A Raisin in the Sun Revival 2014

Ages: 10+
Opened: April 3, 2014
Closing: June 15, 2014

A Raisin in the Sun - 2014 - Broadway History , Info & More

Ethel Barrymore Theatre (Broadway)
243 West 47th St. New York, NY

Set on Chicago's South Side, A Raisin In The Sun revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee (Denzel Washington), his wife Ruth (Sophie Okonedo), his sister Beneatha (Anika Noni Rose), his son Travis (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and matriarch Lena, called Mama (LaTanya Richardson Jackson). When her deceased husband's money comes through, Mama 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. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama.

Originally produced in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway, where it won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. The Washington Post has called it "one of a handful of great American dramas. A Raisin in the Sun belongs in the inner circle, along with Death of a Salesman and Long Day's Journey into Night." The New York Times has hailed it as "the play that changed American theatre forever".

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR A Raisin in the Sun

No Rest for the Weary
9 / 10

The spark of rebellion, the kind that makes a man stand up and fight, has almost been extinguished in Walter Lee Younger. As portrayed by Denzel Washington in Kenny Leon's disarmingly relaxed revival of Lorraine Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun' -- which opened on Thursday night at the Ethel Barrymore Theater -- Walter appears worn down, worn out and about ready to crawl into bed for good. Frankly, he looks a whole lot older than you probably remember him...Mr. Washington's more laid-back approach has a persuasive emotional logic, and it adds a different kind of suspense to 'Raisin.' As the play tells its familiar story of the Youngers' attempts to leave the South Side for the suburbs, with the life insurance money left by Lena's husband, we're less worried that Walter is going to erupt into violence than sink into stasis, dragging his family down with him.

Theater review: 'A Raisin in the Sun' -- 2 stars
5 / 10

It's too bad Denzel Washington didn't play Walter Lee, the dissatisfied 35-year-old protagonist of Lorraine Hansberry's monumental 1959 African-American family drama 'A Raisin in the Sun,' 25 years ago. Now at age 59, there is no escaping the reality that Washington is simply too old to convincingly play the role, resulting in a fundamental imbalance and lack of credibility to the new Broadway revival...In addition to the age issue, Washington overplays Walter Lee's moodiness and often adds an inappropriately jocular and hammy tone, encouraging the audience to laugh during some of the play's most heartbreaking moments. Rose, who sparkles in scene after scene, ends up stealing the show. As Walter Lee's wife Ruth, Sophie Okonedo comes off as one-dimensionally plain and stern. Jackson too is disappointing. David Cromer, best known as a director, is out of place as the community representative who tries to bribe the family to not move to a white suburb.

Tony-Winning A RAISIN IN THE SUN Revival Recoups on Broadway!
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2014


Broadway's critically acclaimed production of Denzel Washington in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN is celebrating a big week. Not only did it take home three 2014 Tony Awards (Best Revival of a Play, Best Director of a Play -- Kenny Leon, and Best Featured Actress in a Play -- Sophie Okonedo) on Sunday night, it has also recouped its entire capitalization. The production, which began previews Saturday, March 8, officially opened on Thursday, April 3 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47 Street), where it will end its limited engagement run this Sunday, June 15.

TV: A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Sophie Okonedo on Winning the 2014 Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play
by Tyler Peterson - June 8, 2014


As announced earlier this evening, Sophie Okonedo has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for A Raisin in the Sun. BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge was in the press room to catch up with the winner on what the award means to her - hear what Okonedo had to say below!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Wins 2014 Tony for Best Revival of a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


A RAISIN IN THE SUN has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Set on Chicago's South Side, A Raisin in the Sun revolved around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee (Denzel Washington), his wife Ruth (Sophie Okonedo), his sister Beneatha (Anika Noni Rose), his son Travis (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and matriarch Lena, called Mama (LaTanya Richardson Jackson).

A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Sophie Okonedo Wins Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


Sophie Okonedo has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This is Sophie Okonedo's first Tony nomination and her Broadway debut. She starred as Cressida in the National Theatre's Troilus and Cressida (1999). Okonedo was nominated for an Academy Award for Hotel Rwanda in 2004 and a Golden Globe for Tsunami: The Aftermath in 2006.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Kenny Leon Wins Tony for Best Direction of a Play
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


A Raisin in the Sun's Kenny Leon has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play. Kenny Leon's Broadway credits include August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean (five Tony nominations) and the Tony Award-winning revival of A Raisin in the Sun, both featuring Phylicia Rashad; for the latter, he earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Director of a Play. Other directing credits include the Off-Broadway hit Emergence-See featuring Daniel Beaty, Blues for an Alabama Sky, and From the Mississippi Delta (Huntington Theatre).

