Jacob Henderson - Message to the Public

Message to the Public

First, I would like to thank everyone who came to support the Excellence Arts Academy -YWCA of Alton last weekend. “A Raisin in the Sun” in Alton has been a learning experience for me and my production team. This weekend, you have your final opportunity to see an American classic in the City of Alton. This will be your last chance to see the brilliant work of some amazing artists. When I produce shows, I always produce them with the audience member in mind. Audience satisfaction is my number one goal as a producer and director. At the Excellence Arts Academy, our objective is to educate, entertain, and empower our artist and audience members. “A Raisin in the Sun” shares the core values of all humanity, no matter what race you are. Everyone can identify with at least one character from this dynamic production. When we started rehearsals this past July, I immediately knew something special about how this play connected us as artists and performers. Since the start of production, the cast and crew have become family and friends to one another. I would like to think that the uplifting spirit of this show is the reason why great chemistry has manifested on stage between the actors. As a director, I have been challenged by the intense focus and determination of this company. The skill level of these artists is quite remarkable.

This Sunday, we will honor Mrs. Evelyn Johnson and her husband Mr. Harold Johnson. They are the first African Americans to live in the private neighborhood of Fairmont in Alton, Illinois. African Americans were not allowed to live in this prestigious neighborhood until the 1980s. When Mrs. Johnson became aware of the rules, she was outraged and demanded someone to change the rules. In 2012, The Johnson couple still lives in Fairmont and have broken down racial barriers. We will honor their legacy this Sunday at the final showing of “A Raisin in the Sun.” Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this great event.

Blessings,

Jake Henderson
Director of Excellence Arts Academy
YWCA of Alton
304 E. 3rd St.
Alton, IL 62002
(618) 465-7774 Ext. 207

The YWCA of Alton is a proud member of United Way. Established in 1918, the YWCA of Alton is part of the largest and oldest women's organization in the world. Its mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA of Alton serves communities in southwestern Illinois and is a partner agency in the St. Louis and Metro East region. For more information, visit www.altonywca.com

Elizabeth McCormick as Beneatha Younger

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth McCormick (Beneatha Younger) was born and raised in Florida and recently relocated to Alton, Illinois. She enjoys reading, creative writing, and spending time with her family. She’s currently a student at Lewis & Clark Community College and also plans to pursue a career in Theater & Performing Arts. Elizabeth is honored to make her follow up performance with the production of “A Raisin in the Sun” and she is happy that Jake has given her this opportunity.

Ronnie Banks as Joseph Asagai

About Ronnie

Ronnie Banks (Joseph Asagai) is a native of Birmingham, Alabama.  In a short amount of time, Ronnie has cultivated his acting talent and landed leading roles in both film and stage productions. As a youngster, he always had a secret passion for acting.  In the 4th grade, the talented actor had an opportunity to audition for the role as Dr. Martin Luther King in the stage play, "I Have Dream".  Although he didn’t attain that role, he persevered and garnered a supporting role in the play.  Ronnie was determined to become an actor no matter what obstacles he faced.  A film maker asked Ronnie if he would be interested in auditioning for his film, "The Hunga", and of course he said "Yes!"  Ronnie earned the leading role in "The Hunga" and has since then pursued acting with tenacity.  The talented actor also holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education (K-12) from University Of Missouri-St. Louis.

Barbara Coleman as Mama

About Barbara

Barbara Swift Coleman

Barbara (Mama) has been involved in theatre in and around St. Louis for over 10 years.  She is so happy to be a part of this production of “A Raisin in the Sun” - one of her bucket-list shows.

Other Credits:

Some of her favorite roles include:

Margarita in “Stormy Monday”

Steele in “A Piece of My Heart”

Lee in “Holding On, Letting Go”

Maggie in “You Know I Can’t Eat Buffalo Meat When There’s a Terrorist on the Loose”

Angel 2 in “Tea with the Angels”

Juror #2 in “12 Angry Jurors”

Eve in “The Diaries of Adam & Eve”

Clara in “In Spite of the Drama”

Addie in “The Little Foxes”

Barbara has also appeared in several commercials and independent films shot locally. In her other life, Barbara works for MERS/Goodwill as a Sales Audit Specialist.  She gives thanks to God, her family and her husband Archie.

