A Raisin in the Sun Revival 2014

Ages: 10+
Opened: April 3, 2014
Closing: June 15, 2014

A Raisin in the Sun - 2014 - Broadway History , Info & More

Ethel Barrymore Theatre (Broadway)
243 West 47th St. New York, NY

Set on Chicago's South Side, A Raisin In The Sun revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee (Denzel Washington), his wife Ruth (Sophie Okonedo), his sister Beneatha (Anika Noni Rose), his son Travis (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and matriarch Lena, called Mama (LaTanya Richardson Jackson). When her deceased husband's money comes through, Mama 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. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama.

Originally produced in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway, where it won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. The Washington Post has called it "one of a handful of great American dramas. A Raisin in the Sun belongs in the inner circle, along with Death of a Salesman and Long Day's Journey into Night." The New York Times has hailed it as "the play that changed American theatre forever".

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR A Raisin in the Sun

Broadway Review: ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ with Denzel Washington
9 / 10

Denzel Washington's rabid fans won't be seeing their idol in this heart-stopping revival of Lorraine Hansberry's ground-breaking 1959 play, 'A Raisin in the Sun.' They'll be seeing Walter Lee Younger, the scion of a hard-working black family who sees his dreams of success slipping away on the post-WWII racial battlefront of Chicago's South Side. The performance is a personal triumph for Washington, who refrains from star-strutting to fold himself into a tight-knit ensemble of committed stage thesps who treat this revival like a labor of love.

'A Raisin in the Sun' review: Magnificent Denzel Washington
9 / 10

Remember the questions raised about Denzel Washington being too old to play Walter Lee Younger...Forget all that. Forget any and all reservations, except the kind that are so hard to get for director Kenny Leon's shattering revival of Lorraine Hansberry's seminal 1959 drama about a struggling black family in Chicago. Washington, 59, is magnificent -- disaffected, exuberant, heart-shredding -- as the character Sidney Poitier created on Broadway when just 32. Yes, this Walter Lee now says he is 40, not 35, in one of his raw and bruised laments about a life that never really began. But the numbers mean nothing in this devastating portrayal, except to deepen it.

Tony-Winning A RAISIN IN THE SUN Revival Recoups on Broadway!
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2014


Broadway's critically acclaimed production of Denzel Washington in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN is celebrating a big week. Not only did it take home three 2014 Tony Awards (Best Revival of a Play, Best Director of a Play -- Kenny Leon, and Best Featured Actress in a Play -- Sophie Okonedo) on Sunday night, it has also recouped its entire capitalization. The production, which began previews Saturday, March 8, officially opened on Thursday, April 3 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47 Street), where it will end its limited engagement run this Sunday, June 15.

TV: A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Sophie Okonedo on Winning the 2014 Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play
by Tyler Peterson - June 8, 2014


As announced earlier this evening, Sophie Okonedo has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for A Raisin in the Sun. BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge was in the press room to catch up with the winner on what the award means to her - hear what Okonedo had to say below!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Wins 2014 Tony for Best Revival of a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


A RAISIN IN THE SUN has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Set on Chicago's South Side, A Raisin in the Sun revolved around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee (Denzel Washington), his wife Ruth (Sophie Okonedo), his sister Beneatha (Anika Noni Rose), his son Travis (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and matriarch Lena, called Mama (LaTanya Richardson Jackson).

A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Sophie Okonedo Wins Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


Sophie Okonedo has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This is Sophie Okonedo's first Tony nomination and her Broadway debut. She starred as Cressida in the National Theatre's Troilus and Cressida (1999). Okonedo was nominated for an Academy Award for Hotel Rwanda in 2004 and a Golden Globe for Tsunami: The Aftermath in 2006.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Kenny Leon Wins Tony for Best Direction of a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


A Raisin in the Sun's Kenny Leon has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play. Kenny Leon's Broadway credits include August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean (five Tony nominations) and the Tony Award-winning revival of A Raisin in the Sun, both featuring Phylicia Rashad; for the latter, he earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Director of a Play. Other directing credits include the Off-Broadway hit Emergence-See featuring Daniel Beaty, Blues for an Alabama Sky, and From the Mississippi Delta (Huntington Theatre).

VIDEO: First Look - A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Anika Noni Rose Talks Denzel & More on Next 'Katie'
by Caryn Robbins - June 5, 2014


On Friday's 'Katie,' Tony-nominated actress Anika Noni Rose stops by to talk about her career and shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with the cast of 'A Raisin In The Sun.'

