Photo Coverage: Phylicia Rashad Directed A RAISIN IN THE SUN Opens in LA

Actress/Director Phylicia Rashad made her Los Angeles directorial debut with the Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT) is proud to return this groundbreaking play to Los Angeles for its first fully-staged production in over twenty years. Preview performances began on March 23, 2011, Nate Holden Performing Arts Center with Opening Night on Friday, March 25th. The play runs through April 17, 2011 (4718 W. Washington Blvd.) in Los Angeles.

Rashad is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning actress whose Broadway credits include: August Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 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.

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). Set in 1950's Chicago, this classic play portrays an African-American family's pursuit of their shared dream for a better life amid conflicting aspirations, betrayal, and racism. This timeless classic 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 fundamental decency and unlimited capacity of the human spirit.

Ebony Repertory Theatre established in 2007 is Los Angeles's only African-American, professional theatre company committed to bringing diverse, high standard, professional performing arts to Los Angeles, making the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center one of Los Angeles' leading cultural destinations.

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. 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. Tickets start at $45.00 - $75. Opening Night Benefit Performance tickets are $150 per ticket. For more information call, 323-964-9766 or go to www.ebonyrep.org.