VIDEO: First Look - A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Anika Noni Rose Talks Denzel & More on Next 'Katie'
by Caryn Robbins - June 5, 2014


On Friday's 'Katie,' Tony-nominated actress Anika Noni Rose stops by to talk about her career and shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with the cast of 'A Raisin In The Sun.'

Photo Flash: Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray Visit A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by BWW News Desk - June 2, 2014


On Friday night, May 30, Mayor Bill De Blasio and his wife First Lady Chirlane McCray saw A Raisin in the Sun and headed backstage at intermission to take photos with the company. Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Scroll down for a look at the couple with the cast!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Sophie Okonedo Joins BBC TV's THE HOLLOW CROWN
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2014


The Daily Mail writes that Tony nominee Sophie Okonedo, currently starring in A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Broadway, will appear opposite Benedict Cumberbatch and others in BBC TV's upcoming trilogy THE HOLLOW CROWN, which includes Shakespeare's HENRY VI trilogy and RICHARD III.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Releases 68-Page Digital Souvenir Book
by Nicole Rosky - May 19, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, which is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street), just released a 68-page digital souvenir book in honor of Hansberry's birthday, May 19. Click here to download the special souvenir book now!

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Star Denzel Washington to Host 'Broadway Junior' Event, 5/19
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2014


Denzel Washington, currently starring in the acclaimed Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, will serve as Host of the Shubert Foundation/MTI Broadway Junior Student Share celebration while hundreds of students from middle and intermediate New York City Public Schools make their Broadway debut on stage at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44 St.) on Monday, May 19th at 10:30 a.m. (Press set up at 9:30 a.m.; select pre-show photo ops at 10 a.m.).

In the Spotlight Series: Cast of A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Walter McBride - April 18, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun opened last week at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Below you can check out photos of the cast in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

President and First Lady Obama Set to Visit A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Broadway Tonight
by Nicole Rosky - April 11, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun just opened last week at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). According to Deadline, the show will soon welcome some high profile guests- the Obamas. President Obama and the First Lady are set to attend tonight's performance 'if all goes to plan.'

TV: Watch Highlights of Denzel Washington & More in A RAISIN IN THE SUN
by Nicole Rosky - April 7, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun just opened last week at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Set on Chicago's South Side, A Raisin in the Sun revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena, called Mama. When her deceased husband's money comes through, Mama 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. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Check out highlights from the production below!

TV: On the Red Carpet for A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - April 4, 2014


The stars gathered last night to celebrate the opening night of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with all of the celebrity guests before they took there seats inside of the Barrymore. Check out interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Leon, Spike and Tonya Lee and more!

TV: Chatting with the Company of A RAISIN IN THE SUN on Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - April 5, 2014


BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on hand for the opening night after party, where he got to chat with all of the show's stars right after the curtain went down. Join in all of the opening night excitement below!

Photo Coverage: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Cast Celebrates Opening!
by Walter McBride - April 4, 2014


Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, starring Denzel Washington and directed by Tony Award nominee Kenny Leon, opened last night, April 3 at 6:45pm at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street); the same theatre where the original production of A Raisin in the Sun opened 55 years ago. A Raisin in the Sun is a limited engagement running through June 15. BroadwayWorld was there for opening night and you can check out photos from the after party below!

Photo Coverage: Inside A RAISIN IN THE SUN's Opening Night Theatre Arrivals
by Walter McBride - April 4, 2014


The stars gathered last night to celebrate the opening night of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street); the same theatre where the original production of A Raisin in the Sun opened 55 years ago. BroadwayWorld brings you complete photo coverage from the star-studded red carpet below!

Denzel Washington Wants to Return to Broadway 'Every Three or Four Years'
by Caryn Robbins - April 4, 2014


Denzel Washington made his triumphant return to the Broadway stage last night in “A Raisin in the Sun,” which opened at New York's Barrymore Theater.

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 - 2014 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Play Denzel Washington
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Sophie Okonedo
2014 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award LaTanya Richardson Jackson
2014 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Denzel Washington
2014 Drama League Awards Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play A Raisin in the Sun
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Sophie Okonedo
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Anika Noni Rose
2014 Theatre World Awards Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance Sophie Okonedo
2014 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play Kenny Leon
2014 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Sophie Okonedo
2014 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Anika Noni Rose
2014 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play LaTanya Richardson Jackson
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play John Johnson
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play S.D. Wagner
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Joey Parnes
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Jhett Tolentino
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Joan Raffe
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Daryl Roth
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Heni Koenigsberg
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play The Araca Group
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Tulchin Bartner Productions
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Sonia Friedman
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Ruth Hendel
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Stephanie P. McClelland
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Roy Furman
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Scott M. Delman
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Jon B. Platt
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Eli Bush
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Roger Berlind
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Scott Rudin
2014 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play A Raisin in the Sun

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