North Springs Students Bring 'A Raisin In The Sun' To Theater Stage

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- North Springs Charter High School's drama magnet, known for great student performances, opened its winter show, "A Raisin in the Sun," last week and the reaction to the powerful and poignant student performances has been extraordinary.

The classic tale by Lorraine Hansberry has also moved some audience members to tears.

“It really is an incredible show, the actors and crew are absolutely amazing and the story is so rich," said drama teacher Tyler Owens. "It changed the course of American theater when it premiered in 1959."

While he is the show’s adult director, and drama teacher Joel King oversees the technical aspects of the show, Owens is quick to point out that every facet of the show is student run from the actors, to the set design, costuming, lights and sound and has student directors at every level.

The show follows the Younger family -- son, Walter Lee; his wife, Ruth; his sister, Beneatha; Walter Lee's son, Travis; and his mother, Lena -- who resides on Chicago's south side. When the insurance money of Lena's deceased husband comes through, the mother dreams of moving into a new home in a better neighborhood.

However, Walter Lee has his sights set on buying a liquor store while Beneatha wants to attend medical school. The play follows the family's tensions and the racial prejudices they face.

The show opened at Ethel Barrymore Theater in March 1959. It also became the first play produced on Broadway by a black woman. Additionally, Hansberry was the first black playwright and the youngest American to win a New York Critics’ Circle award for her work, according to Biography.com.

North Spring’s production is in its smaller, more intimate Black Box Theater and continues Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10 at 7 p.m. A matinee show will also be held at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets, which are $8 for students and $15 for adults, are available at www.northspringstickets.com.

Images via North Springs Charter High School