A Raisin in the Sun 1959 - Articles Page 11

Ages: 10+
Opened: March 11, 1959

A Raisin in the Sun - 1959 - Broadway History , Info & More

Belasco Theatre (Broadway)
111 West 44th St. New York, NY

Set on Chicago’s South Side, Lorraine Hansberry's celebrated play concerns the divergent dreams and conflicts in three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis, and matriarch Lena. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school. Hansberry's portrait of one family’s struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.



. Upon its Broadway premiere in 1959, the play was a groundbreaking success for being the first play on Broadway written by an African American woman and the first with a Black director, Lloyd Richards. It brought to life the story of the Younger family's aspirations and struggles in Chicago's South Side, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. In 1960, the play was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Actor in Play for Sidney Poitier, Best Actress in a Play for Claudia McNeil, and Best Direction of a Play for Lloyd Richards.



The play's significance extends beyond its Broadway success. It won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle award for best play in 1959, marking a major achievement for Hansberry and a pivotal moment for African American storytelling in the theater. "A Raisin in the Sun" not only ran for 19 months on Broadway but was also adapted into a 1961 movie starring Sidney Poitier and other members of the original Broadway cast. This adaptation further cemented the play's legacy, with Ruby Dee winning the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress, and both Poitier and McNeil receiving Golden Globe nominations.


A Raisin in the Sun - 1959 - Broadway Cast

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A Raisin in the Sun - 1959 - Broadway Articles Page 11

BWW Reviews: CLYBOURNE PARK - A Pulitzer Prize View of Neighborhood Integration and Gentrification
by Roy Berko - Mar 27, 2014


Have you ever wondered, after seeing a play, what might have happened to the characters or even the physical structure in which the story is set, before the play began or after it ended? Bruce Norris's 'CLYBOURNE PARK' does exactly that.

Cleveland Play House Presents CLYBOURNE PARK, Now thru 4/13
by BWW News Desk - Mar 21, 2014


Only one play in history has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Broadway's Tony Award for Best Play, and London's Olivier Award for Best New Play. Securing the 'Triple Crown' of theatre has made Bruce Norris' Clybourne Park one of the most acclaimed American plays in recent memory, earning accolades from such diverse critics as Entertainment Weekly ('indisputably, uproariously funny') to The New Yorker ('superb, elegantly written and hilarious'). Cleveland Play Housewill present this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play from today, March 21 - April 13 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

TV: Audra McDonald is Billie Holliday! Meet the Company of LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 18, 2014


Five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald will return to the stage as legendary songstress Billie Hollidayin a revival of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. The show will open at the Circle in the Square Theatre on April 13 for a limited 10-week run. Performances will begin on March 25. The company just met the press yesterday and BroadwayWorld's Richard RIdge was there to chat with the whole gang. Check out what they had to say below!

FREEZE FRAME: Audra McDonald and LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL Company Meet the Press!
by Walter McBride - Mar 17, 2014


Five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald will return to the stage as legendary songstress Billie Holliday in a revival of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. The show will open at the Circle in the Square Theatre on April 13 for a limited 10-week run. Performances will begin on March 25. The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld brings you a sneak peek of the festivities below. Check back later for complete coverage!

Cleveland Play House to Present CLYBOURNE PARK, 3/21-4/13
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 11, 2014


Only one play in history has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Broadway's Tony Award for Best Play, and London's Olivier Award for Best New Play. Securing the 'Triple Crown' of theatre has made Bruce Norris' Clybourne Park one of the most acclaimed American plays in recent memory, earning accolades from such diverse critics as Entertainment Weekly ('indisputably, uproariously funny') to The New Yorker ('superb, elegantly written and hilarious'). Cleveland Play Housewill present this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play from March 21 - April 13 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Broadway Revival with Denzel Washington Begins Previews Tonight!
by Courtnie Mele - Mar 8, 2014


Previews begin tonight, Saturday, March 8, at 8pm for the return to Broadway of Tony Award-winner and two-time Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington starring as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This new production begins previews nearly 55 years to the day that A RAISIN IN THE SUN had its Broadway premiere (March 11, 1959) at the same theatre, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Opening night for A RAISIN IN THE SUN is Thursday, April 3 at 6:45pm. The 14-week limited engagement runs through Sunday, June 15.

'Always Something Left to Love...' Meet the Full Company of A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Beginning Tomorrow on Broadway!
by Meet the Cast - Mar 7, 2014


Previews begin tomorrow night, Saturday, March 8, for the return to Broadway of Tony Award-winner and two-time Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington, starring as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This new production begins previews nearly 55 years to the day that A RAISIN IN THE SUN had its Broadway premiere (March 11, 1959) at the same theatre, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Scroll down to learn more about the cast!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Broadway Revival with Denzel Washington Begins Previews Tomorrow
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 7, 2014


Previews begin tomorrow night, Saturday, March 8, at 8pm for the return to Broadway of Tony Award-winner and two-time Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington starring as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This new production begins previews nearly 55 years to the day that A RAISIN IN THE SUN had its Broadway premiere (March 11, 1959) at the same theatre, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Opening night for A RAISIN IN THE SUN is Thursday, April 3 at 6:45pm. The 14-week limited engagement runs through Sunday, June 15.

VIDEO: Denzel Washington Talks A RAISIN IN THE SUN on 'Fallon'
by Caryn Robbins - Mar 3, 2014


The actor stopped by THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON to talk about his latest project.

The Greene Space Presents INSIDE LOOK With A RAISIN IN THE SUN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Feb 27, 2014


Inside Look, The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR's special live event series featuring sneak peeks at some of theater's most-anticipated productions, is back this spring with three Broadway premieres and the revival of an American classic.

Photo Flash: First Look at Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL Artwork!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 25, 2014


As BroadwayWorld reported last week, five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald will return to the stage as legendary songstress Billie Holliday in a revival of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. The show will open at the Circle in the Square Theatre on April 13 for a limited 10-week run. Performances will begin on March 25. Check out the just-released artwork for the show below!

Schedule Announced for LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL with Audra McDonald; Opening Set for 4/13
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 25, 2014


As BroadwayWorld reported last week, five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald will return to the stage as legendary songstress Billie Holliday in a revival of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. According to the New York Times, the show will open at the Circle in the Square Theatre on April 13 for a limited 10-week run. Performances will begin on March 25.

Confirmed: Talks Underway to Bring Audra McDonald Back to Broadway in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 21, 2014


BroadwayWorld.com has learned that talks are indeed currently underway with five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald to bring her back to the stage as legendary songstress Billie Holliday in a revival of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. The show will reportedly play at the Circle in the Square Theatre, where current occupant Bronx Bombers will close on March 2, 2014. An official announcement has not yet been made, but sources tell us that a deal, dates and release is 'imminent.'

BWW Reviews: CLYBOURNE PARK at Center for the Arts Is Astounding
by Alison Bridget Chambers - Feb 13, 2014


Clybourne Park, by Bruce Norris, opened last night at the Center for the Arts Theatre. Stop what you are doing immediately and reserve tickets. This Pulitzer, Tony and Olivier Award winning script in combination with some of Wichita's finest actors creates an evening of theatre not soon forgotten.

Geva's 41st Season Continues with CLYBOURNE PARK, Now thru 3/9
by BWW News Desk - Feb 11, 2014


Geva Theatre Center' 41st Season continues with Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. Directed by Mark Cuddy, this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play about the volatile combination of race and real estate begins performances tonight, February 11 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through March 9.

Breaking News: Diahann Carroll Withdraws from Upcoming Broadway Revival of A RAISIN IN THE SUN, LaTanya Richardson Jackson Steps in
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 9, 2014


BroadwayWorld has confirmed that acclaimed actress Diahann Carroll has withdrawn from the upcoming Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, directed by Kenny Leon, and also starring Denzel Washington. LaTanya Richardson Jackson will assume the role of Lena Younger in the production, currently in rehearsals.

TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED, AND BLACK Comes to MCCC's Trenton Campus as Part of Black History Month Events This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Feb 7, 2014


The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Theatre Program presents 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' at the Trenton Campus as one of the highlights of its Black History Month events. Performances are tonight, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. in Kerney Hall. Students from the college's Entertainment Technology Program will provide lighting and sound. Kerney Hall is located in MCCC's Kerney Building at 102 N. Broad Street. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the campus.

TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED, AND BLACK Comes to MCCC's Trenton Campus as Part of Black History Month Events, 2/7-9
by Diana Heisroth - Jan 29, 2014


The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Theatre Program presents "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" at the Trenton Campus as one of the highlights of its Black History Month events. Performances are Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. in Kerney Hall. Students from the college's Entertainment Technology Program will provide lighting and sound. Kerney Hall is located in MCCC's Kerney Building at 102 N. Broad Street. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the campus.

The Greene Space to Present INSIDE LOOK With BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, IF/THEN, and More, Beg. 1/28
by Diana Heisroth - Jan 27, 2014


Inside Look, The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR's special live event series featuring sneak peeks at some of theater's most-anticipated productions, is back this spring with three Broadway premieres and the revival of an American classic.

CLYBOURNE PARK Opens Tonight at Trustus Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Jan 24, 2014


Trustus Theatre is bringing Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize, Tony, and Olivier Award-winning comedy Clybourne Park to the Thigpen Main Stage. This show, a response to Lillian Hellman's A Raisin in the Sun, is a provocative and humorous look at racial relations and reactions in America. Clybourne Park is directed by award-winning guest director Jim O'Connor, and opens on the Thigpen Main Stage tonight, January 24th at 8:00pm.

Diahann Carroll & More Set For A RAISIN IN THE SUN Talkback, 2/27
by Pat Cerasaro - Jan 23, 2014


Tony Award-winning stage and screen stars Diahann Carroll and Anika Noni Rose join with acclaimed director Kenny Leon for an upcoming talkback all about the forthcoming Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN next month.

Geva's 41st Season Continues with CLYBOURNE PARK, 2/11-3/9
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 21, 2014


Geva Theatre Center' 41st Season continues with Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. Directed by Mark Cuddy, this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play about the volatile combination of race and real estate begins performances on February 11 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through March 9.

CLYBOURNE PARK Runs Now thru 2/16 at Cincinnati Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Jan 18, 2014


The Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Broadway's Tony Award for Best Play. London's Olivier Award for Best New Play. There's only one show in history that can claim all three honors. The Playhouse is proud to kick off the second half of its Marx Theatre season with Bruce Norris' CLYBOURNE PARK, running today, Jan. 18 through Feb. 16.

Trustus to Present CLYBOURNE PARK, 1/24-2/8
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 17, 2014


Trustus Theatre is bringing Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize, Tony, and Olivier Award-winning comedy Clybourne Park to the Thigpen Main Stage. This show, a response to Lillian Hellman's A Raisin in the Sun, is a provocative and humorous look at racial relations and reactions in America. Clybourne Park is directed by award-winning guest director Jim O'Connor, and opens on the Thigpen Main Stage Friday January 24th at 8:00pm. The show runs through February 8th, 2014. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org.

CLYBOURNE PARK Opens January 24 at Trustus Theatre
by Robert Diamond - Jan 12, 2014


Trustus Theatre is bringing Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize, Tony, and Olivier Award-winning comedy Clybourne Park to the Thigpen Main Stage. This show, a response to Lillian Hellman's A Raisin in the Sun, is a provocative and humorous look at racial relations and reactions in America. Clybourne Park is directed by award-winning guest director Jim O'Connor, and opens on the Thigpen Main Stage Friday January 24th at 8:00pm. The show runs through February 8th, 2014. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org.

Other Productions of A Raisin in the Sun

1959   Broadway
Broadway
1986   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2004   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2014   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2022   Off-Broadway Public Theater Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway

A Raisin in the Sun - 1959 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1960 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play Lloyd Richards
1960 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Sidney Poitier
1960 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Claudia McNeil
1960 Tony Awards Best Play Lorraine Hansberry
1959 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best American Play Lorraine Hansberry
1959 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Drama Performance Diana Sands

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