Living in Astoria in the 90's I never really paid much attention to the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Astoria, a small church on located Crescent street, on the corner of 30th Road. However with the arrival of The Astoria Performing Arts Center, Inc. (APAC), a not-for-profit organization, in 2001, and the amazing productions this location produces, folks are now starting to pay attention to the small church nuzzled in the heart of Astoria.
Our Editorial Director, Daniel Vazquez attended the show Raisin last weekend currently playing at APAC, and provided the write up below:
Raisin, the Tony award-winning musical based on Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal Raisin in the Sun, hasn’t seen a stage in forty-two years. Under the direction of Dev Bondarin, the Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC), located in the auditorium of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Astoria, Queens, has resurrected the musical in a production which the New York Times has heralded as “adventurous theater in Astoria.”
Set in segregated 1950s Chicago, the story focuses on Lena Younger, who is due insurance money following the death of her husband, and the debate between herself and her son as to how to their family should spend the money. Examining the tension surrounding race in America through the lens of one black family’s struggle in the face of change, Raisin is a timely and thoroughly entertaining production that makes excellent use of its limited space. It is an absolute delight on all fronts, from casting, acting, singing, musical direction, and choreography, to set, costume, sound, and lighting design. With Raisin, APAC proves that Astoria, as it turns out, is a surprisingly fit location for a full Broadway experience.
"Raisin," runs only until this Saturday May 27, and tickets are still available right now. All performances at 30-44 Crescent St. (at 30th Road), Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Catch this show now before its too late! #QueenscapesEndorsed
Intro by Adolfo Steve Vazquez, Review and photos by Daniel Vazquez