Photo Flash: Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray Visit A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by BWW News Desk - June 2, 2014


On Friday night, May 30, Mayor Bill De Blasio and his wife First Lady Chirlane McCray saw A Raisin in the Sun and headed backstage at intermission to take photos with the company. Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Scroll down for a look at the couple with the cast!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Sophie Okonedo Joins BBC TV's THE HOLLOW CROWN
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2014


The Daily Mail writes that Tony nominee Sophie Okonedo, currently starring in A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Broadway, will appear opposite Benedict Cumberbatch and others in BBC TV's upcoming trilogy THE HOLLOW CROWN, which includes Shakespeare's HENRY VI trilogy and RICHARD III.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Releases 68-Page Digital Souvenir Book
by Nicole Rosky - May 19, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, which is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street), just released a 68-page digital souvenir book in honor of Hansberry's birthday, May 19. Click here to download the special souvenir book now!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Star Denzel Washington to Host 'Broadway Junior' Event, 5/19
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2014


Denzel Washington, currently starring in the acclaimed Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, will serve as Host of the Shubert Foundation/MTI Broadway Junior Student Share celebration while hundreds of students from middle and intermediate New York City Public Schools make their Broadway debut on stage at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44 St.) on Monday, May 19th at 10:30 a.m. (Press set up at 9:30 a.m.; select pre-show photo ops at 10 a.m.).

In the Spotlight Series: Cast of A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Walter McBride - April 18, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun opened last week at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Below you can check out photos of the cast in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

President and First Lady Obama Set to Visit A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Broadway Tonight
by Nicole Rosky - April 11, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun just opened last week at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). According to Deadline, the show will soon welcome some high profile guests- the Obamas. President Obama and the First Lady are set to attend tonight's performance 'if all goes to plan.'

TV: Watch Highlights of Denzel Washington & More in A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Nicole Rosky - April 7, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun just opened last week at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Set on Chicago's South Side, A Raisin in the Sun revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena, called Mama. When her deceased husband's money comes through, Mama 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. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Check out highlights from the production below!

TV: On the Red Carpet for A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - April 4, 2014


The stars gathered last night to celebrate the opening night of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with all of the celebrity guests before they took there seats inside of the Barrymore. Check out interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Leon, Spike and Tonya Lee and more!

TV: Chatting with the Company of A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - April 5, 2014


BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on hand for the opening night after party, where he got to chat with all of the show's stars right after the curtain went down. Join in all of the opening night excitement below!

Photo Coverage: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Cast Celebrates Opening!
by Walter McBride - April 4, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, starring Denzel Washington and directed by Tony Award nominee Kenny Leon, opened last night, April 3 at 6:45pm at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street); the same theatre where the original production of A Raisin in the Sun opened 55 years ago. A Raisin in the Sun is a limited engagement running through June 15. BroadwayWorld was there for opening night and you can check out photos from the after party below!

Photo Coverage: Inside A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Opening Night Theatre Arrivals
by Walter McBride - April 4, 2014


The stars gathered last night to celebrate the opening night of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street); the same theatre where the original production of A Raisin in the Sun opened 55 years ago. BroadwayWorld brings you complete photo coverage from the star-studded red carpet below!

Denzel Washington Wants to Return to Broadway 'Every Three or Four Years'
by Caryn Robbins - April 4, 2014


Denzel Washington made his triumphant return to the Broadway stage last night in “A Raisin in the Sun,” which opened at New York's Barrymore Theater.

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.
What Tony Awards has A Raisin in the Sun been nominated for?
A Raisin in the Sun has been nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Direction of a Play for Kenny Leon, Best Revival of a Play for John Johnson, S.D. Wagner, Joey Parnes, Jhett Tolentino, Joan Raffe, Daryl Roth, Heni Koenigsberg, The Araca Group, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Sonia Friedman, Ruth Hendel, Stephanie P. McClelland, Roy Furman, Scott M. Delman, Jon B. Platt, Eli Bush, Roger Berlind, and Scott Rudin.
What Tony Awards has A Raisin in the Sun won?
A Raisin in the Sun has won several Tony Awards, including Best Direction of a Play for Kenny Leon, Best Revival of a Play for John Johnson, S.D. Wagner, Joey Parnes, Jhett Tolentino, Joan Raffe, Daryl Roth, Heni Koenigsberg, The Araca Group, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Sonia Friedman, Ruth Hendel, Stephanie P. McClelland, Roy Furman, Scott M. Delman, Jon B. Platt, Eli Bush, Roger Berlind, and Scott Rudin.
What awards has A Raisin in the Sun been nominated for?
A Raisin in the Sun has been nominated for several awards including the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Denzel Washington. The production also received the Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play award at the Drama League Awards for A Raisin in the Sun. Sophie Okonedo was recognized with the Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance at the Theatre World Awards.
What awards has A Raisin in the Sun won?
A Raisin in the Sun has won several awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award for LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Denzel Washington at the Drama League Awards. The play itself won the Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards. Sophie Okonedo received the Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for her performance in the production.

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