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!!!