A Raisin in the Sun 1959 - Articles Page 13

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 13

David Cromer, Bryce Clyde Jenkins & More Join Denzel Washington in A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 29, 2013


Tickets will be on sale exclusively to American Express cardholders from Wednesday, September 4 through Friday, September 20 only for Tony Award-winner and two-time Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN, opposite film, television and Tony Award-winning stage star Diahann Carroll as Lena Younger, in her first Broadway appearance in over 30 years. General on-sale will begin on Saturday, September 21. The production will be directed by Tony Award-nominee Kenny Leon. Previews begin March 8, 2014, with opening night on April 3, 2014 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street), where the original production of A RAISIN IN THE SUN opened 55 years ago. A RAISIN IN THE SUN is a limited engagement, running 14 weeks only through June 15, 2014. Tickets will be available at www.telecharge.com or by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200.

Giovanna Sardelli to Direct Carol Halstead and More in Barrington Stage's CLYBOURNE PARK, 9/26-10/13
by BWW News Desk - Aug 27, 2013


Barrington Stage Company (BSC), under the leadership of Julianne Boyd, Artistic Director, and Tristan Wilson, Managing Director, presents the Pulitzer and Tony-winning Clybourne Park from September 26 through October 13, on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, September 29 at 3pm. Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2012 Tony Award, Clybourne Park is directed by Giovanna Sardelli (BSC's Muckrakers, Lord of the Flies and The North Pool).

Capital Stage to Open 2013-14 Season with CLYBOURNE PARK, 9/4-10/6
by BWW News Desk - Aug 23, 2013


Capital Stage opens its 2013-14 Season THE HOMEFRONT with a Sacramento Premiere and the Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. CLYBOURNE PARK is a bitingly funny and fiercely provocative new play about the volatile combination of race and real estate. This ferociously sharp play is inspired by Lorraine Hansberry's popular classic A RAISIN IN THE SUN. CLYBOURNE PARK runs from September 4 through October 6 with a press opening on Saturday, September 7.

Dallas Theater Center to Stage CLYBOURNE PARK in Rep with A RAISIN IN THE SUN, 10/4-27
by BWW News Desk - Aug 23, 2013


Dallas Theater Center has announced the regional premiere of Clybourne Park, running in rotating rep with A Raisin in the Sun, to launch the theater's 55th season. Clybourne Park will be directed by DTC Associate Artistic Director Joel Ferrell. Clybourne Park begins with a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Friday, October 4 and runs through Sunday, October 27 at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre in the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

TimeLine Theatre's A RAISIN IN THE SUN Begins Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Aug 20, 2013


TimeLine Theatre Company begins its 2013-14 season with the award-winning play that 'changed American theater forever' (The New York Times). A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, directed by Ron OJ Parson, runs August 28 - November 17, 2013 (previews today, August 20 - 25) at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave, Chicago.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN to Launch Dallas Theater Center's 2013-14 Season, 9/13-10/27
by BWW News Desk - Aug 17, 2013


Dallas Theater Center launches its 2013-14 season with A Raisin in the Sun. Tre Garrett of Fort Worth's Jubilee Theatre will make his directorial debut at DTC with this Tony Award-winning play. A Raisin in the Sun begins with a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Friday, September 13 and runs through Sunday, October 27 at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre in the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Producer Scott Rudin Addresses A RAISIN IN THE SUN Age Issues
by BWW News Desk - Aug 10, 2013


Tony Award-winner and two-time Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington will star as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, opposite film, television and Tony Award-winning stage star Diahann Carroll as Lena Younger, on Broadway next spring. Washington's character, Walter Lee Younger, is described in Hansberry's script as 'a lean, intense young man in his middle thirties'. But Washington is 60. Producer Scott Rudin addressed this age difference in an interview published today on Newsday.

Barbra Streisand's BACK TO BROOKLYN Concert, Encores of OKLAHOMA!, COMPANY & More to Air as a Part of PBS ARTS FALL FESTIVAL
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 6, 2013


The 2013 PBS Arts Fall Festival returns in October with seven weekly programs that highlight Broadway classics, music from around the country, and legendary superstar Barbra Streisand.

It's Official! Denzel Washington, Diahann Carroll, Sophie Okonedo and Anika Noni Rose to Star in A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Broadway
by Robert Diamond - Aug 1, 2013


Produced by Scott Rudin, Tony Award-winner and two-time Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington will star as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN, opposite film, television and Tony Award-winning stage star Diahann Carroll as Lena Younger, in her first Broadway appearance in over 30 years.

Denzel Washington Confirms Broadway Return in A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Caryn Robbins - Jul 31, 2013


On the red carpet premiere of his new film '2 Guns' last night, actor Denzel Washington confirmed recent reports that he will return to the Broadway stage next spring in a revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN.

