A Raisin in the Sun 1959 - Articles Page 9

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 9

A RAISIN IN THE SUN UK Tour to Launch at The Studio
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 12, 2016


Ground-breaking American play A Raisin in the Sun begins its UK tour in the Studio Theatre from Thursday 28 January to Saturday 13 February. 

Photo Coverage: Mamie Hansberry Shares Memories of her Sister Lorraine at A RAISIN IN THE SUN by Kentwood Players
by Shari Barrett - Jan 12, 2016


Kentwood Players proudly welcomed Mamie Hansberry, the sister of "A RAISIN IN THE SUN" playwright Lorraine Hansberry, to their production of the classic family drama on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Ms. Hansberry attended the play with several family members and shared how proud her entire family is of "everyone who has ever been a part of it." She has seen hundreds of productions in the past six decades and remarked that each member of the Kentwood Players cast "brought their own unique understanding and insights into her sister's remarkable characters."

Exclusive Photo Flash: BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE Premieres at Palm Springs International Film Festival!
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 8, 2016


BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE, Award-winning director Rick McKay's anxiously awaited sequel to his 2004 hit film, BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE, just made its World Premiere to a sold-out crowd at the 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. Check out photos from the big night below!

Rick McKay's BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE Premieres Tonight at 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival
by BWW News Desk - Jan 7, 2016


BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE, Award-winning director Rick McKay's anxiously awaited sequel to his 2004 hit film, BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE, will make its World Premiere at the 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival tonight, January 7. The festival runs through January 11, 2016.

FIRST LOOK: Kentwood Players Presents A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Opening 1/8/16
by Shari Barrett - Dec 21, 2015


Kentwood Players proudly presents Lorraine Hansberry's classic family drama "A RAISIN IN THE SUN" from Friday, January 8 through Saturday, February 13, 2016, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by Harold Dershimer. Here's your first look at the cast! The production directed by Harold Dershimer and produced by Kathy Dershimer by special arrangement with Samuel French. Featured in the cast in alphabetical order are Rashod Davenport, Ruth Featherstone, Lawrence Hatcher, Daniel Kruger, Jean Michels, Patricia Newman, Shannon O'Connor, Damon Rutledge, Isaiah Suber, and Charlotte Williams.

Breaking: Rick McKay's BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE to Premiere at 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival
by BWW News Desk - Dec 16, 2015


BroadwayWorld is excited to report that BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE, Award-winning director Rick McKay's anxiously awaited sequel to his 2004 hit film, BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE, is set to make its World Premiere at the 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, which takes place January 1-11, 2016.

DTC's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to the Wyly Theatre
by Sally Henry Fuller - Nov 4, 2015


Dallas Theater Center's hit production of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol returns to the Wyly Theatre. DTC's Brierley Resident Acting Company member Christie Vela will be the first female director of DTC's adaption of the tale that follows a miserly old man on a magical journey of hope and redemption.

Penfold Theatre's 2015-16 Season to Include CLYBOURNE PARK & More
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 24, 2015


Penfold Theatre Company has announced its 2015-16 mainstage season, including an original adaptation of a holiday masterpiece; Penfold's Long Center debut with a Tony, Olivier and Pulitzer prize winning play; and a return to the Bard for our annual 'Penfold in the Park'!

BWW Review: Mad Cow's Brilliant CLYBOURNE PARK Continues Important Legacy
by Matt Tamanini - Aug 15, 2015


Now, running through September 6th, Mad Cow Theatre has brought to their stage an exemplary production of Norris' surprisingly funny CLYBOURNE PARK that is so full of intelligence, talent, and compassion that it can't help but engage Orlando theatre audiences in this discussion that has become vitally important given tragic events in our country over the past year.

Pacific Northwest Ballet Presents SWAN LAKE Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Apr 10, 2015


SEATTLE, WA - Pacific Northwest Ballet's Swan Lake, choreographed by Founding Artistic Director Kent Stowell, returns to the McCaw Hall stage as the fifth offering of PNB's 2014-15 season. This beloved story ballet, revered by audiences and dancers alike, is classical ballet at its very best. Sumptuous scenery, costumes, and lighting, and an achingly beautiful Tchaikovsky score, set the stage for the ethereal corps de ballet and the ultimate challenge for ballerinas all over the world—the dual role of Odette, trapped in the body of a white swan until the oath of her true love sets her free; and Odile, the “Black Swan” temptress. With an added performance on opening weekend, Swan Lake runs for nine performances only, from tonight, April 10 through 19 at Seattle Center's Marion Oliver McCaw Hall.

Dallas Theater Center Presents Rolling World Premiere of COLOSSAL, Now thru 5/3
by BWW News Desk - Apr 2, 2015


?Dallas Theater Center announced today complete details for the rolling world premiere of Colossal, a new play by Andrew Hinderaker. DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty directs the Kennedy Center Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award-winning play, which is choreographed by founder and artistic director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Joshua L. Peugh. Colossal begins with previews tonight, April 2 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance and runs through Sunday, May 3.

Dallas Theater Center to Present Rolling World Premiere of COLOSSAL, 4/2-5/3
by BWW News Desk - Mar 27, 2015


?Dallas Theater Center announced today complete details for the rolling world premiere of Colossal, a new play by Andrew Hinderaker. DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty directs the Kennedy Center Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award-winning play, which is choreographed by founder and artistic director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Joshua L. Peugh. Colossal begins with previews on Thursday, April 2 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance and runs through Sunday, May 3.

