A Raisin in the Sun 1959 - Articles Page 1.8

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.

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4 Broadway Shows Close Today
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 2, 2023


Broadway says goodbye to four productions. Leopoldstadt takes its final bow at the Longacre Theatre following 19 previews and 313 regular performances; Fat Ham will conclude its run at the American Airlines Theatre following 21 previews and 95 regular performances; Prima Facie wraps up at the John Golen Theatre following 14 previews and 81 regular performances; and The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window will end its run at the James Earl Jones Theatre following 3 previews and 77 regular performances.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Leads Our Top Ten Shows for July
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Jul 1, 2023


burbSummer in the city brings some red-hot theatrical treats. From a journey down the yellow brick road, to contemporary opera and fiery flamenco, July has something for everyone.

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For BENEATHA'S PLACE at the Young Vic
by Stephi Wild - Jun 8, 2023


Rehearsal photos have been released for the UK premiere of Beneatha’s Place, a razor-sharp satire written and directed by Young Vic Theatre Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah. 

Video: Miriam Silverman is Starring in the Theatrical Masterpiece You've Never Heard Of
by Richard Ridge - Jun 6, 2023


The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window is written by one of the most beloved playwrights of the American theatre, and yet, you've probably never heard of it. Tony nominee Miriam Silverman knows it. 

Lorraine Hansberry Statue Will Be on Display in Los Angeles This Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2023


Today, The Lorraine Hansberry Initiative announced their plans for programming in Los Angeles that will take place during the summer, including two special installations of sculptor Alison Saar’s statue of Hansberry at Gloria Molina Grand Park from June 14th – June 30th and at the A C Bilbrew Library from July 7th – July 31st.

Now on Sale: BENEATHA'S HOUSE at the Young Vic
by Aliya Al-Hassan - May 18, 2023


Tickets From £27 for Beneatha's House at the Young Vic-A razor-sharp satire from Young Vic Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah, about the power of knowing your history and the cost of letting it go.

Photos/Video: Rita Moreno Visits THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Stephi Wild - May 17, 2023


 Last night, EGOT winner Rita Moreno attended Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window after originating the role of “Iris” in the original Broadway production in 1964. This was the first time Ms. Moreno had seen the show from the audience since the original premiere over 50 years ago. Check out photos and video from her visit!

Full Cast Revealed For The UK Premiere of BENEATHA'S PLACE at the Young Vic Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 16, 2023


The Young Vic Theatre has announced full casting for Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah's (The Collaboration) razor-sharp satire and UK premiere, Beneatha's Place, about the power of knowing your history and the cost of letting it go. The production runs in the Main House from 27 June to 5 August with opening night for press on 5 July. 

Photos: Inside the Gala Opening Night of THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2023


Just last week, Broadway welcomed the final show of the 2022-23 season, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, which is now running at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Last night however, the show held its opening gala performance, officially celebrating its arrival on Broadway. Check out photos from the big night here!

Actors' Theatre Returns To Schiller Park With 2023 Summer Season, FAMILY | HOME
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2023


Actors' Theatre of Columbus will return to its summer home of Schiller Park with a 41st anniversary season that embraces community, the families we choose, and finding a place to call home.

Video: Oscar Isaac & Rachel Brosnahan Talk (Finally) Bringing THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW Back to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2023


Last night, Broadway celebrated the final opening of the 2022-23 season, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, which is now running at the James Earl Jones Theatre. In this video, watch as the company checks in with BroadwayWorld ahead of their first Broadway bows!

Photos: THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW Celebrates Opening Night
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 28, 2023


Broadway just celebrated the final opening of the 2022-23 season, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, which is now running at the  James Earl Jones Theatre. Producer Jeremy O. Harris threw a private party at Holiday Bar to celebrate the big night and you can check out photos here.

Photos: Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan Take First Broadway Bows in THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 26, 2023


 The BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, officially began performances on Broadway last night, April 25. Check out photos of the cast taking their first bows here!

You Have Several Chances For Discounted Tickets to THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2023


All new ticket initiatives have been revealed for Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window on Broadway in which for the first two weeks of performances, the first two rows will be on sale for $40 per ticket. Learn how to get your hands on tickets here!

Photos: Oscar Isaac & Rachel Brosnahan of THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW Meet The Press!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2023


The sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac (making his Broadway debut) and Rachel Brosnahan, is getting ready to begin previews on Broadway. Today the show's stars met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the moment. See photos from the event! 

Meet the Cast of THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW, Beginning Previews Tonight!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2023


The sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan officially begins performances tonight, April 25. Meet the cast of The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window!

Up on the Marquee: THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW on Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - Apr 17, 2023


The sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac (making his Broadway debut) and Rachel Brosnahan, is getting ready to begin previews on Broadway. Check out photos of the new marquee!

THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW, Starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, Will Transfer to Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Apr 4, 2023


The  sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, starring Oscar Isaac (making his Broadway debut) and Rachel Brosnahan, will transfer to Broadway this season.

Irondale Ensemble Project Celebrates 40 Years Of Theater Making With New Devised Immersive Work Of Great American Playwrights Of The 20th Century
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 23, 2023


Irondale, now celebrating forty years of artistically ambitious, and cutting-edge theatre, presents the world premiere of an original devised work, American Century: Part 1, April 21-May 21, 2023.

The Actors Studio to Present THE PLAYWRIGHT: TALES FROM THE COLOR LINE This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2023


Continuing  its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights The Actors Studio will open its doors to the public for a special event, free and open to the public: The Playwright: Tales From The Color Line on Saturday, March 25 at 7PM.

The Actors Studio to Welcome the Public to Free Events, Including Play Readings & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2023


This Spring, The Actors Studio continues its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.

The J & BRTKC Partner to Bring A RAISIN IN THE SUN to the Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2023


Lorraine Hansberry's classic drama 'A Raisin in the Sun,' comes to life on stage in a partnership production by The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J) and the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City (BRTKC).

Review Roundup: Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan Star In THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW at BAM
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 27, 2023


The Brooklyn Academy of Music presents the first major New York revival of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman at the BAM Harvey Theater. The production officially opened on February 23, 2023. Read reviews for the production!

Photos: First Look at Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan in THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW at BAM
by Stephi Wild - Feb 27, 2023


The Brooklyn Academy of Music presents the first major New York revival of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman at the BAM Harvey Theater. The production officially opened on February 23, 2023. Check out all new production photos here!

Interview: Evelyn Collins, Fredi Walker-Browne of RAISIN at Axelrod PAC
by Lianna Albrizio - Feb 24, 2023


'Raisin' will run from February 24 to March 12.

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. It has been nominated for Best Play and Best Direction of a Play for Lloyd Richards.
What awards has A Raisin in the Sun been nominated for?
A Raisin in the Sun has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, recognizing the work of Lorraine Hansberry. Additionally, Diana Sands received a nomination for Best Drama Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. These nominations highlight the recognition and acclaim that the play and its performers have received in the theater community.
What awards has A Raisin in the Sun won?
A Raisin in the Sun has won several awards. Lorraine Hansberry, the playwright, received the Best American Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Diana Sands, who performed in the play, won the Best Drama Performance award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards. These accolades recognize the exceptional writing and acting in A Raisin in the Sun.

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