Taleesha C. Stewart as Ruth Younger

About Taleesha

Taleesha C. Stewart (Ruth Younger) - Writer, Actress, Poet

For as far back as memory allows, Taleesha has carried a passion for the arts. With a natural ability to paint a picture with words, she has performed her own poetic works for over 15 years. Taleesha currently resides in St. Louis MO, however she is a Hoosier in its truest sense, born and raised in Gary Indiana.

Quotes:

She is a lover, partner, mother, sister, daughter and friend with an outlook on life that is best summarized by one of her favorite quotes:  “Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.” Taleesha would like to thank each of you for creating beauty by simply being you.

Jaz Tucker as Bobo

About Jaz

Jaz Tucker's (Bobo) first acting role was at the age of 13.  He portrayed the ill-fated Emmett Till in Unity Theatre Ensemble's, "The State of Mississippi vs. Emmett Till".  Knowing this was his calling, his mother, Thomasina Clarke, an accomplished actor and drama instructor, made him audition for the part.  That was when Jaz realized he'd want to do this for the rest of his life. In the fall of 2005, Jaz moved to Washington, D.C. for his entire high school career where he was fortunate enough to host a few school assemblies, aid his school in winning "Best Rookie" in its first Robotics Regional Competition, and have two of his poems published in "Bridges", a collection featuring poetry from hearing and deaf students.  Presently, Jaz is finalizing, "Forever in a Day", a short film he co-wrote, produced, and starred in.  He is also in the early stages of creating a variety web show that is not yet titled.

Joseph Schultz as Karl Lindner

About Joe

Joseph “Joe” Schultz (Karl Lindner) is 2012 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Theater History/Literary Criticism and a minor in Philosophy. As a transfer student from Southeast Missouri State University, Joe has enjoyed a wide array of “hats” within the Department of Theater and Dance.

Acting Credits:

He performed in:

"Point of Revue,"

Multiple Black Theater Workshops

SIUE's Senior Showcase 2011

Other Talents:

Joe was master electrician for Pillowman and Student Dance Concert 2010. He also functioned as dramaturge for Kathryn Bentley’s Intimate Apparel and danced in Dance in Concert 2011. He splits his love between the learning of aesthetic performance theory and working as a tugboat deckhand on the Mississippi River.

Joe would like to thank his family and friends for their continual support and love; he is excited to work with such a talented cast and crew in this production of A Raisin in the Sun.

Matt Griffin as George Murchison

About Matt

Matt Griffin (George Murchison) is an American actor, writer, singer, and composer from Bloomington, Illinois.

Matt’s career began in 2000 when his mother enrolled him in concert choir in junior high at the age of 11. He has been singing in choirs and on stage ever since. In 2005, Matt began his acting career. In summer 2012, Matt graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Business.

 Acting Credits:

Matt’s acting credits include:

Jester in “The Arabian Nights”

Willard Hewitt in “Footloose”

Richard Maynard in “Moon over Buffalo”

Jud Fry in “Oklahoma!”

Matt has also appeared as a theater patron in the student film “Last Stop” directed by JD Stimson, Jr. and as a zombie in the low-budget film “The Year after Infection.” Matt is currently an intern at the YWCA of Alton.

Actor’s Quotes:

“I’d like to thank God for His amazing grace and the opportunities He has given me. I’d also like to thank my family – my parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles who have helped me through the years. I’d also like to thank my friends, especially my brothers of Alpha Kappa Lambda, Fraternity and my Christian brothers for their support.”

Tahler Holloway as Travis Younger

About Tahler

Tahler is a student in Alton. He is very pleased and thankful to be starring in his first playing along side such a great cast.

Rhonda Cropp as Mrs. Johnson

About Rhonda

Rhonda Cropp (Mrs. Johnson) is pleased and honored to be working with the Excellence Arts Academy. Rhonda works with different theater groups around St. Louis and now Illinois in different capacities: stage manager, assistant director, and holds a Board seat with FirstRun Theater Production Company. Rhonda has been a faithful employee with the State of Missouri for 22 years, serving as a caseworker.

