New This Week:
Encore Theatre Group presents A Dream Deferred Double Feature, consisting of performances of Lorraine Hansberry's drama A Raisin in the Sun and the Bruce Norris comedy Clybourne Park, on Saturday July 20. Raisin in the Sun is performed at 2:30 pm and Clybourne Park at 7:30 pm. "A RAISIN IN THE SUN tells the story of the Youngers, a burdened but strong family consisting of a widowed Mother, a bright and lively college student daughter and a less than satisfied with life son who houses his wife and child in his mother's cramped one bedroom apartment in 1959 South Chicago. A seemingly perfect opportunity for the family members to advance on each of their dreams comes in the form of a $10,000 life insurance check for the life of the late Mr. Younger. Each of them have their own plans for the money's best use but it is ultimately up to Momma (Lena Younger) to decide how the money will be used. Will their dreams flourish with this new seed of hope? Or will the plight of poverty and hopelessness continue to crush and dry them up like a raisin in the sun? CLYBOURNE is the 2009 response to the question, 'What happened to the Youngers after leaving Chicago's south side?' Clybourne Park is a political satire that lends the perspective of the White family who sold the Youngers their house in a less than welcoming neighborhood. In the second act, the audience will witness a fast-forward in time to a modern day conversation between the current homeowners (Younger descendants) and new hopeful White purchasers. WARNING: CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS!" The performance takes place at The Fellowship, 3453 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.eventbrite.com
My take: A Raisin in the Sun is, of course, an American classic. And while Clybourne Park is not as well known, it certainly should be. As I wrote in my review of the Rep's 2012 production, it's a play characterized by crackling, literate dialog, and credible characters. Here's a rare opportunity to see both of them in one day.
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| Marilyn Maye |
My take: Mentored by the legendary Marilyn Maye, Tedd Firth, Alex Rybeck, Faith Prince, and other notable members of the Cabaret Conference faculty, the Professional Track showcase stars six singers singers from the most advanced of the Cabaret Conference's three tracks. They're established cabaret pros from around the country, often with many shows to their credit, who are polishing their craft here in St. Louis. The showcase presents each of them in short, carefully tailored sets that display their range and talent. The Final Showcase features features singers from all over the country who have spent five days of working on their craft with the faculty. As someone who has seen and/or performed in most of the closing showcases over the years, I can attest to the wonderful variety and skill of the performers who take the stage in this big, two-act show. This will be a couple of entertaining and varied nights of cabaret; don't miss them.
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