Kudos to UpStage Artists Production of A Raisin In The Sun!
- Lenny Dinerman
- Apr 2, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 26, 2024

Beg pardon, but I simply could not resist the urge to pen a highly favorable review of Upstage Artists most recent production of, "A Raisin In The Sun." Â
Kudos to all for their focused efforts in bringing about one of the best dramatic performances I have yet seen in community theater.
The set was tastefully done & very inviting. It made me feel as though I were living in the Younger's abode right along with them. I was mainly impressed however with the wide range of emotion displayed by the show's talented cast, most notably Elizabeth Lynne Ellis Wiggins, Stacey Saunders & Melvin Smith as "Mama" Lena, Ruth & Walter Lee Younger respectively. Tiffany Carletta was a breath of fresh air as Beneatha Younger & Binta Kassambara as little Travis Younger was in a word, delightful! Â
The supporting roles of Misters Asagai, Murchison, Bobo & Linder were convincingly portrayed respectively by Antoine Avery, Joseph Battley II, Edward V. Crews & Peter Rouleau.
I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the admirable contributions of Sound Technician Susie Mendelsohn, Stage Manager Joanne Breen, Stagehand Harsha Vardhan & of course Director Rick Bergmann.          Â
Next up for Upstage Artists this season will be Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" directed by Anna Fitzmaurice, premiering May 31st & ending 10 June 2024. All performances are held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD 20705.  Hope to see you there!
