OPRAH WINFREY AS A BABY------- RAYNELL'S ROLE

      I have chosen Oprah Winfrey to perform the role of Raynell because I believe Oprah's life has not being easy as it looks, however, she had high aspirations and positive hopes that made her who she is in present. Raynell is Troy's illegitimate daughter with Alberta, his lover. August Wilson introduces Raynell to the play as an infant (seven years old). Her innocent need for care and support convinces Rose to take Troy back into the house. Later, Raynell plants seeds in the once barren dirt yard. Raynell is the only Maxson child that will live with few scars from Troy and is emblematic of new hope for the future and the positive values parents and older generations pass on to their young. In short, Oprah Winfrey is the perfect fit to perform Raynell's role, just as her influence in all over the world.

 

CORBIN BLEU ---- CORY'S ROLE

        I have selected Corbin Bleu to perform Cory's role. Corbin is a 22 years old American actor, model, singer and producer which I believe fits with the characteristics of Cory, and he will do great in performing Cory's role. Cory is the son of Rose and Troy. He is a senior in high school and he usually gets good grades and college recruiters come to see him play football. Cory is considered a respectful son, compassionate nephew to his disabled uncle Gabriel, and generally, a giving and enthusiastic person. He is an ambitious young man who has the talent and determination to realize his dreams, however, he challenges and confronts Troy  because his father does not agree with him being a great football player and leaves home as a result. Cory comes home from the Marines in the final scene of the play, attempting to defy Troy by refusing to go to his funeral, but Cory changes his mind after sharing memories of his father with Rose and Raynell.

JAMIE FOXX ----- GRABRIEL'S ROLE

       I have selected Jamie Foxx to represent the role of Gabriel. Jamie Foxx is a American actor, singer, stand-up comedian and talk radio host that I believe will perform very well in the role of Gabriel. Gabriel is Troy's brother and seven years younger than Troy. He has a metal plate in his head after an injure in World War II, reason why he often thinks he is not a person but the Archangel Gabriel who opens the gates of heaven with his trumpet for Saint Peters on Judgement Day. In addition, because of the physical damage and his service in World War II, Gabriel receives checks from the government that Troy used in part to buy the Maxson's home where the play takes place. Gabriel wanders around the Maxson family's neighborhood carrying a basket with an assortment of discarded fruits and vegetables and singing with a trumpet tied around his waist.  

Gabriel singing..... (1119)

Yes, ma'am, I got plums

You ask me how I sell them

Oh ten cents apiece

Three for a quarter

Come and buy now

'cause I'm here today

And tomorrow I'll be gone.

DANTE TERRELL SMITH --- LYONS ROLE

       I have selected Dante Terrel Smith to perform the role of Lyons. Best Known as Mos Def, he is a great musician, singer and a great African American actor that will do great in the role of Lyons. Lyons is a thirty-four years old, Troy's oldest son by a previous marriage. Lyons is an ambitious and talented jazz musician that grew up without Troy for much of his childhood because Troy was in prison for several years. Just like most musicians, Lyons has a hard time making a living. As a result, Lyons mostly depends on his girlfriend, Bonnie whom we never see on stage. Lyons does not live with Troy, Rose and Cory, but comes by the Maxson house frequently on Troy's payday to ask for money. Lyons' jazz playing appears to Troy as an unconventional and foolish occupation. Troy calls jazz, "Chinese music," because he perceives the music as foreign and impractical. In short, Mos Def being a good actor and a musician will perform very well in the role of Lyons.