL, where our story takes place. The Grove Theatre is a large movie house in the Grand Crossing neighborhood. The Grove Theatre, which could seat over 1,800, was opened by Lubliner & Trinz on May 12, 1926, with Rod LaRocque in “Bachelor Brides”.
Designed in the Spanish Baroque style, with an ornate terra-cotta facade, the Grove Theatre’s exterior is quite similar (on a smaller scale) in appearance to another W.W. Ahlschlager-designed Chicago neighborhood theater, the Belmont Theatre in Lakeview, now demolished except for its facade.
Operated by Warner Brothers/Stanley-Warner during the 1930s, 1940, and into the mid-1950s, the Grove Theatre was a first-run house for most of its existence.
After it closed as a movie theatre in the 1970s, it later became home to a church.
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CLICK HERE for School Show reservations.
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The Grove Cast will be performing on the following dates:
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Friday 9/19 at 10 am - School Show
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Saturday 9/20 at 2 pm
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Thursday 9/25 at 10 am - School Show
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Friday 9/26 at 10 am - School Show
Each cast is named after historic theatres in Chicago, IL, where our story takes place. The Regal Theater was a night club, theater, and music venue, popular among African Americans, located in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The Regal was a major complex that featured films, dance, music, and comedy. The theater was a prominent entertainment venue for over four decades in Chicago, Illinois. This theater opened on February 4, 1928, located in "Bronzeville", at 4719 South Parkway (now King Drive).
The theater was designed by Levy and Klein and was influenced by Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in New York City. It closed in 1968 and was demolished in 1973. Part of the Balaban and Katz chain, the lavishly decorated venue, with plush carpeting and velvet drapes, featured some of the most celebrated African-American entertainers in America.
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The Regal Cast will be performing on the following dates:
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Friday 9/19 at 7:30 pm
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Saturday 9/20 at 7:30 pm
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Sunday 9/21 at 2 pm
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Thursday 9/25 at 7:30 pm - Pay What You Can Night!
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Friday 9/26 at 7:30 pm
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Saturday 9/27 at 2 pm
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Saturday 9/27 at 7:30 pm
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Sunday 9/28 at 2 pm​
CAST:
Renee Welsh-Noel as Ruth Younger (Regals Cast)
Instagram: @rwelshnoel
Reneé Welsh-Noel (Ruth Younger) is a performer, choreographer, and teacher based in Charlotte, NC. With a BA in Choreography and Dance Theory from UNC Charlotte, she creates choreography for productions in and around Charlotte. She has most recently made appearances on stage in shows throughout North America including the touring production of the Drama League Award nominated “GRIMMZ Hip Hop Fairytales” (Rapunzel/Step Mother/Snow White), “Continuity” (Lily) with Charlotte Conservatory Theatre, and the MTA Award winning play “Leaving Watermaine” (Jeridene). When Reneé is not on or backstage, she is a studio artist making collage and paper creations.
Nasha Shandri as Ruth Younger (Groves Cast)
Instagram: @nashashandri
Nasha (Ruth Younger) is excited to join Matthew's Playhouse in Lorainne Hansberry's “ A Raisin in the Sun”. Some of her most recent stage credits include “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” (BNS Productions), “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte) and “Shakin the Mess Outta of Misery” (Rock Hill Theatre). When not on stage, on set, or being an uber for her children, Nasha spends her time helping others remember stories by empowering them to gain control of their health through different modalities. Join her on IG @nashashandri to receive positive, empowering messages, tongue-in-cheek jokes, occasional health suggestions, and creative projects!
Jonavan Adams as Walter Lee Younger (Regals Cast)
Instagram: @Koolbreeeeze
Jonavan Adams is excited to be in his first production with Matthews Playhouse. Obtaining a BA in Theatre Performance from Appalachian State University, he’s been blessed to work with many theatre companies in the Charlotte area over the last 20 years. Most recent credits include Herald Loomis in August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” produced by BNS Productions, Doaker in August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” produced by BNS Productions, and Captain Davenport in A Soldier’s Play produced by Free Reign Theatre. Jonavan has also been blessed to work in TV, commercials, and film. He would like to thank his family, friends, fraternity (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.), and YOU - the patron - for the support throughout the years.
Justin Peoples as Walter Lee Younger (Groves Cast)
Instagram: @jwpeep
Justin Peoples (Walter Younger) is a local Charlotte actor who is originally from Durham, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He is very excited to be a part of this production and credits his theatre professor, Ms. Frankie Day, for instilling in him that it's always about the work.
