CMU School of Drama


Friday, February 24, 2023

Interview: Fredi Walker-Browne's Lena Younger Proves Art Imitates Life In Raisin

TheaterMania: Fredi Walker-Browne originated the role of Joanne Jefferson in Rent, and returns to the stage this month as Lena Younger for the 50th anniversary production of the Tony-winning musical Raisin at New Jersey's Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Based on Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun - with a score by Judd Woldin and Robert Brittan, and book by Robert Nemiroff and Charlotte Zaltzberg - Raisin is directed by Evelyn Collins, and runs February 24-March 12.

1 comment:

CrimsonCreeks said...

The show “Raisin’ in the Sun” is about a black family living an apartment to small for them wishing to finally achieve the American Dream and own a house. Just for them. Land of their own to do as they please. Land of their own to call home and not feel cramped in. Coming from a poor, low-income immigrant family, seeing this piece hit hard. I saw myself and my family in these roles. It was not easy to see. This piece deal with so many topics that are still incredibly present today. The identity crisis that some people have of the culture they feel separated from. This is shown by one of the characters. Not to mention how the grandmother is shown to be the matriarch that has to be patient and firm. Who is strong but in the end has to relent to her whiny son who feel emasculated by his inability to afford a house for his family.