WaterTower presents contemporary version of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

By Shari Goldstein Stern

Who can forget the incomparable Sidney Poitier’s performance in the 1961 breakthrough film, “A Raisin in the Sun”? Do you remember being introduced to the intriguing Ruby Dee? The Academy award winning movie in 1961 followed the play on Broadway. Poitier was nominated for the Tony Award and Golden Globe Award for his performances. “A Raisin in the Sun” — telling the story of identity, justice and moral responsibility — is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

The Youngers are a black family living in Chicago in the 1950s. They yearn for a piece of the American dream, including moving to a modest home in a majority white community. 

WaterTower Theatre (WTT) will bring the brilliant story to life when “A Raisin in the Sun” opens Wednesday, September 1 through September 12 at the theater in Addison. The occasion will be memorable, as the top-notch production has an accomplished team of cast and production.

The director, Natalie King, is gem of a Dallas actor, director and educator in the Dallas area. This will be King’s WaterTower Theatre directorial debut. “The conflicts both societal and personal exposed in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ are as consequential today as they were in the 1950s,” Kind said. “It exposes the desperation, hopelessness and destructive pressure on communities that suffer from a lack of inclusion and access to opportunity.” 

Well known and admired by Dallas audiences, Vickie Washington joins the cast. She received kudos for her performances in Theatre Three’s “for colored girls….,” “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and “Piano Lesson.” She was touted in Dallas Theater Center’s “and Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi.” Washington appeared in “Random Acts of Kindness” on HBO and had roles in several independent films. 

With “A Raisin in the Sun,” expectations are high. She has set a high bar for herself. 

In 2006, she established “R.T.W — Reading the Writers” as a way to present the deep and wide Black theatre library, utilizing the format of Reader’s Theatre. 

“Our initial work was supported by a grant from the South Dallas Cultural Center and presented at the Dallas Central Library,” Washington said. 

Presented quarterly, plays included classics, new works and plays by local playwrights. Producing theatre can be a costly endeavor, and sometimes prohibitive. 

“It is important to me that the depth and breadth of African American theater be presented, and Readers Theatre gives way to make that happen,” Washington added.

As Walter Lee Younger, Poitier’s role in the 1961 film, Djoré Nance takes on the part of his real mother’s (Vickie Washington) son. 

The actor is more than a triple threat with credits as an actor, composer, singer, musician and writer. Nance made his off-Broadway debut last spring at LaMaMa Theater as Vladimira Mayakovsky in Liz Swado’s “Beautiful Lady.” He appeared in the world premiere of Regina Taylor’s “Bread” at WTT.

The creative team includes Assistant Director Liz Mikel, who is an accomplished, award-winning local actress with a healthy range of credits in the Dallas area.

According to WTT’s Associate Producer Elizabeth Kensek, “The production will be presented with audience seated on both sides of the theater facing the stage, providing patrons with a unique perspective on this revolutionary play.”

“A Raisin in the Sun” opens on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the theater in Addison. The show runs through September 12. 

Masks are required, and social distance will be respected. The theater is located at 15650 Addison Rd. in Addison. 

Call 972-450-6232 or visit watertowertheatre.org for more information.