Lionheart Theatre's "A Raisin in the Sun" wins 8 top MAT awards

By Carla Scruggs

On Sunday, August 27^th, Lionheart Theatre was awarded eight 2017 Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Awards (MATs).

Joanie McElroy, Director of A Raisin in the Sun, took a few minutes to discuss the MATs, the play, and her directing style. For those unfamiliar with the Atlanta Theatre scene, the MATs recognize excellence in the community and non-union professional theaters. Joanie won this year’s MAT, The Moira Thornett’s Best Director Award. And, we could not be any happier for her.

The director is the visionary of every play. Joanie is no exception and for her, everything begins with script analysis. It takes a lot of discovery, but for Joanie, identifying the arc of the play is vital in identifying the heart of the play. “I read first for content; then for hidden meanings; then I begin to visualize as I am reading to take into consideration the elements that help bring the play to life. And, then I read the play backwards. It may sound crazy, but you’d be amazed what you discover reading a play from the end to the beginning!” For Joanie, A Raisin in the Sun reminded her that inspiration is continually being supplied through books and scripts written long ago, and that these classic stories still resonate with modern-day audiences. A Raisin in the Sun was definitely one of those for her.

This year Joanie, the cast, and crew of A Raisin in the Sun also won MATs for Best Overall Performance of a Play and Best Ensemble in a Play. And, what a stellar cast it was! “As the saying goes, if you cast it right, the rest is easy. At call-backs, I began to see the chemistry evolving between the actors and that’s when I got really excited.”

As a theatre lover, and director, Joanie is quick to note that community theatre is essential in bringing the arts to those that might not be able to afford a professional production. “We’ve got to make quality theatre accessible to everyone and community theatre provides that.” As for A Raisin in the Sun, Joanie wanted to bring that show, with very talented actors, and exceptional staging to Lionheart so many people can have access and enjoy quality theatre.

The McElroy family has been active with Lionheart for 16 years and Joanie is quick to praise the entire Lionheart team. She is especially grateful for Tanya Caldwell. “I’m just thrilled A Raisin in the Sun could bring it home for Lionheart and Tanya! Whatever I needed, I was given amazing support. Tanya Caldwell gives you just the right balance of support mixed with autonomy. That level of trust provides both a sense of security and freedom.”

What’s next for Joanie? Joanie along with her creative partner, Ken Crease, have created their own Production Company, Merely Players Presents, which has produced three main stage plays and two staged readings of original works. Merely Players next venture is developing a children’s musical entitled “The Bus Stops Here” with original script and score penned by Joanie’s husband, Steve McElroy. Whatever Joanie creates, we know it will be a very special treat for audiences of all ages. We all wish her the best of luck and look forward to having her back at Lionheart in 2018.

Lionheart Theatre Company, based in Gwinnett County, is a nonprofit, 501-3c, which seeks to nurture a vibrant arts community, foster artistic excellence, and inspire a creative exchange of ideas.

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