How well do you know Raisin, the Tony Award-winning musical based on Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun? With its stirring performances and compelling story about a family's struggle in 1950s Chicago, Raisin captivated audiences throughout its 847-performance Broadway run. Test your knowledge of this groundbreaking show, its iconic cast members, and the accolades it received during its celebrated time on stage. Dive into the trivia and see how much you remember from this unforgettable musical journey.
Musical Composition
- Raisin is a musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's famous play, A Raisin in the Sun, with music by Judd Woldin and lyrics by Robert Brittan.
Notable Tours
- Virginia Capers, who played Lena Younger in the Broadway production, also starred in the national tour of the musical.
Production Facts
- The musical's book was co-written by Robert Nemiroff, who was Lorraine Hansberry's husband, alongside Charlotte Zaltzberg.
- Raisin was nominated for nine Tony Awards and won two, including Best Musical.
- The Broadway production of Raisin opened on October 18, 1973, and ran for 847 performances, closing on December 8, 1975.
- The original Broadway production featured Virginia Capers as Lena, Joe Morton as Walter, and Debbie Allen as Beneatha.
- The story of Raisin revolves around an African-American family in Chicago in 1951, dealing with racial tensions and dreams of a better life.
- The musical begins with the Younger family living in a cramped apartment and unfolds as they navigate personal and societal challenges.
- Raisin had a pre-Broadway tryout at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., starting on May 30, 1973, before moving to Broadway.
