DIGITAL SHOW CARD
A RAISIN IN THE SUN .... Scenes and Settings
Setting/Time: The Younger family’s apartment on Chicago’s Southside, in the 1950s
ACT 1
Scene 1: Friday morning
Scene 2: Saturday morning
Intermission
(15 mins, please enjoy your refreshments in the lobby. Only Bottled water is allowed into the theatre.)
ACT II
Scene 1: Later the same day (Saturday)
Scene 2: Friday night, a few weeks later
Scene 3: Saturday, one week later
Intermission
(7 mins, Concessions will only have bottle water available for sale)
ACT II
Scene 1: An hour later the same day (Saturday)
Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with two intermissions
Setting/Time: The Younger family’s apartment on Chicago’s Southside, in the 1950s
ACT 1
Scene 1: Friday morning
Scene 2: Saturday morning
Intermission
(15 mins, please enjoy your refreshments in the lobby. Only Bottled water is allowed into the theatre.)
ACT II
Scene 1: Later the same day (Saturday)
Scene 2: Friday night, a few weeks later
Scene 3: Saturday, one week later
Intermission
(7 mins, Concessions will only have bottle water available for sale)
ACT II
Scene 1: An hour later the same day (Saturday)
Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with two intermissions
Cast & Creative Team
CAST
|
CREATIVE TEAM
|
SPECIAL THANKS:
Baltimore Center Stage Jonathan Hemphill Stand Up for Theatre Fells Point Corner Theatre
Olney Theatre Latrell Mathewson Meredith Wheelock Paris Brown Shel Hall
Baltimore Center Stage Jonathan Hemphill Stand Up for Theatre Fells Point Corner Theatre
Olney Theatre Latrell Mathewson Meredith Wheelock Paris Brown Shel Hall
Cast & Crew Bios
Nora Bizzell (Assistant Stage Manager) is an up-and-coming artist in Baltimore County. She is planning on studying Film and Television with dreams of becoming a director. She is a 12th grader attending the prestigious George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology and studies acting. Previously, she had been an Assistant Stage Manager and Costume Designer for Spotlighters Theatre, and an Acting, Coach, Casting Director and Script Supervisor for school films that were later viewed by a famous director.
Jenelle Brown (Mrs. Johnson) is Senior Engineering Major at Morgan State University. She is extremely excited to be making her Spotlighters Theatre debut in A Raisin In The Sun. Jenelle greatly enjoys acting. She has recently played such roles as Holly, Lynn, & Lisa in Love, Loss and What I Wore, and Mrs. Dickson, Intimate Apparel. Other favorite roles are Grace Dubose Dunbar in The Nacirema Society Respectfully Requests The Honor Of Your Presence At A Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years, and Emily, in Hello Out There. Jenelle would like to thank her family for their love and support, and the wonderful audience members who come out to share in dream!
Sharon Carter Brown (Mama Lena Younger) is excited to return to Spotlighters stage. Sharon’s talents has been seen throughout Baltimore. Participating in church plays at Huber Memorial led to her auditioning and being cast as Karen Richards in Applause and Clairee Belcher in Steel Magnolias with Unified Voices at Hopkins Hospital. Those experiences and a change in churches brought Sharon to Mount Pleasant Church & Ministries where she continues to hone her acting skills in the drama ministry. Meeting her truest love and mate, James A. Brown, allowed her to fully explore acting opportunities at Spotlighters Theatre as Calonice in Lysistrata, Lady Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and Toulou in Hoodoo Love. After 30 years of teaching music in Baltimore County, Sharon retired to explore her creativity full time. She thanks her children: Khay, Nyeemah, and Miriama; grandchild; Azaiah, and her wonderful husband, James. www.sharoncbrown.com
Michael Changwe (Joseph Asagai) is an up and coming Baltimore/DMV based actor. This is his first production with Spotlighters Theatre. His recent roles include Charlie the Robot in A Computer That Loves with Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS), It’s Showdown Time at Arena Players and Codeswitch with Sisters Freehold. Outside of performing arts, he enjoys web development and cheering on D.C. sports (go Nationals!) He is grateful for this opportunity and wants to give a special shoutout to his friends and family for supporting his dreams!
Ifedapo Samuel Davis (Travis Younger) is ecstatic to be making his acting debut as Travis in Spotlighters Theatre production of A Raisin in the Sun. He recently finished Youtheatre Camp at the Arena Playhouse as a lead soloist in their musical theater revue. Dapo is in the fourth grade with a healthy appetite for knowledge. When he is not on stage, Dapo loves to play with his baby brother and practice his piano. Dapo wants to thank his Baba, Iya and baby brother MJ for all of their love and support, as well as a big thank you to Ms. Rain Pryor and Spotlighters Theatre for this amazing opportunity.
