“Raisin” was a success. In 1973, this raw, R&B-infused interpretation of Lorraine Hansberry’s legendary play “A Raisin in the Sun” captivated Broadway and secured the Tony Award for best musical.
Over the years, in contrast to peers like “The Wiz” and “Dreamgirls,” “Raisin”’s heartfelt portrayal of Black family dynamics faded into insignificance. However, this September, the St. Louis Black Repertory Company will kick off its 49th season with a fresh rendition of what The New York Times recently referred to as a “hidden gem of musical theatre nearly forgotten over time.”
Set in the 1950s in Chicago, “Raisin” narrates the story of the Younger family, a multi-generational unit living in a small apartment and aspiring for greater horizons. Yet, when a substantial check finally arrives, the Youngers must determine whose dreams take precedence.
“‘Raisin’ is an extraordinary play made even more enjoyable by an outstanding score,” stated director and Black Rep founder Ron Himes, WashU’s Henry E. Hampton Jr. Artist-in-Residence in Arts & Sciences. “It deserves more performances, and it requires a company like The Black Rep to keep this important work alive!”
The 49th season will proceed with:
- “In the Same Tongue”: Part of the Black Rep’s Phoenix Rising series, this presentation by the Dianne McIntyre Group features original music by Diedre Murray and poetry from the late Obie award-winning playwright Ntozake Shange. Nov. 21-22, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
- “Dance on Widow’s Row”: Samm-Art Williams focuses this dark comedy on four affluent Southern widows notorious for their reputation who host an event for the town’s most eligible bachelors. Jan. 7-25, Edison Theatre
- “The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body”: This new work by Lisa B. Thompson is a joyous, vibrant, and profoundly felt tribute to Black women and their families. Feb. 4 to March 1, WashU’s A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre
- “Flyin’ West”: Set after the Civil War, Pearl Cleage’s historical narrative emphasizes female pioneers who leveraged The Homestead Act to establish the all-Black town of Nicodemus, Kan. March 11-29, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
- “Jitney”: Another entry in the Phoenix Rising series, this early work from August Wilson’s American Century Cycle will be performed in Italian and will feature a cast of Italian actors of African descent. May 1-3, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
- “Fat Ham”: A recipient of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for drama, this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” by James Ijames, centers around a queer Southern college student getting ready for a family barbecue. May 20 to June 7, Edison Theatre
Tickets can be purchased at the WashU box office; the Black Rep box office at 813 N. Skinker Blvd.; or by calling 314-534-3810. Season subscriptions and student rush tickets are also accessible. For additional details or a full schedule, visit theblackrep.org.
About The Black Rep
The Black Rep, a 48-year-old esteemed Black arts organization, is dedicated to producing, re-envisioning, and commissioning works penned by Black playwrights while creating opportunities for new voices and youth. The Phoenix Rising Performance Series pays homage to the company’s original name and its historic mission to present dance, music, and theatre that showcase the power, beauty, and resilience of African Americans through the lens of the African American experience.
Support for the 49th season is provided by Caleres, the Missouri Arts Council, NEFA, the Regional Arts Commission-ARPA for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, the Steward Family Foundation, and WashU.
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