Magnolia Arts Center will hold auditions for A Raisin in the Sun on Sunday, May 5 4:00-6:00pm and Monday, May 6 7:00-9:00pm. Actors will read from selections from the show that are provided at auditions. Auditions are held at the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina, 1400 Red Banks Rd, Greenville. If you have questions, call 888-MAC-EVNT or email info@magnoliaartscenter.com.
Click here to see the selections we will use for auditions.
Synopsis:
Set on Chicago’s South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans, however: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Sacrifice, trust and love among the Younger family and their heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.
Cast of Characters:
Ruth Younger: The thirtyish wife of Walter Lee Younger and the mother of Travis, their ten year old son. Ruth acts a peacemaker in most of the explosive family situations. Very low key, Ruth reveals her strongest emotions only when she learns the possibility of their moving to a better neighborhood.
Travis Younger: The ten year old son of Walter and Ruth Younger. Living in a household with three generations in conflict, Travis skillfully plays each adult against the other and is, as a result, somewhat “spoiled.” In spite of this, he is a likeable child
Walter Lee Younger: In his middle thirties, he is the husband of Ruth, father of Travis, brother of Beneatha, and son of Lena (Mama) Younger. Walter works as a chauffeur and drinks a bit too much at times. When he discovers that his mother will receive a $10,000 check from his father’s insurance, he becomes obsessed with his dreams of a business venture which will give him financial independence and, in his mind, will make him a more valuable human being.
Beneatha Younger: The twentyish sister of Walter Lee and the daughter of Lena Younger. She is a college student planning to go to medical school. The only member privileged to have the opportunity for a higher education; she is sometimes a little overbearing in the pride she takes in being an “intellectual.”
Lena Younger (Mama): The sixtyish mother of Walter Lee and Beneatha, mother-in-law of Ruth, and grandmother of Travis. Mama’s every action is borne out of her abiding love for her family, her deep religious convictions, and her strong will that is surpassed only by her compassion, Mama’s selfless spirit is shown in her plans to use her $10,000 insurance check for the good of her family, part of which includes plans to purchase a house in a middle-class white neighborhood.
Joseph Asagai: An African college student from Nigeria, Asagai is one of Beneatha’s suitors. Mannerly, good looking, and personable, he is well liked by all members of the Younger household.
George Murchison: Beneatha’s other boyfriend, he too is a college student. His wealthy background alienates him from the poverty of the Youngers. Easily impressed, Ruth is the only member of the Younger household who naively overlooks George’s offensive snobbishness.
Mrs. Johnson: Brash and abrasive neighbor of the Youngers, she insensitively points out to the Youngers all the negative repercussions that await them should they decide to move into a white neighborhood.
Karl Linder: A middle-aged white man, Linder is the spokesman for the white community into which the Youngers plan to move. He has been sent to persuade the Youngers not to move into the white neighborhood. In fact, he has been authorized by the white community to offer the Youngers a monetary incentive not to move in.
Bobo: The somewhat dimwitted friend of Walter Lee who, along with another friend, Willy, plans to invest in Walter Lee’s business scheme.
Two Moving Men: Having no speaking parts, they enter at the end of the play to help the Youngers move to their new neighborhood.
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