Kai DonDero (Sound Designer) (They/Them) grew up in the Southern Tier of New York. They have a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from Towson University, a Bachelors in Theatre and Performance from SUNY Purchase, and Associates from SUNY CCC. They have previously designed sound for Do Not Go Gentle and Love/Sick at Spotlighters Theatre. They hope you enjoy the show!
Gray Hemphill (Stage Manager) is overjoyed to be at Spotlighters for her fourth show. When she saw the Raisin ad she paused on her planned hiatus and jumped at the opportunity to manage her favorite script. Which she is so glad she did, because it provided her with knowing the most heartfelt individuals. After Raisin's close, Gray will be taking a hiatus to finish her undergraduate degree. She hopes to be reunited with you at her return for Season 63. To her cast and crew— a stage manager's art comes from when they can be proud of the final product. You all have chosen the creative pieces and breathed life into these characters. Gray hopes she has touched all of you in her performance, too. Thank you for helping her create art she is proud of. Thank you for the life you've brought to this pivotal story.
Joshua Ikotun (George Murchison) grew up right outside of west Baltimore, and has recently began his foray into the theatre scene within the Greater Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. His recent performances include The Window King, Radium Girls, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Making his debut on the Spotlighters Theatre stage, he is more than thrilled to perform the role of George Murchison in the production of A Raisin in the Sun. First shoutout and thanks goes to God. He wants to also thank the continuous support of his close family and friends. Special appreciation goes to the wonderful cast and crew who are the engine behind this wonderful production. Lastly, thank you for those in the audience for giving us their most valuable asset in attending the performance, their time. I pray we exceed your expectations and more. God bless and enjoy!
Jae Jones (Bobo) has a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising. That coupled with additional training in advanced communications has prepared him extensively for his theater career. The 15+ years he spent as a professional DJ/Sound engineer coupled with a recent role in the Sisters Freehold production of the Codeswitch honed his skills as an onstage performer. Jae is an avid consumer of story from local theater, museum exhibits, movies, city archives, black history and fiction. He is the owner and operator of Black History Tours Baltimore, offering a proven ability to build rapport with individuals from all backgrounds, building a track record of excellent performance as an actor and professional entertainer and storyteller.
Bill Kohlhoff (Karl Lindner) is grateful for the opportunity to play this role in A Raisin in the Sun at Spotlighters. Bill is a retired teacher who has appeared in St Gabriel's Miracle Players productions of South Pacific, Murder on the Nile, and The Wizard of Oz. Bill has also performed in Twelfth Night at Laurel Mill Playhouse. Bill would like to thank Jane Nitsch, Erin Klarner, Heidi Toll, and Nathan Rosen for their kindnesses throughout this process in my life.
Vanessa McNair (Beneatha Younger) is originally from St. Louis, MO, and a dynamic actress and devoted wife and mother of two, now located in the DMV area. Her passion for science and family adventures ignites her creativity both on and off the stage. With an impressive range that spans television and theatre, Vanessa has captivated audiences with standout roles like Tonya in August Wilson’s King Hedley II. She is now honored to bring the complex character of Beneatha Younger to life and is eagerly charting her path toward more stages, ready to tell the most profound and compelling stories.
Justin Nepomuceno (Technical Director) is a Baltimore based installation artist and designer. Previous credits include Scenic Designer for The Wolves, Pillar Rabbit at Spotlighters Theatre, Machinal at Fells Point Corner Theatre. Technical Direction for Wednesdays in Mississippi at Pipeline Playwrights and props artisan for Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s Theatre, Miss Nelson is Missing at Imagination Stage, and Beautiful at Olney Theatre Center. He has collaborated with scenic designer James Raymond on Mean Girls the Musical at The Key School, and Falsettos for the Maryland Theatre Collective. Justin holds a BS/BFA in Design etc. from Towson University. @Nepoillustration
Rain Pryor (Director) is a director, writer, wife and mother. Her writing and performance in her award winning solo show lead to a television development deal with Normal Lear, the creator of The Jefferson’s and All In The Family. And she is currently in pre-production for her film directorial debut, to be filmed in Baltimore MD, and Nigeria. Pryor’s transition into directing comes as no surprise. She directed Hoodoo Love by Katori Hall—at Spotlighters Theatre in Baltimore to rave reviews, in 2022. The Exonerated, and How I Learned To Drive at UMB, and later, MILF, Mom I’d Like to Follow, written and performed by Comedian Meschelle, The Indie Mom of Comedy. The show won Best Stand Up, at the United Solo Festival in NY and has played to sold out crowds across the country, including Joe’s Pub in NYC. Rain, was artistic director of the Strand Theatre in Baltimore in 2010. She directed three of their highly successful shows and brought the company into a financial surplus. She left after her solo show became a hit Off Broadway. Mother May I by humorist, Dylan Brody, was Pryor’s directorial debut. The show was the Strands first World Premier and was sold out.
