Rashad to Direct A RAISIN IN THE SUN in LA, Mar. 2011

Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT), Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown, announced today, that Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Los Angeles directorial debut with its production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. ERT is proud to return this groundbreaking play to Los Angeles for its first fully-staged production in over twenty years. Preview performances begin on March 23, 2011, with the official press opening on March 25, 2011 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 W. Washington Blvd.) in Los Angeles. Single tickets go on sale November 1, 2010.

"Ebony Repertory Theatre is deeply honored to have the inimitable Phylicia Rashad make her Los Angeles directorial debut with our production of A Raisin In The Sun," said Wren T. Brown, Ebony Repertory Theatre, Founder / Producer. He added, "Our late Co-Founder and Artistic Director, the brilliant Israel Hicks, would be exceedingly proud of our choice of director for this production. Israel often spoke of his immense respect for Ms. Rashad's abundant artistry and her uncommon grace. Needless to say, we are tremendously excited about the opportunity to work with this great lady of the theater."

Phylicia Rashad is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning actress. On Broadway, Ms. Rashad's credits include: August Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun (2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, Drama Desk Award), Jelly's Last Jam, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls, The Wiz and Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death.

Ms. Rashad has starred in many films including: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, Frankie and Alice, Just Wright, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, Free of Eden, Loving Jezebel, and The Visit. Her television credits include: Claire Huxtable in The Cosby Show (two-time Emmy Award-nominee and two-time People's Choice Award-winner and NAACP Image Award-winner for Best Actress in a Comedy Series), Ruth Lucas in Cosby (NAACP Image Award-winner for Best Actress in a Comedy Series), ABC's critically-acclaimed film A Raisin in the Sun (Emmy Award-nominee and NAACP Image Award-winner), to name a few.

In A RAISIN IN THE SUN, a family's shared dream for a better life may be, not only deferred, but destroyed by conflicting aspirations, betrayal and racism. Lorraine Hansberry's classic drama continues to shine an unflinching spotlight on America's struggle to overcome its past, while paying tribute to those courageous enough to shape a future filled with an abiding faith, in the decency of the human spirit.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN originally opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 1959 and starred Sidney Poitier (Walter Lee Younger), Ruby Dee (Ruth Younger), Diana Sands (Beneatha Younger) and Claudia McNeil (Lena Younger). In 2004, the Broadway revival production opened at the Royale Theatre and starred Sean Combs (Walter Lee Younger), Audra McDonald (Ruth Younger) and Phylicia Rashad (Lena Younger).

Additional creative team and casting for Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of A RAISIN IN THE SUN will be announced at a later date.

Ebony Repertory Theatre is the resident company and operator of the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, which is located at 4718 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016. A RAISIN IN THE SUN plays March 23 - April 17, 2011, with the official press opening on March 25, 2011. The performance schedule is Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Single tickets go on sale November 1, 2010. All tickets are $40 if purchased by December 31, 2010. Regular price tickets take effect January 1, 2011 and range from $45 - $55. Single tickets are available now through the theatre box office at 323-964-9766 or online at www.ebonyrep.org. Groups of 10 or more are available at 323-964-9592 or by email at groups@ebonyrep.org.