Pearland Theatre Guild Presents A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Now thru 2/17

The Pearland Theatre Guild will stage another American classic at the Pearl Theater with the opening of critically acclaimed A Raisin in the Sun. Running from tonight, Feb. 1 to 17, Raisin was named the best play of 1959 by the New York Drama Critics Circle and is considered to be one of the great American plays of the 20th Century.

A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by a black woman, Lorraine Hansberry, to be produced on Broadway. Raisin has been translated into over 30 languages, produced around the world, revived on Broadway and made into an Oscar winning film and TV play.

A New York Times review in 1959 said A Raisin in the Sun changed American theater forever. The play is a moving portrayal of an African-American family on Chicago's south side as competing dreams collide, break apart and begin anew. Cheryl D. Loudd, a Houston, TX resident, is directing Raisin for the Pearland Theatre Guild.

"A Raisin in the Sun features themes that are as relevant and universal today as they were 50 years ago. Our cast and crew are working hard to bring the struggles and joys of the Younger family to life," said Loudd. "We are honored to stage Raisin for our patrons and will give it our best, as it deserves."

The pivotal role of Lena (Mama) Younger is being played by Rochelle Sherman. Beneatha Younger is being played by Renee Van Nifterik, president of The Pearland Theatre Guild. Other cast members include Larry White as Walter Lee Younger, Terri White as Ruth Younger, Jamir Brown as Travis Younger, Benjamin O'Neal plays George Murchison and Bobo, Ralph Coburn is Karl Lindner, and Chante Codrington plays Joseph Asagai. Jodi van Dorn is assistant stage manager.

The Pearl Theater is located at 14803 Park Almeda, Houston, TX 77047, south of Beltway 8 just west of Texas 288 near Shadow Creek Ranch. Performances are Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. Matinees are February 3, 10 and 17 at 3:00 p.m. A Buy One, Get One Free performance is on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Adult tickets are $15.00, senior/student tickets are $13.00. Tickets are on sale now at www.pearl-theater.com or call the box office at 713-340-3540. Group rates are available.