ReginaGinaG (Ruth Younger) is an actress and host from Baltimore with a diverse background in theater, film, and television. Known for her vibrant personality and dynamic performances, she has portrayed a range of characters from the powerful Madam C.J. Walker in Unapologetic Black Girl Magic to the expressive Lady in Orange in multiple productions of For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Her theater experience includes acting and directing, as seen in her work on House Rules with AmaZing Theater, where she not only co-starred but also directed. She’s also worked in immersive theater, having co-hosted the ongoing Dinner Detective improv show. With a passion for storytelling and a dedication to her craft, Regina continues to inspire audiences with her performances and her commitment to bringing diverse voices and stories to the stage and screen.
Jen Sizer (Lighting Designer) has designed many shows here at Spotlighters over the past few seasons. Her previous productions include lighting for A Dickens' Christmas Carol, Outward Bound, What Was Done, ‘night Mother, Fag Gods (BPF) and Pillar Rabbit (BPF); Sound for [title of show], and Co-Director of Scharf's Shorts. She recently portrayed Sarah in Laughing Stock, and will be directing Clybourne Park Bruce Norris’ continuation of the Raisin story, 50 years later. It opens right here, in March 2025.
Aaron Watkins (Walter Lee Younger) was born and raised in Baltimore. Aaron is a graduate of Baltimore City College and Morehouse College. Currently living in Brooklyn, New York, he is an AUDELCO winning, two-time NY Emmy nominated television personality and actor. For over a decade, he could be found on BRIC TV in Brooklyn, New York. More recently, Aaron can be found on screen and stage as part of NYC's vibrant acting community. Recent credits include Carl Clay’s Black Love and Timeless, Jeanette Hill’s 2023 AUDELCO winning play Picking Up The Pieces as well as Layon Gray’s WEBEIME and Black Angels Over Tuskegee. Aaron would like to dedicate his performances to his many nieces and nephews. Follow his journey @apwatkins
Jackie Whittington (Costume & Prop Designer) is honored and grateful to be given a second opportunity for costume and prop design here at Spotlighters. After a theater hiatus of more than a decade, she is so thankful to work with such amazing talent, both on and off stage!
Nora Bizzell (Assistant Stage Manager) is an up-and-coming artist in Baltimore County. She is planning on studying Film and Television with dreams of becoming a director. She is a 12th grader attending the prestigious George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology and studies acting. Previously, she had been an Assistant Stage Manager and Costume Designer for Spotlighters Theatre, and an Acting, Coach, Casting Director and Script Supervisor for school films that were later viewed by a famous director.
Jenelle Brown (Mrs. Johnson) is Senior Engineering Major at Morgan State University. She is extremely excited to be making her Spotlighters Theatre debut in A Raisin In The Sun. Jenelle greatly enjoys acting. She has recently played such roles as Holly, Lynn, & Lisa in Love, Loss and What I Wore, and Mrs. Dickson, Intimate Apparel. Other favorite roles are Grace Dubose Dunbar in The Nacirema Society Respectfully Requests The Honor Of Your Presence At A Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years, and Emily, in Hello Out There. Jenelle would like to thank her family for their love and support, and the wonderful audience members who come out to share in dream!
