TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY "A Raisin In The Sun" March 19 through April 19, 2025. March 22nd Review.
A RAISIN IN THE SUN
By: Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Bretteney Beverly
Taproot Theatre
Seattle, WA
Review: Saturday 3/22/25 - 7:30pm Performance
The newest production at the recently re-done Jewell Mainstage Theatre at Taproot Theatre in Greenwood is the classic, “A Raisin In The Sun”. The show was postponed from last year’s schedule so it was a welcome way to kick off the new season in the Jewell Mainstage Theatre.
Having just seen the show less than 24 hours ago, the first thing that jumped out at me was the sheer skill level of the actors on the stage. I’ve been reviewing shows at Taproot Theatre since 2018 and I’ve seen some tremendous performances there. But, last night was arguably the best acted show I’ve ever witnessed at Taproot Theatre (and that’s truly saying something).
Marlette Buchanan (Lena “mama” Younger) I’ve seen in other shows around town, including Taproot Theatre. She was simply brilliant as the matriarch of the family. You felt the love from the character but also the realism of what she and past generations of the Younger family had been through. Her children played by Arlando Smith (Walter Lee Younger) and Deja Culver (Beneathea Younger) matched her acting skills with portrayals that were just staggeringly good. I mean, just, wow. I don’t know what else to say (not necessarily good for a reviewer) other than they were spectacular. Shermona Mitchell (Ruth Younger) wasn’t about to be left behind on stage and she stepped up to the plate as well and knocked her performance out of the park and onto 85th Street outside.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, in the cast were on their game. All should take a bow (several bows, really) for the performances they put on last night.
And director Bretteney Beverly and all the other artistic staff that brought this show to life should also be bowing vigorously right now. What a presentation of a classic play that worked on so many different levels. I can’t stop gushing about it!
The fact that the audience last night continued to shower the cast with applause, so much so that they came back out for a second curtain call, shows I wasn’t the only one floored by the performance last night at Taproot Theatre.
To say I recommend, “A Raisin In The Sun” would be an understatement. Buy your tickets today - don’t wait. Don’t “think about it”. Just do it. This truly is one show you don’t want to miss.
”A Raisin In The Sun” is playing through April 19th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
By: Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Bretteney Beverly
Taproot Theatre
Seattle, WA
Review: Saturday 3/22/25 - 7:30pm Performance
(Marlette Buchanan and Arlando Smith in A Raisin in the Sun at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.)
The newest production at the recently re-done Jewell Mainstage Theatre at Taproot Theatre in Greenwood is the classic, “A Raisin In The Sun”. The show was postponed from last year’s schedule so it was a welcome way to kick off the new season in the Jewell Mainstage Theatre.
Having just seen the show less than 24 hours ago, the first thing that jumped out at me was the sheer skill level of the actors on the stage. I’ve been reviewing shows at Taproot Theatre since 2018 and I’ve seen some tremendous performances there. But, last night was arguably the best acted show I’ve ever witnessed at Taproot Theatre (and that’s truly saying something).
Marlette Buchanan (Lena “mama” Younger) I’ve seen in other shows around town, including Taproot Theatre. She was simply brilliant as the matriarch of the family. You felt the love from the character but also the realism of what she and past generations of the Younger family had been through. Her children played by Arlando Smith (Walter Lee Younger) and Deja Culver (Beneathea Younger) matched her acting skills with portrayals that were just staggeringly good. I mean, just, wow. I don’t know what else to say (not necessarily good for a reviewer) other than they were spectacular. Shermona Mitchell (Ruth Younger) wasn’t about to be left behind on stage and she stepped up to the plate as well and knocked her performance out of the park and onto 85th Street outside.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, in the cast were on their game. All should take a bow (several bows, really) for the performances they put on last night.
And director Bretteney Beverly and all the other artistic staff that brought this show to life should also be bowing vigorously right now. What a presentation of a classic play that worked on so many different levels. I can’t stop gushing about it!
The fact that the audience last night continued to shower the cast with applause, so much so that they came back out for a second curtain call, shows I wasn’t the only one floored by the performance last night at Taproot Theatre.
To say I recommend, “A Raisin In The Sun” would be an understatement. Buy your tickets today - don’t wait. Don’t “think about it”. Just do it. This truly is one show you don’t want to miss.
”A Raisin In The Sun” is playing through April 19th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
(Shermona Mitchell, Deja Culver, Marlette Buchanan, Arlando Smith, and Channing Gistarb in A Raisin in the Sun at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.)
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