STAGE TUBE: Phylicia Rashad on Directing A RAISIN IN THE SUN

Ebony Theatre's production of Lorraine Hansberry's American classic "A Raisin in the Sun," is playing at Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre, and continues performances through February 19, 2012. Directed by Phylicia Rashad, cast members include (in alphabetical order) Kenya Alexander, Keith Arthur Bolden, Brandon David Brown, Kevin T. Carroll, Jason Dirden, Deidrie Henry, Amad Jackson, Scott Mosenson, Kem Saunders, Kim Staunton and Ellis E. Williams. In the video, go behind the scenes of opening night with the cast and creative team!

The scenic design is by Michael Ganio, costume design by Ruth E. Carter, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper, sound design by Bob Blackburn and wig and hair design by Carol F. Doran. The production stage manager is David Blackwell.

In conjunction with the presentation of "A Raisin in the Sun" at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, CTG is presenting Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Clybourne Park" at the Mark Taper Forum. "Clybourne Park," which began performances January 11 and will continue through February 26, 2012, is a natural complement to "A Raisin in the Sun," as Norris imagines the history of one of the more important houses in literary history, both before and after it becomes a focal point in Lorraine Hansberry's story.

Set in the 1950s, "A Raisin in the Sun" portrays an African-American family and its pursuit of a better life while facing the obstacles of conflicting aspirations, betrayal and racism. Central to the story is a $10,000 life insurance payment that symbolizes freedom in various ways to each family member, including the possibility of buying the family's first house, located at 406 Clybourne St. in Chicago.