Sharon Carter Brown (Mama Lena Younger) is excited to return to Spotlighters stage. Sharon’s talents has been seen throughout Baltimore. Participating in church plays at Huber Memorial led to her auditioning and being cast as Karen Richards in Applause and Clairee Belcher in Steel Magnolias with Unified Voices at Hopkins Hospital. Those experiences and a change in churches brought Sharon to Mount Pleasant Church & Ministries where she continues to hone her acting skills in the drama ministry. Meeting her truest love and mate, James A. Brown, allowed her to fully explore acting opportunities at Spotlighters Theatre as Calonice in Lysistrata, Lady Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and Toulou in Hoodoo Love. After 30 years of teaching music in Baltimore County, Sharon retired to explore her creativity full time. She thanks her children: Khay, Nyeemah, and Miriama; grandchild; Azaiah, and her wonderful husband, James. www.sharoncbrown.com
Michael Changwe (Joseph Asagai) is an up and coming Baltimore/DMV based actor. This is his first production with Spotlighters Theatre. His recent roles include Charlie the Robot in A Computer That Loves with Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS), It’s Showdown Time at Arena Players and Codeswitch with Sisters Freehold. Outside of performing arts, he enjoys web development and cheering on D.C. sports (go Nationals!) He is grateful for this opportunity and wants to give a special shoutout to his friends and family for supporting his dreams!
Ifedapo Samuel Davis (Travis Younger) is ecstatic to be making his acting debut as Travis in Spotlighters Theatre production of A Raisin in the Sun. He recently finished Youtheatre Camp at the Arena Playhouse as a lead soloist in their musical theater revue. Dapo is in the fourth grade with a healthy appetite for knowledge. When he is not on stage, Dapo loves to play with his baby brother and practice his piano. Dapo wants to thank his Baba, Iya and baby brother MJ for all of their love and support, as well as a big thank you to Ms. Rain Pryor and Spotlighters Theatre for this amazing opportunity.
Kai DonDero (Sound Designer) (They/Them) grew up in the Southern Tier of New York. They have a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from Towson University, a Bachelors in Theatre and Performance from SUNY Purchase, and Associates from SUNY CCC. They have previously designed sound for Do Not Go Gentle and Love/Sick at Spotlighters Theatre. They hope you enjoy the show!
Gray Hemphill (Stage Manager) is overjoyed to be at Spotlighters for her fourth show. When she saw the Raisin ad she paused on her planned hiatus and jumped at the opportunity to manage her favorite script. Which she is so glad she did, because it provided her with knowing the most heartfelt individuals. After Raisin's close, Gray will be taking a hiatus to finish her undergraduate degree. She hopes to be reunited with you at her return for Season 63. To her cast and crew— a stage manager's art comes from when they can be proud of the final product. You all have chosen the creative pieces and breathed life into these characters. Gray hopes she has touched all of you in her performance, too. Thank you for helping her create art she is proud of. Thank you for the life you've brought to this pivotal story.
Joshua Ikotun (George Murchison) grew up right outside of west Baltimore, and has recently began his foray into the theatre scene within the Greater Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. His recent performances include The Window King, Radium Girls, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Making his debut on the Spotlighters Theatre stage, he is more than thrilled to perform the role of George Murchison in the production of A Raisin in the Sun. First shoutout and thanks goes to God. He wants to also thank the continuous support of his close family and friends. Special appreciation goes to the wonderful cast and crew who are the engine behind this wonderful production. Lastly, thank you for those in the audience for giving us their most valuable asset in attending the performance, their time. I pray we exceed your expectations and more. God bless and enjoy!
Jae Jones (Bobo) has a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising. That coupled with additional training in advanced communications has prepared him extensively for his theater career. The 15+ years he spent as a professional DJ/Sound engineer coupled with a recent role in the Sisters Freehold production of the Codeswitch honed his skills as an onstage performer. Jae is an avid consumer of story from local theater, museum exhibits, movies, city archives, black history and fiction. He is the owner and operator of Black History Tours Baltimore, offering a proven ability to build rapport with individuals from all backgrounds, building a track record of excellent performance as an actor and professional entertainer and storyteller.
Bill Kohlhoff (Karl Lindner) is grateful for the opportunity to play this role in A Raisin in the Sun at Spotlighters. Bill is a retired teacher who has appeared in St Gabriel's Miracle Players productions of South Pacific, Murder on the Nile, and The Wizard of Oz. Bill has also performed in Twelfth Night at Laurel Mill Playhouse. Bill would like to thank Jane Nitsch, Erin Klarner, Heidi Toll, and Nathan Rosen for their kindnesses throughout this process in my life.
Vanessa McNair (Beneatha Younger) is originally from St. Louis, MO, and a dynamic actress and devoted wife and mother of two, now located in the DMV area. Her passion for science and family adventures ignites her creativity both on and off the stage. With an impressive range that spans television and theatre, Vanessa has captivated audiences with standout roles like Tonya in August Wilson’s King Hedley II. She is now honored to bring the complex character of Beneatha Younger to life and is eagerly charting her path toward more stages, ready to tell the most profound and compelling stories.