Lillie Oden as Lena Younger (Both Casts)
Instagram: @lil_actress_oden
Lillie Oden (Lena Younger) is an actress, director and voice over talent from Cleveland, Ohio. Her most recent stage production was “Steel Magnolias” (Piedmont Players), which she directed while playing the role of Clairee. Credits include “Shakin The Mess Outa Misery”, “Dot”, “The Children”, “Four Old Broads", “Murder at the Pie Auction", "Fences” and "Having Our Say” just to name a few. Her latest film, “Silent Murmur" is now streaming. Lillie is excited to be making her debut at Matthew’s Playhouse with this stellar cast. She sends special thanks to her family, friends, fans and Poundcake for their love and support.
Thaddeus Faustin as Travis Younger (Groves Cast)
Instagram: @Thaddeus_Faustin
Thaddeus Faustin is delighted to be making his debut with Matthews Playhouse. Thaddeus made his theatrical debut last winter with BNS productions in “Joe Turner's Come and Gone” (Rueben). While new to the big stage, Thaddeus is no stranger to acting in TV and film with recent roles in the feature film “Jesus Land” (Young David) and some of his favorite TV credits including “Abbott Elementary” (Barbara’s Student 1), “The Conners” (Albert) and “Ogden” (Jack). Thaddeus has received training from Acting Out Studios, The Children’s Theater of Charlotte and Actorsite. Thaddeus is a creative at heart and loves playing chess, taking care of animals and spending time with friends.
Solomon Doleman as Travis Younger (Regals Cast)
Solomon Doleman (Travis) is excited to be making his debut with Matthews Playhouse. Solomon has performed in "Samson," "The Fourth Cross,""The Gospel According to Tennessee" and he was a lead character, "Shorty," in "The Real Christmas Story," all at NarroWay Productions. He is a student of the Martial Arts, he enjoys swimming, and loves to read. When he's not on the stage, Solomon enjoys spending time with his siblings. He looks up to his older siblings and is a proud big brother, always modeling kindness and patience.
K. Alana Jones as Beneatha Younger (Regals Cast)
Instagram: @Blackkay2
K. Alana (Beneatha), originally from Huntsville, Alabama by way of Columbia, SC, has been involved in the arts from a young age. She sang in church from age 6 to 18 and went on to major in vocal performance. In 2016, she started in ensemble work for stage plays and continues to grow as an actress. She’s been in shows like “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”, “Be a Lion", "A Long Time Since Yesterday", “Speakeasy", “Leaving Watermaine", "For the Love of Harlem”, and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” to name a few. From singing, to dancing, to acting, to modeling, to activism, to creating, Alana lives for entertaining and giving a message. Her motto is “the hardest decisions in life are deciding which bridge to burn and which to cross. While you debate, keep giving your magic.”
Mikayla Broome as Beneatha Younger (Groves Cast)
Instagram: @thejourneytobe_me
Mikayla Broome (Beneatha Younger/Choreographer) is a choreographer and actress with a passion for bringing narratives to life through movement and language. She discovered her love for storytelling at a young age and has been creating ever since. Mikayla has choreographed multiple productions at Matthews Playhouse, where she enjoys exploring the joyful connection of body, mind, and spirit to help tell meaningful, engaging stories. She believes that dance has the power to make emotions tangible, remind every soul of its worth, and add beauty to the world. Mikayla is grateful to be part of this production alongside such a talented creative team.
Dionte Darko as Joseph Asagai (Regals Cast)
Instagram: @Diontedarko
Dionte Darko (Joseph Asagai) is more than thrilled to be working with Matthew’s Playhouse again for this amazing show. He previously appeared in Three Bone Theatre’s “What The End Will Be” and Theatre Charlotte’s “1984”. Darko is a 2020 Graduate of Winthrop University’s Theatre Program with a focus on Performance. He is ecstatic to be back on stage doing what he loves. Dionte would like to thank his Mother for believing in his passions and his family for always supporting him.
Kahlil Allen as Joseph Asagai (Groves Cast)
Instagram: @#Young_.icon1
Kahlil R. Allen (Joseph Asagai) is thrilled to join Matthews Playhouse for “A Raisin in the Sun”. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a BA in Theatre (Performance), Kahlil has trained extensively in acting, singing, dancing, and stage combat through programs including the North Carolina Black Repertory Company TTE and Bravo Bowl NC School of the Performing Arts. His theatre credits include Scar in “The Lion King” (Parkland Magnet High), Aleksandr Vershinin in “Three Sisters” (UNC Wilmington Theatre), and Devisor in “Faith Journey” (North Carolina Black Repertory TTE). Kahlil continues to develop his craft as a professional actor and director in the Charlotte theatre scene. He thanks his mentors, family, and friends for their support and inspiration.
