Genesius Theatre will open its spring production of Raisin, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical based on Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark play A Raisin in the Sun, beginning Friday, May 2. The show runs through May 11 at the theater’s intimate venue on North 10th Street in Reading.
Featuring a 16-piece live orchestra and an all-Black cast composed of both local theater veterans and newcomers, the production brings Hansberry’s story of racial inequality, family dreams, and generational conflict to life through music, dance, and powerful storytelling. Directed by Genesius Artistic Director L J Fecho, the show blends a range of musical styles including gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, Broadway, pop, and honky-tonk.
“Raisin certainly is filled with poignant drama and pathos, but it’s also filled with lots of good laughs, sweet sarcasm, and the robust music,” said Fecho. “It’s both hopeful and sad that the musical and the play remain relevant decades later.”
Set in 1950s Chicago, Raisin follows the Younger family as they grapple with how to use a $10,000 life insurance check following the death of their patriarch. Walter Lee Younger Jr. dreams of opening a liquor store, while his mother, Lena, hopes to move the family to a better home in a predominantly white neighborhood. The story explores themes of housing discrimination, racial identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
The cast includes James Barksdale as Walter Lee Younger, Davina Lopez as Mama Lena Younger, Marie “Susie” DeBooth as Beneatha Younger, Kimberly Doyle as Ruth Younger, and Aja Rogan as Travis. The production is music directed by Kevin Cooper, choreographed by Jericho Joy, and features lighting, sound, and set design contributions from a wide creative team, including Scary Good Productions and Thanx Hair Artistry.
Performances are scheduled for May 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m., and May 4 and 11 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $37.50 and the run time is approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including an intermission.
Genesius Theatre is located at 153 N. 10th Street, Reading, PA. The venue is accessible to individuals who use mobility aids, with free parking available in a lot adjacent to the building. Overflow parking is also available at Walnut and Moss streets, and street parking may be found nearby.
As part of a new partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton, guests can participate in a Park/Dinner/Shuttle/Show program. Guests may park at the DoubleTree garage, dine at Cheers American Bistro, and take a complimentary shuttle to and from the theater. Reservations for dinner and shuttle service should be made directly with the DoubleTree.
To reduce waste, Genesius is offering a virtual program available a week prior to opening at genesiusdifference.org, where audiences can find cast bios, sponsor ads, and show information.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit genesiusdifference.org or call 610-371-8151.
