Congratulations to the Cast of A Raisin in the Sun!

A Stellar Cast for a Timeless Classic. We’re excited to announce the cast of A Raisin in the Sun, presented in partnership with BNS Productions and directed by the legendary Corlis Hayes! 

A gripping domestic drama that captures the African American experience through the pursuit of the American Dream.

This masterpiece by Lorraine Hansberry explores dreams, dignity, and determination through the lens of a Black family living on the South Side of Chicago. Our cast is bringing fresh life and powerful truth to every line, and we can’t wait for you to experience it. Opening this September at Matthews Playhouse! The Cast of A Raisin in the Sun:

• Ruth Younger – Renee Welch Noel / Nasha Shandri

• Walter Lee Younger – Jonavan Adams / Justin Peoples

• Lena “Mama” Younger – Lillie Oden

• Travis Younger – Thaddeus Faustin / Solomon Doleman

• Beneatha Younger - Mikayla Broome / K. Alana Jones

• Joseph Asagai – Dionte Darko / Kahlil Allen

• George Murchison – Sha’Heed J. Brooks

• Bobo – Bobby Tyson

• Karl Lindner – Henk Bouhuys

• Mrs. Johnson – Shar Marlin / Ericka Ross

• Movers – Robert Rankin, Dionte Darko, Roy Sheriff

When A Raisin in the Sun was produced in 1959, Hansberry became the first Black woman to have a play produced on Broadway. Celebrated writer James Baldwin said that “never before in the entire history of the American theatre had so much of the truth of Black people’s lives been seen on the stage.”

Set on Chicago’s South Side in the 1950s, A Raisin in the Sun follows the Younger family as they contend with inherited dreams, generational divides, and systemic injustice. When an insurance check arrives following the death of the family patriarch, each member must decide how to move forward—and whether their dreams can survive a harsh and often discriminatory world. Hansberry’s groundbreaking work remains one of the most influential American plays of the 20th century, rich in emotional depth, racial truth, and familial resilience.

“What drew my interest in directing A Raisin in the Sun is its similarities to August Wilson's Fences,” said Director, Dr. Corlis Hayes. “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 50's with themes that portray the black experience are just as relevant today,” says Dr. Hayes. “Now you know the story..... Now come check out the play!” continues Dr. 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.

A Raisin in the Sun broke down barriers on and off stage. Each of the Youngers, a Black family, has a different view of how to spend their father’s life insurance settlement to better the family. Will they open a business, send Beneatha to medical school, or move to an all-white suburb? Hansberry’s masterpiece seeks answers to the still-relevant questions posed in Langston Hughes’ poem Harlem:  What happens to a dream deferred?

Performance Schedule

All evening shows at 7:30 PM; matinees at 2:00 PM

• Fri, Sept. 19 | Sat, Sept. 20 | Sun, Sept. 21• Thu, Sept. 25 (Pay-What-You-Can)• Fri, Sept. 26 | Sat, Sept. 27 | Sun, Sept. 28

Don't miss this stellar cast in this timeless classic.

Performance Schedule

All evening shows at 7:30 PM; matinees at 2:00 PM

• Fri, Sept. 19 | Sat, Sept. 20 | Sun, Sept. 21• Thu, Sept. 25 (Pay-What-You-Can)• Fri, Sept. 26 | Sat, Sept. 27 | Sun, Sept. 28

Pay‑What‑You‑Can Night

Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 PM – General admission seating; suggested donation of $10.

Events

Saturday, September 20, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM - Character Analysis workshop.

Saturday, September 27, after the 2 PM Matinee - Panel Discussion - Black home ownership disparity and additional themes from A Raisin in the Sun.

Tickets

Adults – Premium: $30 | Zone 2: $26 | Zone 3: $23

Seniors / Military / Students / Children – Premium: $27 | Zone 2: $23 | Zone 3: $20

Tickets can be purchased online at matthewsplayhouse.com or at the door (door sales are Premium price only).

Run Time & Audience

Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

About BNS Productions

BNS Production’s Mission is to inspire, help, teach, and learn together as we heal and love each other. We aspire to educate, amaze, and inform through the creation and performance of relevant and provocative African American theater productions. We follow through on our commitment to serving the underserved in our community.