Sha’Heed J. Brooks as George Murchinson (Both Casts)
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Sha'Heed Brooks is honored to work with Matthews Playhouse and BNS Productions for the first time. This will be Sha'Heed's second official appearance in a play. After years of experience in public speaking, he looks to translate his passion for performance to the stage. During the week, Sha'Heed works for Charter Communications as a Business Retention Specialist. He is committed to pursuing his newfound passion with the love and support of his friends and family.
Bobby Tyson as Bobo (Both Casts)
Instagram: @btysoniii
Bobby Tyson is excited to be making his first appearance with Matthews Playhouse. His local theater credits include “Violet” at Actors Theatre, “Jackie & Me” at Children's Theatre and a long time cast member of Charlotte Squawks. He has also been seen in “Having Our Say: The First 100 Years”, “One Tree Hill”, and “Army Wives” as well as many commercials and corporate videos. Taking the stage with this talented cast is a dream come true for Bobby and he is just happy to be part of it.
Henk Bouhuys as Karl Lindner (Both Casts)
Henk is thrilled and thankful to be playing the role of Karl Lindner in this incredibly important play and to be working alongside this amazingly talented cast and production team. Henk’s recent credits include the Preacher in “Violet” (Theatre Charlotte), Oscar LaBorde in the world premiere of “One Year to Die” (Matthews Playhouse), Ernie in “Rumors” (Theatre Charlotte), Cecil B. DeMille in “Sunset Boulevard” (Queen City Concerts), Gaston in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” (Theatre Charlotte) and Montparnasse/Ensemble in “Les Miz” (CPCC). Every opportunity to be on stage is a blessing. Thanks to Corlis and Rory for the opportunity to be a part of this production and thanks as always to my wife, Julie, for her unwavering love and support.
Ericka Ross as Mrs. Johnson (Regals Cast)
Instagram: @real_ericka_ross
Ericka is excited to be gracing the stage of the 25/26 season at Matthews Playhouse for the first time!! Ericka has an MFA from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has performed internationally and across the USA. Ericka has recently performed on several different stages of Charlotte, NC in August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come And Gone” (BNS Productions), “School Of Rock” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte) and “I Am Queen Charlotte” (Epoch Tribe). Ericka also had the opportunity to perform in Nashville, TN in “I Am Queen Nashville”. After “A Raisin in the Sun”, you can see Ericka at Narroway Productions in “Lord of Light”, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s productions of “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and Disney’s “Frozen”. Ericka gives all credit for her gifts to God and gratitude for the support from family and friends.
Shar Marlin as Mrs. Johnson (Groves Cast)
Instagram: @Recapaunty
Shar Marlin (Mrs. Johnson) is truly honored to be part of the cast of “A Raisin in the Sun”. Over the years, she has been fortunate to portray a wide range of characters, including “The Vagina Monologues” and “Four Old Broads” as Maude with Lee Street Theater; Sofia in “The Color Purple” with Hickory Community Theater; Ma Rainey in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and Teenie in “Be a Lion” with BNS Productions; King Liz with Three Bone Productions; Mazeppa in CPCC’s “Gypsy”; Addaperle in “The Wiz” and Shug Avery in “The Color Purple” with Piedmont Players Theater; and Ouiser Boudreaux in “Steel Magnolias”. Shar believes storytelling is a gift and a privilege—an opportunity to connect with others in a way that lingers long after the curtain falls. She is deeply grateful for every chance to bring a story to life and to share in the magic of live theater.
Robert Rankin as Wardrobe/Mover (Both Casts)
From 2004 to 2022 Robert has performed with the CPCC Opera Theater being cast in a number of productions as a chorus member and ensemble member as well as several principal roles some of which include the Father in “Seven Deadly Sins”, Don Alphonso in “Cosi Fan Tutti”, Spoletta in “Tosca”, and El Remendado in “Carmen”. Other theatre credits in the Charlotte area include Mike in CPCC's production of “Freaky Friday”, Millie in Three Bone Theatre's production of “Toni Stone”, Medgat Evers in Daye Light LLC production of “By Any Other Name: An Opus for James Baldwin”. Robert has also gained stage managing credits for the CP Opera Theater productions of “Old Maid and a Thief”, “The Medium”, “Hansel & Gretel”, and Three Bone Theatre's production of “The Glorious World of Crowns Kinks and Curls” as well as assistant stage manager credits for Three Bone Theatre’s “Thoughts of a Colored Man”, Don Hall's production of “The Big Hustle” and Theatre Charlotte’s production of “Every Brilliant Thing”. Additionally, Robert has worked as a production assistant with several local theater productions, most recently BNS Productions of “The Piano Lesson”, “Clydes”, “Boys of Bagdad", “Joe Turner's Come and Gone”, Free Reign theatre’s production of “A Soldiers Play”, Rock Hill Theatre's production of “Shakin the Mess out of Misery” and Theatre Charlotte's production of “Mountain Top”.
