‘A Raisin in the Sun’: Award-winning play shines at KMC Onstage

***image1***The conflict of whether or not one should give up on a dream is only one of many emotional twists and turns of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” that will shine 7 p.m. today, Saturday, Feb. 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at KMC Onstage, Bldg. 3232, Kleber Kaserne.
The award-winning drama portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s.
“I love this play. It’s a wonderful play,” said Julia Glattfelt, “A Raisin in the Sun” director. “It has a lot of heart. It’s about family values, love and dignity. It’s really a great story.”
The play’s performances are a part of this year’s KMC National African American History Month.
“A Raisin in the Sun” was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. It won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award making Ms. Hansberry the youngest and first African American writer to receive this award.
“In this play and her other literary works, (Ms.) Hansberry brings to light some very important ideas that still need to be discussed,” said Army Capt. Felicia Moore, commander, Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 51st Maintenance Battalion, 21st Theater Support Command, who portrays Ruth Younger.
When the play opens, the Youngers are about to receive an insurance check for $10,000. This money comes from the deceased Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy.
Each of the adult members of the family has an idea as to what he or she would like to do with this money. The family members clash over their competing dreams as the play progresses.
This performance will mark the end of the season for KMC Onstage, according to Laurie Ellington, 415th Base Support Battalion’s entertainment director. The theater will undergo more renovations to be ready for next year’s season, which starts in September.
This is a family event; however, it is not recommended for children under 5. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children. The KMC Onstage box office has details on family rates. For reservations, call 483-1790.