Rhonda would like to thank her wonderful husband Paul and her children, Darius and Rachel for their continued support. Rhonda would also like to experience. Last but not least, Rhonda thanks this most talented cast for all of their patience and support.

Curtis Lewis as Walter Lee Younger

About Curtis

Curtis Lewis (Walter Lee Younger) was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Theater Performance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He has recently completed his first-year professional acting internship at the Saint Louis Black Repertory Theater as a member of their touring company and he was last seen in The Black Rep’s production of Ma Rainey’s “Black Bottom” as Sylvester Brown.

Other credits include:

Jefferson in “A Lesson Before Dying”

Walter Lee Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun” (seen in 2009)

Traveler in “A Trip to Bountiful”

Merchant in “Comedy of Errors”

George Armstrong in “Intimate Apparel”

Tyrell Mayberry in “Good and Plenty”

William in “As You Like It”

Ensemble cast member in “Hairspray”

Multiple roles in both “The Colored Museum” and “Point of Revue”

His directing credits include:

“Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train”

“Beauty Inside and Out” (written by Curtis)

SIUE’s Black Theater Workshops:

“We Wear the Mask”

“The Journey to Freedom”

“The Root”

Actor's Quotes:

He would like to thank God for love, peace, creativity, family & friends! “If you have a dream, you really don’t have to chase it...just know that it’s already yours and it’s destined to happen!”

About "A Raisin in the Sun"

Showings

The Excellence Arts Academy-YWCA of Alton proudly presents "A Raisin In the Sun," showing September 21 -23 & 28-30, 2012 at the Alton Middle School Auditorium. The times of the shows are 7:00p Friday & Saturday and 2:00p on Sundays. “This show is an American classic and we are excited to present this to Riverbend area,” said Executive Producer and Director Jacob Henderson. 

The Cast

A Raisin in the Sun will feature Curtis Lewis in the iconic role of "Walter Lee Younger." Mr. Lewis is Theater Graduate from SIUE and has been featured 

in many productions at the St. Louis Black Rep Theater and SIUE. Also featured in the dynamic cast:

Taleesha Stewart as "Ruth"
Barbara Coleman as "Mama"
Elizabeth McCormick as "Beneatha"
Tahler Holloway as "Travis"
Ronnie Banks as "Joseph Asagai"
Joe Schultz as "Karl Linder"
Jaz Tucker as "Bobo"
Howard Jackson & Carlos Edmondson as "Moving Men"
Matt Griffin as "George Murchison" and
Rhonda Cropp as "Mrs. Johnson"

Producers & Sponsors

This production will be directed by Excellence Arts Academy Founder Jacob Henderson. Producing team includes Managing Producer Regina Edwards, Assistant Director & Producer Jeremy Granger and Production Manager Howard Jackson.

“The YWCA, through the Excellence Arts Academy, is excited to present 'A Raisin in the Sun.' This compelling drama by Lorraine Hansberry is particularly fitting to kick off our 2012 fall season. While engaging audiences in struggles of one Black American family, it encourages an intimate awareness of the penetrating and pervasive effects of institutional and internalized racism and above all reminds us of the power and resiliency of hope and love. As a proud member of the United Way community, the YWCA is dedicating this production to the 2012 United Way Campaign a portion of the proceeds will go directly to support the United Way. Since we believe that 'A Raisin in the Sun' is a must see for all audiences, we invite everyone to support the YWCA and United Way by simply coming down and enjoying the play-- it will be a performance you will never forget,” said Andrea Lamer Executive Director of the YWCA of Alton.

Tickets & Contact Information

A Raisin in the Sun Tickets will be $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students & YWCA members. Group rates and preview performances are available by contacting Claire Cooper at the YWCA of Alton. To purchase tickets and make reservations please call 618-465-7774.

PLEASE, STAY TUNED FOR ACTOR PROFILES!!!