A Raisin in the Sun 1986 - Articles Page 2.6

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 2.6

Tony Winner Paul Tazewell Is Commencement Speaker At The University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2018


Costume designer Paul Tazewell, winner of a Tony Award and an Emmy Award, is Commencement Speaker at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The ceremony will take place at UNCSA's Stevens Center Stevens Center at 405 West Fourth St. in downtown Winston-Salem. It will be streamed live on the school's website.

Writers Talk Diversity in Free 'Staging Our Stories' Panel
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2018


In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Week, the Immigrant Arts Coalition and Dramatists Guild of America, in collaboration with the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) will present Staging Our Stories, an interactive panel discussion with playwrights, composers, and lyricists on heritage and diversity in theatre. An official partner with the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, this free event will take place on Friday, April 20th, 1pm in the Dramatists Guild of America's Mary Rodgers Room.

Review Roundup: The Critics Weigh In on CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 11, 2018


Directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, Children of a Lesser God stars film and television favorite Joshua Jackson and breakout star Lauren Ridloff, alongside Emmy Award winner and Golden Globe Award winner Anthony Edwards, Drama Desk Award nominee and Obie Award winner Kecia Lewis, Julee Cerda, Treshelle Edmond, and John McGinty. 

Pascale Armand, Molly Camp and More Announced for MCC's RELEVANCE
by Julie Musbach - Dec 20, 2017


MCC THEATER (Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, William Cantler, Artistic Directors; Blake West, Executive Director) today announced the complete cast for the third show of its 2017-18 season: the World Premiere of Relevance, written by JC Lee ( How to Get Away With Murder, Looking ) with direction by Tony Award nominee Liesl Tommy (Eclipsed).

Ronnie Burkett's THE DAISY THEATRE to Open Next Week at the Grand Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Oct 20, 2017


Following a sold-out run last season, the Grand Theatre will present the return of award-winning, internationally-acclaimed puppeteer, Ronnie Burkett, with THE DAISY THEATRE for a limited engagement on the McManus Stage starting October 23.

Dallas Theater Center Presents the World Premiere of MILLER, MISSISSIPPI
by Julie Musbach - Aug 3, 2017


2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award® Recipient Dallas Theater Center Presents the World Premiere of MILLER, MISSISSIPPI; a new play written by Boo Killebrew and directed by Lee Sunday Evans. Beginning with a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m., the production runs through Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre Studio Theatre. Press Night will be Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to Miller, Mississippi are on sale now at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org and by phone at (214) 880-0202.

NBC Has Heaven On Its Mind! JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE! to Air on Easter Sunday
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2017


Set for Easter Sunday (April 1, 2018), NBC will bring to broadcast television “Jesus Christ Superstar Live!,” a one-of-a-kind live staging of the iconic 1971 Broadway rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The event will be executive produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, Marc Platt, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. 

Washington Stage Guild to Close 30th Season with 'BACK TO METHUSELAH'
by BWW News Desk - Mar 20, 2017


The Washington Stage Guild will celebrate the end of its 30th Anniversary Season with Back To Methuselah: As Far As Thought Can Reach, the final episode in its multi-year presentation of George Bernard Shaw's visionary cycle of plays about humanity's destiny.

Berkeley Rep Looks at the Years Following Roe v. Wade in ROE World Premiere
by BWW News Desk - Mar 3, 2017


Berkeley Repertory Theatre today announced the world premiere production of Roe written by Lisa Loomer and directed by Bill Rauch. Roe is a co-production with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Arena Stage.

Damian Lewis and Sophie Okonedo to be Joined by Jason Hughes and Archie Madekwe in THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?
by BWW News Desk - Jan 20, 2017


Full casting for Edward Albee's The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? is announced today. Joining Damian Lewis and Sophie Okonedo, who play husband and wife Martin and Stevie in Ian Rickson's production, will be Jason Hughes as Martin's oldest friend Ross and Archie Madekwe as their son Billy.

Berkeley Rep Looks at the Years Following Roe v. Wade in ROE World Premiere
by BWW News Desk - Jan 13, 2017


Berkeley Repertory Theatre today announced the world premiere production of Roe written by Lisa Loomer and directed by Bill Rauch. Roe is a co-production with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Arena Stage.