TimeLine Theatre to Present A RAISIN IN THE SUN, 8/20-11/17
by Kristin Salaky - Jul 23, 2013


TimeLine Theatre Company begins its 2013-14 season with the award-winning play that 'changed American theater forever' (The New York Times). A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, directed by Ron OJ Parson, runs August 28 - November 17, 2013 (previews August 20 - 25) at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave, Chicago. Press Opening performance is Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

John Bolton and More to Star in Hangar Theatre's CLYBOURNE PARK, 8/8-17
by BWW News Desk - Jul 23, 2013


Hangar Theatre continues its 39th season with the regional premiere of Bruce Norris' award-winning play, Clybourne Park, running from August 8th through 17th.

Diahann Carroll to Join Denzel Washington in RAISIN IN THE SUN Revival?
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 23, 2013


Showbiz411 reports exclusively that Denzel Washington will be joined by actress Diahann Carroll in an upcoming Broadway revival of A RAISIN IN THE SUN set for next spring. Kenny Leon will helm the project which will be produced by Scott Rudin.

Sophie Okenedo, Anika Noni Rose to Join Denzel Washington in RAISIN IN THE SUN Revival?
by Caryn Robbins - Jul 19, 2013


Showbiz411 reports exclusively that Denzel Washington will be joined by actresses Sophie Okenedo and Anika Noni Rose in an upcoming Broadway revival of A RAISIN IN THE SUN set for next spring.

Jeffrey Seller Directs Dallas Theater Center's FLY World Premiere, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 2, 2013


Dallas Theater Center presents the world premiere of Fly, a new musical based on J.M. Barrie's novel, Peter Pan. Three-time Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller (Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights) makes his directorial debut with this production.

BWW Reviews: Guthrie's CLYBOURNE PARK Reveals How Little/Much Has Changed in 50 Years
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - Jun 17, 2013


Guthrie Theater's summer proscenium production shows how much has changed and how much as stayed the same in the 50 years between acts 1 and 2.

Jeffrey Seller to Direct Dallas Theater Center's FLY World Premiere; Cast & Creative Team Announced!
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2013


Dallas Theater Center announced the complete cast and creative team for the world premiere of Fly, a new musical based on J.M. Barrie's novel, Peter Pan. Three-time Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller (Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights) makes his directorial debut with this production.

BWW Reviews: BENEATHA'S PLACE at Center Stage - World Premiere is Stunning Success
by Charles Shubow - May 24, 2013


Artisitic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah successfully adds his play to the 'Raisin Cycle'.

BWW Reviews: CLYBOURNE PARK at Long Wharf Theatre
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - May 22, 2013


The rest of the story.

BWW Reviews: Knowing Your Place - BENEATHA'S PLACE
by Daniel Collins - May 20, 2013


Inspired by Lorraine Hansberry's 'A RAISIN IN THE SUN,' Kwame Kwei-Armah's 'Beneatha's Place' muses on what might have happened when Beneatha Younger and Nigerian political activist Joseph Asagai, left Chicago to live in a Nigeria still fighting for independence from British rule.

BWW Reviews: Racism Takes Up Residence in CLYBOURNE PARK
by Lauren Yarger - May 18, 2013


Have you heard the one about a little white man thrown in a jail cell with a big black guy? If not, you can catch this, and a few other offensive jokes over at Long Wharf Theatre, where they pepper the dialogue in Bruce Norris' CLYBOURNE PARK, the Pulitzer-Prize winning play that explores themes of racism, gentrification and the way Americans relate to each other.

Streisand, New Hamlisch Doc & More Get PBS Fall Dates
by Caryn Robbins - May 9, 2013


PBS announced today a fall primetime line-up featuring a strong roster of wide-ranging programs. Among the exciting highlights will be "Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn" in which the legendary Barbra Streisand makes a historic homecoming back to Brooklyn at the new Barclays Center arena

Regional Theater of the Week: Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN
by Christina Mancuso - May 8, 2013


BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States. This Week's Featured Regional Theater: Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN

Jimmy Davis, Lucy Owen and More Set for Long Wharf Theatre's CLYBOURNE PARK, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2013


Long Wharf Theatre concludes its 2012-13 season with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Clybourne Park, by Bruce Norris, and directed by Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. The play will take place on The Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from tonight, May 8, 2013 through June 2, 2013.

BENEATHA'S PLACE Begins May 8 in Baltimore
by Kelsey Denette - May 2, 2013


On Wednesday, May 8, CENTERSTAGE begins previews of the World Premiere production of Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah's new play, Beneatha's Place. The production, playing in rotating repertory with Clybourne Park, forms the second half of The Raisin Cycle. Opening Night for Beneatha's Place will be on Wednesday, May 15.

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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