A seldomly-revived musical version of the classic American drama, "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry is being performed in New Jersey. The musical, "Raisin," is being performed at the Alexelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal.
Set in a Chicago tenement in 1951, the musical follows a conflict within the Younger family over how to spend a life insurance payout. Widow Lena Younger wants to purchase a home for her family, while her adult son Walter dreams of investing in a liquor store. This goes against his mother's beliefs.
The iconic character of Lena Younger is played by Fredi Walker-Browne.
"Because it's so well written and so very true, it's easy enough to play," says Walker-Browne. "I have children, we've all been somebody's son or daughter. Then, you know, put on the other layer of the desire for generational wealth and the desire to pass something on to the next generation."
"Raisin" opened on Broadway in 1973 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. This production marks its 50th anniversary.
Actress Phylicia Rashad, who received a Tony Award in 2004 for her performance as Lena Younger in the Broadway revival of "A Raisin In The Sun," served as a production consultant on the Axelrod PAC musical.
The limited engagement of "Raisin" is scheduled to end on March 12. The theatre has announced a series of choose-what-you-pay performances, including on March 8 at 1 p.m. and March 11 at 8 p.m. The suggested ticket price is $32, with a minimum ticket price of $5.
Walker-Browne is best known for her performance in the original Broadway cast of the groundbreaking musical "Rent." Hear her thoughts on the legacy of that musical here: