A Raisin in the Sun 1986 - Articles Page 6

Ages: 10+
Opened: July 23, 1986
Closing: September 21, 1986

A Raisin in the Sun - 1986 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Union Square Theatre
100 E. 17th Street 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 - 1986 - Off-Broadway Cast

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A Raisin in the Sun - 1986 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 6

Arena Stage Presents DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES Through 5/30
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2010


Big band sound transforms the Lincoln Theatre into a Duke Ellington jazz club as Arena Stage presents Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, choreographed by and starring Maurice Hines (Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies and Uptown... It's Hot!) with direction by Charles Randolph-Wright (Arena's Guys and Dolls and Blue).

Arena Stage's DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES Closes 5/30
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2010


Big band sound transforms the Lincoln Theatre into a Duke Ellington jazz club as Arena Stage presents Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, choreographed by and starring Maurice Hines (Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies and Uptown... It's Hot!) with direction by Charles Randolph-Wright (Arena's Guys and Dolls and Blue).

Arena Stage Presents DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES Through 5/30
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 21, 2010


Big band sound transforms the Lincoln Theatre into a Duke Ellington jazz club as Arena Stage presents Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, choreographed by and starring Maurice Hines (Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies and Uptown... It's Hot!) with direction by Charles Randolph-Wright (Arena's Guys and Dolls and Blue).

Arena Stage Presents DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES 4/9-5/30
by BWW News Desk - Apr 9, 2010


Big band sound transforms the Lincoln Theatre into a Duke Ellington jazz club as Arena Stage presents Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, choreographed by and starring Maurice Hines (Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies and Uptown... It's Hot!) with direction by Charles Randolph-Wright (Arena's Guys and Dolls and Blue).

RUINED Closes at Florida Studio Theatre Presents, 4/3
by BWW News Desk - Apr 3, 2010


Florida Studio Theatre continues its Winter Mainstage Season with Lynn Nottage's 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winning Drama Ruined. This new drama plays at the Keating Theatre through April 3, 2010.

Arena Stage Presents DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES 4/9-5/30
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 19, 2010


Big band sound transforms the Lincoln Theatre into a Duke Ellington jazz club as Arena Stage presents Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, choreographed by and starring Maurice Hines (Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies and Uptown... It's Hot!) with direction by Charles Randolph-Wright (Arena's Guys and Dolls and Blue).

National Jazz Museum Announces March Events
by BWW News Desk - Mar 2, 2010


In March 2010, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem presents public programming that brings jazz fans closer to artists-emerging to living masters-that embody the art form that defines America to itself and to the world.

Florida Studio Theatre Presents RUINED 2/3-4/3
by BWW News Desk - Feb 3, 2010


Florida Studio Theatre continues its Winter Mainstage Season with Lynn Nottage's 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winning Drama Ruined. This 'Riveting' (Variety Magazine) new drama opens at the Keating Theatre February 3rd and will continue through April 3, 2010.

Florida Studio Theatre Presents RUINED 2/3-4/3
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 2, 2010


Florida Studio Theatre continues its Winter Mainstage Season with Lynn Nottage's 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winning Drama Ruined. This 'Riveting' (Variety Magazine) new drama opens at the Keating Theatre February 3rd and will continue through April 3, 2010.

International City Theatre Presents SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, Opens 10/16
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2009


International City Theatre's 2009 Season finale is a show-stopping collection of transformational stories by one of musical theater's brightest composers.

Beasley, Dirden & More Star, Leon Directs Huntington Theatre's FENCES 9/11-10/11, Opens 9/16
by BWW News Desk - Oct 11, 2009


The Huntington Theatre Company opens its 28th season - a season of American stories - with August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences, the sixth chapter of his groundbreaking ten-play cycle about the 20th century African-American experience. Kenny Leon (Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun), acclaimed director and Wilson's final collaborator before his death, returns to the Huntington to helm the production, which stars John Beasley (Two Trains Running, Jitney, 'Everwood').

International City Theatre Presents SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, Opens 10/16
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 22, 2009


International City Theatre's 2009 Season finale is a show-stopping collection of transformational stories by one of musical theater's brightest composers.

Best-Selling Author Larry Tye to Speak After 'Fences' on Sept. 20 at Huntington Stage
by BWW News Desk - Sep 20, 2009


In conjunction with the Huntington Theatre Company?s production of August Wilson?s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play about a former Negro Baseball Leagues star whose rise from the Leagues hit the ceiling of racial prejudice, New York Times best-selling author of Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend Larry Tye will speak at the post-show Humanities Forum on Sunday, September 20.

Best-Selling Author Larry Tye to Speak After 'Fences' on Sept. 20 at Huntington Stage
by Robert Diamond - Sep 15, 2009


In conjunction with the Huntington Theatre Company?s production of August Wilson?s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play about a former Negro Baseball Leagues star whose rise from the Leagues hit the ceiling of racial prejudice, New York Times best-selling author of Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend Larry Tye will speak at the post-show Humanities Forum on Sunday, September 20.

Beasley, Dirden & More Star, Leon Directs Huntington Theatre's FENCES 9/11-10/11, Opens 9/16
by BWW News Desk - Sep 16, 2009


The Huntington Theatre Company opens its 28th season - a season of American stories - with August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences, the sixth chapter of his groundbreaking ten-play cycle about the 20th century African-American experience. Kenny Leon (Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun), acclaimed director and Wilson's final collaborator before his death, returns to the Huntington to helm the production, which stars John Beasley (Two Trains Running, Jitney, 'Everwood').

Beasley, Dirden & More Star, Leon Directs Huntington Theatre's FENCES 9/11-10/11, Opens 9/16
by BWW News Desk - Sep 11, 2009


The Huntington Theatre Company opens its 28th season - a season of American stories - with August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences, the sixth chapter of his groundbreaking ten-play cycle about the 20th century African-American experience. Kenny Leon (Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun), acclaimed director and Wilson's final collaborator before his death, returns to the Huntington to helm the production, which stars John Beasley (Two Trains Running, Jitney, 'Everwood').

Celebration Arts Holds A Last Minute Casting for A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Yosi Merves - Aug 21, 2009


Celebration Arts is seeking a white male actor for a role in its production of A RAISIN IN THE SUN. The role is Mr. Lindner (character age 50 - 55).

Beasley, Dirden & More Star, Leon Directs Huntington Theatre's FENCES 9/11-10/11, Opens 9/16
by Charlie Piane - Aug 13, 2009


The Huntington Theatre Company opens its 28th season - a season of American stories - with August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences, the sixth chapter of his groundbreaking ten-play cycle about the 20th century African-American experience. Kenny Leon (Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun), acclaimed director and Wilson's final collaborator before his death, returns to the Huntington to helm the production, which stars John Beasley (Two Trains Running, Jitney, 'Everwood').

Photo Preview of Joe Turner's 'Come and Gone' at Berkeley Rep
by Faetra Petillo - Oct 10, 2008


Renowned actor Delroy Lindo returns to Berkeley Repertory Theatre with the play that netted him a nomination for the Tony Award - but this time, he's in the director's chair. Following last year's triumph with Tanya Barfield's Blue Door, Lindo takes on August Wilson's African-American epic, Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Staged in the state-of-the-art Roda Theatre, this show begins previews on October 31, opens November 5, and closes December 14.

Lindo to Direct Turner's 'Come and Gone' At Berkley Rep
by Faetra Petillo - Sep 16, 2008


Renowned actor Delroy Lindo returns to Berkeley Repertory Theatre with the play that netted him a nomination for the Tony Award - but this time, he's in the director's chair. Following last year's triumph with Tanya Barfield's Blue Door, Lindo takes on August Wilson's African-American epic, Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Staged in the state-of-the-art Roda Theatre, this show begins previews on October 31, opens November 5, and closes December 14. Joe Turner is produced in association with the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, thanks to executive producers Wayne Jordan and Quinn Delaney and Felicia Woytak and Steve Rasmussen. BART and Wells Fargo are the season sponsors for Berkeley Rep's 41st year of fearless theatre.

Best Musical: Tony vs Grammy - Part 2
by Paul W. Thompson - Feb 25, 2008


Now that the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is history, and before the Tony Awards season sneaks up on us, it might be a good time to do a little investigating into the relationship between the category that both award shows recognize-Best Musical, of course.

CENTERSTAGE BRINGS AUGUST WILSON'S FINAL CHAPTER OF 20TH-CENTURY AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE TO BALTIMORE
by James Howard - Mar 5, 2006


WHO: CENTERSTAGE WHAT: August Wilson's Radio Golf WHEN: March 24-April 30. Tuesday - Saturday: 8 pm; Sunday: 7:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday Matinee: 2 pm; and Wednesday Matinee: April 12th at 1 pm. HOW MUCH: $10-$65, with Student & Senior Discounts (half-price on the day of show) See article for further discounts.

Mary-Louise Parker joins star ensemble cast in MCC's ESCAPE
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2005


MCC THEATER will present 'ESCAPE: 6 WAYS TO GET AWAY,' a star-studded benefit reading of new, one-act plays written by some of the leading voices in American theater today.

A Raisin in the Sun FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of A Raisin in the Sun have there been?
A Raisin in the Sun has had 6 productions including Broadway which opened in 1959, Off-Broadway which opened in 1986, Broadway which opened in 2004, Broadway which opened in 2004, Broadway which opened in 2014 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2022.

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