Pacific Northwest Ballet to Present SWAN LAKE, 4/10
by Matt Smith - Mar 24, 2015


SEATTLE, WA - Pacific Northwest Ballet's Swan Lake, choreographed by Founding Artistic Director Kent Stowell, returns to the McCaw Hall stage as the fifth offering of PNB's 2014-15 season. This beloved story ballet, revered by audiences and dancers alike, is classical ballet at its very best. Sumptuous scenery, costumes, and lighting, and an achingly beautiful Tchaikovsky score, set the stage for the ethereal corps de ballet and the ultimate challenge for ballerinas all over the world—the dual role of Odette, trapped in the body of a white swan until the oath of her true love sets her free; and Odile, the “Black Swan” temptress. With an added performance on opening weekend, Swan Lake runs for nine performances only, from April 10 through 19 at Seattle Center's Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. Tickets start at $30. For more information, contact the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, in person at 301 Mercer Street, or online at PNB.org.

THEATRICAL THROWBACK THURSDAY: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Breaks Ground On Broadway
by Pat Cerasaro - Mar 12, 2015


Today we are revisiting a groundbreaking play that premiered this week in 1959.

Palo Alto Players Unveil New Logo & 85th Anniversary Season
by Matt Sowell - Mar 10, 2015


Palo Alto Players held its third annual Season Announcement party on January 31, unveiling the shows for its 2015-16 season - as well as a new logo! Managing Director Diana Lynn Wiley and Artistic Director Patrick Klein worked with Joey McDaniel to create the new public face of Palo Alto Players. "Joey is a great friend of Palo Alto Players," said Wiley. "Audience members would recognize him from his role as Igor in last season's Young Frankenstein, and he's also playing Uncle Fester in our upcoming production of The Addams Family. We're happy to share another dimension of his wonderful artistry, and are so excited to be able to keep our logo redesign in the family."

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Runs Now thru 2/22 at Open Stage of Harrisburg
by BWW News Desk - Feb 6, 2015


On March 11, 1959, a play opened on Broadway that changed American theatre forever. 'A Raisin in the Sun' examined issues that had never been presented on Broadway. It was the first play written by a black woman to be presented on Broadway with Broadway's first black director. This heartwarming, hilarious, groundbreaking story of a family's heroic efforts to make a better life for their children will run at Open Stage of Harrisburg today, February 6-22, 2015.

Extensive New A CHORUS LINE Segment From BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE
by Pat Cerasaro - Feb 4, 2015


A singularly sensational new look at BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE!

Wayne State University & Wright Museum Offer Staged Reading of A RAISIN IN THE SUN Today
by BWW News Desk - Jan 24, 2015


Wayne State University's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance will present a staged reading Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The readings take place at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. today, January 24, 2014 and is free and open to the public. The staged reading is being presented to celebrate the contributions of African-American artists to the stage.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN to Run 2/6-22 at Open Stage of Harrisburg
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 13, 2015


On March 11, 1959, a play opened on Broadway that changed American theatre forever. "A Raisin in the Sun" examined issues that had never been presented on Broadway. It was the first play written by a black woman to be presented on Broadway with Broadway's first black director. This heartwarming, hilarious, groundbreaking story of a family's heroic efforts to make a better life for their children will run at Open Stage of Harrisburg February 6-22, 2015.

Wayne State University & Wright Museum to Offer Staged Reading of A RAISIN IN THE SUN, 1/24
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 9, 2015


Wayne State University's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance will present a staged reading Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The readings take place at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2014 and is free and open to the public. The staged reading is being presented to celebrate the contributions of African-American artists to the stage.

Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell - Remembering The Stars We Lost in 2014
by Walter McBride - Jan 1, 2015


Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

Erie Theater Company Opens A RAISIN IN THE SUN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 6, 2014


Erie Theater Company (ETC) is Erie, PA's newest theatrical entity. It was created this summer, to provide artists the opportunity to develop and perform in a venue that offers diverse, interesting favorites, and new works, to the wide variety of theater goers of Erie and the surrounding areas. They open tonight, November 6th.

Erie Theater Company to Present A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Opening 11/6
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 28, 2014


Erie Theater Company (ETC) is Erie, PA's newest theatrical entity. It was created this summer, to provide artists the opportunity to develop and perform in a venue that offers diverse, interesting favorites, and new works, to the wide variety of theater goers of Erie and the surrounding areas. They open on November 6th.

CLYBOURNE PARK Opens Maryland Ensemble Theatre's 17th Season Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 12, 2014


Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) will present the first play in its seventeenth Mainstage season, 'Clybourne Park'. Bruce Norris' satirical comedy won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize Award and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. 'Clybourne Park' will be directed by Peter Wray and will run every Thursday through Sunday at Maryland Ensemble Theatre from tonight, September 12 through October 5.

Dallas Theatre Center Launches 2014-2015 Season with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Now thru 10/19
by BWW News Desk - Sep 11, 2014


Sweet alien transvestites will take over the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre stage tonight, September 11, 2014 in Dallas Theater Center's all new production of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show.

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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