A Raisin in the Sun 1986 - Articles Page 5

Ages: 10+
Opened: July 23, 1986
Closing: September 21, 1986

A Raisin in the Sun - 1986 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Union Square Theatre
100 E. 17th Street 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 - 1986 - Off-Broadway Cast

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A Raisin in the Sun - 1986 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 5

A PATCH OF BLUR Plays Howl Help Festival at Abrons Arts Center, 10/18-21
by BWW News Desk - Sep 27, 2012


The Howl Help Festival presents A PATCH OF BLUR, An Un-authorized, Satirical Jukebox Musical, Fractured & Directed by Kevin Malony, October 18 - 21, 2012 at Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand Street @ Pitt LES NYC.

Court Theatre Presents INVISIBLE MAN, 1/12-2/19
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2012


Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present the World Premiere of Invisible Man, adapted from Ralph Ellison's novel by Oren Jacoby, and directed by Christopher McElroen.

Court Theatre Presents INVISIBLE MAN, 1/12-2/19
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 16, 2011


Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present the World Premiere of Invisible Man, adapted from Ralph Ellison's novel by Oren Jacoby, and directed by Christopher McElroen.

Michael Klingher of Weston to Head a New Slate of Trustee Leadership at WCP
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 13, 2011


Michael Klingher of Weston was elected to chair Westport Country Playhouse's board of trustees' leadership at a recent annual meeting. Klingher succeeds Sandra DeFeo of Westport, who served as chair since 2008.

Dallas Theater Center Presents THE WIZ, Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 8, 2011


Dallas Theater Center proudly presents The Wiz at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center July 8 - August 7. Dallas Theater Center Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty will direct the first-ever collaboration between Dallas Theater Center and Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

Dallas Theater Center Presents THE WIZ, Opens July 8
by Kelsey Denette - Jul 1, 2011


Dallas Theater Center proudly presents The Wiz at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center July 8 - August 7. Dallas Theater Center Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty will direct the first-ever collaboration between Dallas Theater Center and Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

Court Theatre Presents THREE TALL WOMEN, Closes 2/13
by BWW News Desk - Feb 13, 2011


Court Theatre continues its 56th season with Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will close February 13, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Yale Rep Announces A Cast Change For THE PIANO LESSON 1/28-2/19
by BWW News Desk - Jan 28, 2011


YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON, directed by Liesl Tommy, at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street, at York Street) January 28-February 19, 2011.

Pratt, Davis And More Lead Yale Rep's THE PIANO LESSON
by BWW News Desk - Jan 28, 2011


YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON, directed by Liesl Tommy, at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street, at York Street) January 28-February 19, 2011.

The Castillo Theatre Announces Mr. Hirsch Died Yesterday, Opens 1/21
by BWW News Desk - Jan 21, 2011


The Castillo Theatre (Dan Friedman, artistic director, Diane Stiles, managing director) held the first full cast rehearsal today for Fred Newman's MR. HIRSCH DIED YESTERDAY, which runs Friday, January 21 to Sunday, February 20 with an official press preview on Thursday, January 20. Directed by Woodie King, Jr. (founder and producing director of the New Federal Theatre).

The Castillo Theatre Announces Mr. Hirsch Died Yesterday, Opens 1/21
by Lauren Wolman - Jan 16, 2011


The Castillo Theatre (Dan Friedman, artistic director, Diane Stiles, managing director) held the first full cast rehearsal today for Fred Newman's MR. HIRSCH DIED YESTERDAY, which runs Friday, January 21 to Sunday, February 20 with an official press preview on Thursday, January 20. Directed by Woodie King, Jr. (founder and producing director of the New Federal Theatre).

Court Theatre Presents THREE TALL WOMEN 1/13-2/13/2011
by BWW News Desk - Jan 13, 2011


Court Theatre continues its 56th season with Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 13 - February 13, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Court Theatre Presents THREE TALL WOMEN 1/13-2/13/2011
by BWW News Desk - Jan 13, 2011


Court Theatre continues its 56th season with Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 13 - February 13, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Yale Rep Announces A Cast Change For THE PIANO LESSON 1/28-2/19
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 4, 2011


YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON, directed by Liesl Tommy, at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street, at York Street) January 28-February 19, 2011.

