The stars were out, and not just the ones in the sky. A Raisin in the Sun had its Atlanta premiere at the Woodruff Arts Center Monday February 11, 2008. Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International of Georgia 2008, Ariel Johnson of Marietta High School (Marietta City Schools) and Empowering Georgia’s Talented Youth, Inc. Briyana Guadalupe of Dean Rusk Middle School (Cherokee County Schools) were part of the invitation only audience that was stunned by the performances of the cast that included Acworth’s own, Justin Martin.

The red carpet was abuzz as stars like Audra McDonald, Bill Nunn, Montel Jordan and others arrived. A Raisin in the Sun is the first film directed by Kenny Leon who also directed the Broadway Revival in 2004. The crowd cheered, laughed and cried as the story unfolded. Ariel and Briyana were also affected. At one point, they were moved to tears as Mama (Phylicia Rashad) expressed her deep hurt when the family fortune is lost by Walter Lee (Sean Combs).

A Raisin in the Sun will premiere February 25, 2008 on ABC.

EGTYI is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote culture and education through the performing arts. They are the state sponsor of Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International and EGTYI Miss Talented Pre-Teen Scholarship Programs. They have awarded thousands of dollars and scholarship and endeavors to form positive relationships with each child they serve. Want to join us? Our next meeting is February 17, 2008 in Atlanta. Visit www.talentedteenofga.com and click auditions to learn more.

A Raisin in the Sun is a classic piece of literature that tells the story of family in poverty and their struggle to gain middle class acceptance. The family is waiting on a $10,000 check, but who is right about how to spend it?