Casting Announced for D.C. Premiere of ROE by Lisa Loomer
by BWW News Desk - Nov 22, 2016


Following an acclaimed run at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lisa Loomer's world-premiere drama Roe makes its D.C. debut at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

Sophie Okonedo to Join Damien Lewis in Edward Albee's THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?
by Ashlee Latimer - Oct 21, 2016


It is announced today that the Tony Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor Sophie Okonedo will join Damian Lewis in a new production of Edward Albee's The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?  Directed by Ian Rickson, the production will play a strictly limited 12 week season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 24th March to 24th June 2017.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by BWW News Desk - Aug 27, 2016


August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by BWW News Desk - Aug 26, 2016


August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 19, 2016


August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Seattle Repertory Theatre Sets HERE LIES LOVE, A RAISIN IN THE SUN & More for 2016-17 Season
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 21, 2016


Artistic Director Braden Abraham today announced Seattle Repertory Theatre's 2016-2017 Season. The season is headlined by the electrifying musical Here Lies Love from David Byrne (Talking Heads) and Fatboy Slim, a new production ofthe award-winning Broadway smash King Charles III, and the timeless classic A Raisin in the Sun. The season runs from September 2016 through May 2017, and subscriptions are available now through the Seattle Rep Box Office at (206) 443-2222, as well as online at SeattleRep.org. Single tickets will go on sale this fall.

Zadan & Meron to Bring Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN to NBC Live in Early 2017!
by Caryn Robbins - Mar 30, 2016


BWW has just learned that Emmy and Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin, the creator and mastermind behind the beloved NBC drama “The West Wing,” is returning to the network with a live presentation of A FEW GOOD MEN, set to air in early 2017.

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.

Garth Fagan Dance Tributes to Geoffrey Holder With DANCE FOR/WITH GEOFFREY This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2015


Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT - Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown) announced today that Garth Fagan Dance will bring to Los Angeles Fagan's tribute to the late Geoffrey Holder, 'Dance for/With Geoffrey.' Performances at the 400-seat Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 W. Washington Blvd.) in Los Angeles will run this weekend, October 16-18, 2015.

Garth Fagan Dance Presents Tribute to Geoffrey Holder With DANCE FOR/WITH GEOFFREY, 10/16-18
by Christina Mancuso - Sep 16, 2015


LOS ANGELES, CA (September 15, 2015) Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT -  Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown) announced today that Garth Fagan Dance will bring to Los Angeles Fagan's tribute to the late Geoffrey Holder, "Dance for/With Geoffrey." Performances at the 400-seat Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 W. Washington Blvd.) in Los Angeles will run October 16-18, 2015. www.ebonyrep.org

Ebony Repertory Theatre Presents THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS, Now thru 7/19
by BWW News Desk - Jun 18, 2015


Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT - Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown) announced today that they will present the Pulitzer Prize Finalist and Tony Award-nominated production of THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS starring Tony Award-winner Roger Robinson (Joe Turner's Come and Gone) as Oedpius. The acclaimed production, conceived and adapted by Lee Breuer (Mabou Mines' Trilogy) and music by Bob Telson (Lincoln Center Theater's Chronicle of a Death Foretold), is a soul stirring dramatic-musical which takes place within the framework of a Pentecostal church service set against the tragic Greek background of the story of Oedipus at Colonus, in which the exiled king Oedipus seeks a place where he may be properly buried. ERT's production, directed by Andi Chapman (Actors Co-op's Steel Magnolias - Drama-Logue Award for Outstanding Director), will commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Premiere. Performances will run tonight, June 18 - July 19, 2015 with an official press opening on Saturday, June 20 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles.

Ebony Repertory Theatre to Present THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS, 6/18-7/19
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 24, 2015


Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT - Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown) announced today that they will present the Pulitzer Prize Finalist and Tony Award-nominated production of THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS starring Tony Award-winner Roger Robinson (Joe Turner's Come and Gone) as Oedpius. The acclaimed production, conceived and adapted by Lee Breuer (Mabou Mines' Trilogy) and music by Bob Telson (Lincoln Center Theater's Chronicle of a Death Foretold), is a soul stirring dramatic-musical which takes place within the framework of a Pentecostal church service set against the tragic Greek background of the story of Oedipus at Colonus, in which the exiled king Oedipus seeks a place where he may be properly buried. ERT's production, directed by Andi Chapman (Actors Co-op's Steel Magnolias - Drama-Logue Award for Outstanding Director), will commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Premiere. Performances will run June 18 - July 19, 2015 with an official press opening on Saturday, June 20 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles.

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.

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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