Rory D. Sheriff as Mover (Both Casts)
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Rory D. Sheriff’s writing journey began with an ear for fine literature and a love for bringing people together. Penning and performing works of poetry and spoken word, he eventually donned the title of “author,” with the release of his first novel, Get’n Serious: My Addiction. The ensuing cult following from women’s’ book clubs around the country prompted the sequels, Yadira’s Sky and Get’n Serious Too: Donta’s Inferno. In 2013, Rory wrote the screenplay, Be a Lion, after challenging himself with the question, “What happened after Dorothy returned to Harlem?” at the end of the 1978 hit, The Wiz. The screenplay vision didn’t pan out, but Be a Lion, the musical, and the entertainment company, Brand New Sheriff Productions, were born. Nine seasons later, Rory went on to pen six stage plays, three short films, and is on track to produce all ten of August Wilson’s American century cycle of plays. His most recent award was Metrolina Theatre Associations 2022 “Theatre Person of the Year.” BNS Productions has become the premiere and Charlotte’s only repertory African American theatre company. Rory earned multiple accolades as a Playwright, Producer and Director. BNS Productions is known for productions that are relevant, thought provoking and necessary. Their purpose is to represent Black Excellence, and to educate and raise awareness on the social and cultural issues that make up the African American experience.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director - Dr. Corlis Hayes
Dr. Hayes has received numerous awards for her work. They include two Best Drama Awards from Creative Loafing: 2014's SIZWE BANSI IS DEAD (Carolina Actors Studio Theatre), and 2017's JITNEY (Brand New Sheriff Productions). She received a 2020 Broadway World Award (Best Play and Director) for FENCES, and a 2019 Metrolina Theatre Association Award (Best Play and Director) for TWO TRAINS RUNNING, both with Brand New Sheriff Productions. In 2022, she received another Metrolina Theatre Association Award (Best Director) for MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM. Born and raised in "The Gateway City" of St. Louis, Dr. Hayes now resides in Charlotte. She holds a PhD from Southern Illinois University, where she also received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Liberal Arts.
Assistant Director/Dramaturg - Tina Kelly
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A native Charlottean, Tina Kelly is the epitome of home grown talent. She has always thought of herself as a theatre maker. Starting with assistant stage managing with Actors Theater Charlotte and Children’s Theater Charlotte, moving to stage managing for the likes of Three Bone Theatre Company and OnQ productions and many others, Tina has made it her mission to align herself with any and all theater in Charlotte. Continuing in theater administration and producing with Queen City New Play Initiative, Tina has proven herself a "jackie of all trades" before making her current home at Northeast Middle School as she builds their theatre department. She’s directed in theater festivals from Donna Scott Productions, Women's Theatre Festival, Davidson Community Players, Charlotte BOOM and Charlotte SHOUT. Outside of festivals, Tina has directed with Actor's Theatre Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, Hickory Community Theatre and Theatre Charlotte, just to name a few places her work has been seen in and around the Charlotte area. " I take pride in going through the process in different roles. I love how it offers me new insights on how to continue to create theater in an intentional and impactful way.
Stage Manager - Marissa Gainey
A Charlotte, North Carolina native, Marissa holds a B.A in Theatre Arts from North Carolina Central University. She has extensive experience with national touring productions, having served on crew teams for Wicked, The Lion King, Young Frankenstein, and In the Heights. From 2011 to 2019, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Technical Director of the National Black Theatre Festival, now the International Black Theatre Festival. Marissa is deeply grateful to the arts community for embracing her return to Stage Management after a five-year hiatus to focus on her greatest accomplishment, her loving son Jahlil. She is happy to share this experience with him and hopes he develops a love for the theatre like she has.
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Assistant Stage Manager - Jessie Hull
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Jessie Hull (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working with this incredible team of insanely talented individuals. Jessie has been the full time Production Assistant and Resident Stage Manager at the Playhouse since 2021 and absolutely loves working with the MPH Family. She would love to thank her family and her partner, Neifert, for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting live theatre!