A Raisin in the Sun

The Setting of A Raisin in the Sun is 1950's Chicago. The patriarch of the Younger family has recently died, and the family is about to receive a check from the insurance company for $10,000. Each member of the family starts to make plans for the money. Ruth, the matriarch, wants a house for the family so her grandson can have a room of his own and maybe have a little dirt to grow something. Her daughter would like to use the money to attend medical school, and her son would like to use the money to buy a liquor store with his friends.

When the money arrives, Ruth decides the money needs to be divided with about a third going to each use. She puts the down payment on a house in one of the suburbs, and gives the rest of the money to her son to manage.

The first problem that develops is that the house proves to be in an all white suburb, and Karl Lindner arrives at the family apartment to buy them out of their home purchase. He clearly indicates that they are not welcome in their neighborhood, but the residences would like to buy their home a profit.

The second problem is the son gives all the money that was entrusted to him to his friends to facilitate their store, but the friend with the money disappears, and the money is gone with him. There is nothing for the store or his sister's education.

The family continues with its move to the new home.

In its day this play was a statement of the black situation. Now it is picture of the way things were in the 1950's. While some things have improved, the past must be remembered.

Only two of the actors were regulars with the Denver Center Theater Company. All the actors were very good in their parts, and it was a wonderful evening.

The Voysey Inheritance

Pyramid schemes have been around for a long time. Harley Grainville-Barker wrote The Voysey Inheritance in 1905, which involved a Pyramid scheme.

Mr. Voysey was the solicitor, who was the head of a trust and estate law firm. He was bring his son, Edward, into the firm. The young man was surprised by the state of the firm. A lot of the money that had been been invested into the firm was not where it should be. Mr. Voysey explained that he was moving the money around from account to account so no one was loosing any money. He was also taking money from the accounts for the family. He assures Edward that everything was fine.

However, Mr Voysey suddenly died. Edward was then the head of the firm and family. He wanted to come clean about the state of the firm. The family was split about the proper course: one group of the family were breaking away from the family and were not concerned about the money, while the other part was afraid that they loose their lifestyle. Edward decided that he has to try to fix matter. There were too many small accounts that would be hurt, if he does not try.

As time goes along, Edward was able to fund the smaller accounts. At this time, though, George Booth, the firms largest investor, discovers the state of the firm, and the reason for it. He will not take matters to the authorities, if Edward gives him his money immediately. This would mean that Edward would have to take the money from the other smaller accounts to accomplish. How is Edward going to save the firm or more importantly the money of the other accounts in the firm?

It is interesting that this play sounds so current. The costumes are Edwardian, but the situations and attitudes are modern. Somethings are timeless.

Sam Gregory was able to carry the play as Edward. John Hutton as Edward's brother, Major Booth Voysey, was not blustery enough for a retired British major. the rest of the cast carried their parts well. The performance was an enjoyable evening.