Court Theatre Presents THREE TALL WOMEN 1/13-2/13/2011
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 3, 2011


Court Theatre continues its 56th season with Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 13 - February 13, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Pratt, Davis And More Lead Yale Rep's THE PIANO LESSON
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 21, 2010


YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON, directed by Liesl Tommy, at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street, at York Street) January 28-February 19, 2011.

Court Theatre Presents THREE TALL WOMEN 1/13-2/13/2011
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 15, 2010


Court Theatre continues its 56th season with Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 13 - February 13, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Huntington Theater Co Presents RUINED
by Gabrielle Sierra - Nov 30, 2010


The Huntington Theatre Company continues its 29th season with Ruined by Lynn Nottage (Intimate Apparel, Crumbs from the Table of Joy), directed by South Africa native Liesl Tommy. The ensemble cast features Tonye Patano (Showtime's "Weeds") as Mama Nadi.

DePaul University Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Reskin Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 9, 2010


The Theatre School at DePaul University is delighted to announce that this coming December 31, 2010, will mark the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Merle Reskin Theatre (formerly The Blackstone Theatre). The Beaux-Arts style Blackstone Theatre, which was designed by Chicago architects Marshall and Fox, opened its doors just off of Michigan Avenue in the South Loop on New Years' Eve of 1910. In the course of the past century it has changed owners, names, addresses, audiences, and has stayed a hub of theatrical arts in a changing neighborhood and city. It faced many noteworthy changes in entertainment, including the introduction of the radio, television and film industries.

Melba Moore Joins TELL HELL I AIN'T COMIN' Cast, 9/15
by BWW News Desk - Sep 15, 2010


Famed singer and actress Melba Moore, joins the cast of Marcia P. Samuels' musical TELL HELL I AIN'T COMIN'. The production opens in New York, September 15, 2010.

Melba Moore Joins TELL HELL I AIN'T COMIN' Cast, 9/15
by Molly Hagan - Sep 8, 2010


Famed singer and actress Melba Moore, joins the cast of Marcia P. Samuels' musical TELL HELL I AIN'T COMIN'. The production opens in New York, September 15, 2010.

Amun Ra's THE COLORED MUSEUM Closes 7/4
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jul 4, 2010


George C. Wolfe's acclaimed The Colored Museum is now onstage at Nashville's Amun Ra Theatre, continuing the company's 2010 season hot off the heels of the production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog. Opening Thursday, June 17, The Colored Museum runs through July 4. Shows are Thursday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Dennehy, Galati, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR et al. Set for Stratford '11
by Abigail Arnold - Jun 29, 2010


Stratford, Ontario's Stratford Shakespeare Festival has announced the lineup for the 2011 Festival.

Amun Ra season continues with THE COLORED MUSEUM
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jun 20, 2010


George C. Wolfe's acclaimed The Colored Museum is now onstage at Nashville's Amun Ra Theatre, continuing the company's 2010 season hot off the heels of the production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog. Opening Thursday, June 17, The Colored Museum runs through July 4. Shows are Thursday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15.

OSF Features New Commissions From Diaz, Friedman, Galati, Hudes, Stew & Rodewald
by Charlie Piane - Jun 14, 2010


At a press conference yesterday the Oregon Shakespeare Festival provided a comprehensive picture of the scope of new work underway over the next several season supported by grants totaling more than $800,000. OSF recently received a grant of $600,000 from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation over three years (2010-2012) for the decade-long commissioning, production, and public dialogue initiative American Revolutions: the United States History Cycle. The Edgerton Foundation of Los Angeles, California awarded OSF a four-year $200,000 grant to support the commissioning of five new American musicals, putting OSF in the unique position of creating new American musicals with a resident acting company.

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.

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