Justin Nepomuceno (Technical Director) is a Baltimore based installation artist and designer. Previous credits include Scenic Designer for The Wolves, Pillar Rabbit at Spotlighters Theatre, Machinal at Fells Point Corner Theatre. Technical Direction for Wednesdays in Mississippi at Pipeline Playwrights and props artisan for Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s Theatre, Miss Nelson is Missing at Imagination Stage, and Beautiful at Olney Theatre Center. He has collaborated with scenic designer James Raymond on Mean Girls the Musical at The Key School, and Falsettos for the Maryland Theatre Collective. Justin holds a BS/BFA in Design etc. from Towson University. @Nepoillustration
Rain Pryor (Director) is a director, writer, wife and mother. Her writing and performance in her award winning solo show lead to a television development deal with Normal Lear, the creator of The Jefferson’s and All In The Family. And she is currently in pre-production for her film directorial debut, to be filmed in Baltimore MD, and Nigeria. Pryor’s transition into directing comes as no surprise. She directed Hoodoo Love by Katori Hall—at Spotlighters Theatre in Baltimore to rave reviews, in 2022. The Exonerated, and How I Learned To Drive at UMB, and later, MILF, Mom I’d Like to Follow, written and performed by Comedian Meschelle, The Indie Mom of Comedy. The show won Best Stand Up, at the United Solo Festival in NY and has played to sold out crowds across the country, including Joe’s Pub in NYC. Rain, was artistic director of the Strand Theatre in Baltimore in 2010. She directed three of their highly successful shows and brought the company into a financial surplus. She left after her solo show became a hit Off Broadway. Mother May I by humorist, Dylan Brody, was Pryor’s directorial debut. The show was the Strands first World Premier and was sold out.
ReginaGinaG (Ruth Younger) is an actress and host from Baltimore with a diverse background in theater, film, and television. Known for her vibrant personality and dynamic performances, she has portrayed a range of characters from the powerful Madam C.J. Walker in Unapologetic Black Girl Magic to the expressive Lady in Orange in multiple productions of For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Her theater experience includes acting and directing, as seen in her work on House Rules with AmaZing Theater, where she not only co-starred but also directed. She’s also worked in immersive theater, having co-hosted the ongoing Dinner Detective improv show. With a passion for storytelling and a dedication to her craft, Regina continues to inspire audiences with her performances and her commitment to bringing diverse voices and stories to the stage and screen.
Jen Sizer (Lighting Designer) has designed many shows here at Spotlighters over the past few seasons. Her previous productions include lighting for A Dickens' Christmas Carol, Outward Bound, What Was Done, ‘night Mother, Fag Gods (BPF) and Pillar Rabbit (BPF); Sound for [title of show], and Co-Director of Scharf's Shorts. She recently portrayed Sarah in Laughing Stock, and will be directing Clybourne Park Bruce Norris’ continuation of the Raisin story, 50 years later. It opens right here, in March 2025.
Aaron Watkins (Walter Lee Younger) was born and raised in Baltimore. Aaron is a graduate of Baltimore City College and Morehouse College. Currently living in Brooklyn, New York, he is an AUDELCO winning, two-time NY Emmy nominated television personality and actor. For over a decade, he could be found on BRIC TV in Brooklyn, New York. More recently, Aaron can be found on screen and stage as part of NYC's vibrant acting community. Recent credits include Carl Clay’s Black Love and Timeless, Jeanette Hill’s 2023 AUDELCO winning play Picking Up The Pieces as well as Layon Gray’s WEBEIME and Black Angels Over Tuskegee. Aaron would like to dedicate his performances to his many nieces and nephews. Follow his journey @apwatkins
Jackie Whittington (Costume & Prop Designer) is honored and grateful to be given a second opportunity for costume and prop design here at Spotlighters. After a theater hiatus of more than a decade, she is so thankful to work with such amazing talent, both on and off stage!
Director’s Comments . . . Rain Pryor, Director
It’s truly an honor and privilege to direct this African American classic play, with this amazing cast and crew, A Raisin in the Sun. The art of direction is about creating a space for actors to become better, and to serve the story. I love guiding my actors to discover their truth. I hope you enjoy our take on this American classic.
It’s truly an honor and privilege to direct this African American classic play, with this amazing cast and crew, A Raisin in the Sun. The art of direction is about creating a space for actors to become better, and to serve the story. I love guiding my actors to discover their truth. I hope you enjoy our take on this American classic.