The Invictus Theatre Company‘s intimate new production of the classic drama A Raisin in the Sun, directed by Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alum Aaron Reese Boseman ‘12, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s Theatre Directing program, is winning rave reviews from Chicago critics.
Aaron Reese Boseman
Kevin Rolfs
“Boseman’s production goes for broke with heartfelt zest, spilling over the edge of Kevin Rolfs‘s appropriately tiny dingy set,” wrote the Chicago Reader‘s chief theatre critic, Columbia College alum Kerry Reid ’87, in her February 18 review, which rated the production “Reader Recommended.” Scenic designer Kevin Rolfs ’17 is a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BA Program in Theatre Design.
Julia W. Rath, critic for the blog Around the Town Chicago, rated the show “Highly Recommended ****” and wrote in her review: “The Invictus Theatre Company’s production of A Raisin in the Sun does a remarkable job recreating the circumstances of an African-American family on Chicago’s South Side sometime during the mid- to late-1950s. Nicely portrayed via wonderful acting, realistic scenic design and props, well-fashioned costumes, and highly accomplished directing by Aaron Reese Boseman, the characters reveal their hopes, ambitions, and struggles through frank discussions, all within the context of their home and family life. Each in their own way measures success in accordance with their ability (or inability) to live the American Dream, that is, attain opportunities for jobs and income and a decent living standard unrestricted by the color barrier.”
Michael Lewis (seated) in “A Raisin in the Sun”
As previously reported in this blog, the show’s cast includes Michael Lewis, a former student in the Columbia College Theatre Department’s Acting program. Lewis plays Walter Lee Younger, a young father on Chicago’s South Side in the 1950s, who is struggling to make a better life for his family.
Keith Surney
Glenn Thompson
Also in the cast is Columbia College alum Keith Surney ’13, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BA Program in Acting. Lewis’ understudy, Barry Irving, is also a former student in the Theatre Department’s Acting program. And Columbia College alum Glenn Thompson ’14, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BA Program in Acting with a Minor in Stage Combat, is the production’s fight/intimacy choreographer).
The show runs through March 15 at the Pride Arts Center’s Buena theatre, located at 4147 N. Broadway in Chicago. Student discounts are available. For tickets, click here.
