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A Raisin in the Sun 1959

Ages: 10+
Opened: March 11, 1959

A Raisin in the Sun - 1959 Broadway History , Info & More


Belasco Theatre (Broadway)
111 West 44th St. 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.


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4 Broadway Shows Close Today
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 2, 2023


Broadway says goodbye to four productions. Leopoldstadt takes its final bow at the Longacre Theatre following 19 previews and 313 regular performances; Fat Ham will conclude its run at the American Airlines Theatre following 21 previews and 95 regular performances; Prima Facie wraps up at the John Golen Theatre following 14 previews and 81 regular performances; and The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window will end its run at the James Earl Jones Theatre following 3 previews and 77 regular performances.

Video: Miriam Silverman is Starring in the Theatrical Masterpiece You've Never Heard Of
by Richard Ridge - Jun 6, 2023


The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window is written by one of the most beloved playwrights of the American theatre, and yet, you've probably never heard of it. Tony nominee Miriam Silverman knows it. 

Photos/Video: Rita Moreno Visits THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Stephi Wild - May 17, 2023


 Last night, EGOT winner Rita Moreno attended Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window after originating the role of “Iris” in the original Broadway production in 1964. This was the first time Ms. Moreno had seen the show from the audience since the original premiere over 50 years ago. Check out photos and video from her visit!

Photos: Inside the Gala Opening Night of THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2023


Just last week, Broadway welcomed the final show of the 2022-23 season, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, which is now running at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Last night however, the show held its opening gala performance, officially celebrating its arrival on Broadway. Check out photos from the big night here!

Video: Oscar Isaac & Rachel Brosnahan Talk (Finally) Bringing THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW Back to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2023


Last night, Broadway celebrated the final opening of the 2022-23 season, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, which is now running at the James Earl Jones Theatre. In this video, watch as the company checks in with BroadwayWorld ahead of their first Broadway bows!

Photos: THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW Celebrates Opening Night
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 28, 2023


Broadway just celebrated the final opening of the 2022-23 season, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, which is now running at the  James Earl Jones Theatre. Producer Jeremy O. Harris threw a private party at Holiday Bar to celebrate the big night and you can check out photos here.

Photos: Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan Take First Broadway Bows in THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 26, 2023


 The BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, officially began performances on Broadway last night, April 25. Check out photos of the cast taking their first bows here!

You Have Several Chances For Discounted Tickets to THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2023


All new ticket initiatives have been revealed for Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window on Broadway in which for the first two weeks of performances, the first two rows will be on sale for $40 per ticket. Learn how to get your hands on tickets here!

Photos: Oscar Isaac & Rachel Brosnahan of THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW Meet The Press!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2023


The sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac (making his Broadway debut) and Rachel Brosnahan, is getting ready to begin previews on Broadway. Today the show's stars met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the moment. See photos from the event! 

Meet the Cast of THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW, Beginning Previews Tonight!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2023


The sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan officially begins performances tonight, April 25. Meet the cast of The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window!

Up on the Marquee: THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW on Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - Apr 17, 2023


The sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, starring Oscar Isaac (making his Broadway debut) and Rachel Brosnahan, is getting ready to begin previews on Broadway. Check out photos of the new marquee!

THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW, Starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, Will Transfer to Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Apr 4, 2023


The  sold-out and highly acclaimed BAM production of Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, starring Oscar Isaac (making his Broadway debut) and Rachel Brosnahan, will transfer to Broadway this season.

Review Roundup: Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan Star In THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW at BAM
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 27, 2023


The Brooklyn Academy of Music presents the first major New York revival of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman at the BAM Harvey Theater. The production officially opened on February 23, 2023. Read reviews for the production!

Photos: First Look at Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan in THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW at BAM
by Stephi Wild - Feb 27, 2023


The Brooklyn Academy of Music presents the first major New York revival of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman at the BAM Harvey Theater. The production officially opened on February 23, 2023. Check out all new production photos here!

Complete Cast Announced for Oscar Isaac & Rachel Brosnahan Led THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2023


BAM (The Brooklyn Academy of Music) has announced the full company and creative team for the first New York revival in 50 years of Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. See how to purchase tickets!

BAM Announces 2023 Winter"Spring Season Featuring Zadie Smith's Playwriting Debut, US Premiere of AGUA & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2022


BAM will gather audiences and communities together for a thrilling range of performances in its winter-spring 2023 season.

Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan Will Star in Lorraine Hansberry's THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW at BAM
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 6, 2022


The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has just announced the first major New York revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman at the BAM Harvey Theater beginning February 4 and opening February 23, 2023.

Residence of Lorraine Hansberry Listed to National Register of Historic Places
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2021


The former residence of Black lesbian playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring Hansberry's incredible contributions to American arts and culture. Her play, A Raisin in the Sun (1959), was the first play by a Black woman to appear on Broadway.

Theater Stories: CURIOUS INCIDENT, THE BAND'S VISIT, THE INHERITANCE and More About the Ethel Barrymore Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2021


Today's Theater Stories features the Ethel Barrymore Theatre! Learn about Ethel Barrymore herself, shows to have graced the theatre's stage, including An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin, Chaplin, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Band's Visit, The Inheritance, and many more!

VIDEO: First Look - PBS Presents Documentary on A RAISIN IN THE SUN Playwright Lorraine Hansberry
by BWW News Desk - Jan 19, 2018


One week after the anniversary of her death, American Masters -- Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart premieres nationwide Today, January 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) and will stream the following day at pbs.org/americanmasters and PBS apps. Check out the trailer below!

VIDEO: First Look - PBS Presents Documentary on A RAISIN IN THE SUN Playwright Lorraine Hansberry
by Caryn Robbins - Dec 4, 2017


One week after the anniversary of her death, American Masters -- Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart premieres nationwide Friday, January 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) and will stream the following day at pbs.org/americanmasters and PBS apps. Check out the trailer below!

Rogue Machine Theatre LES BLANCS Opens 5/27
by A.A. Cristi - May 9, 2017


Lorraine Hansberry considered this to be her most important play. It was her final work. Directed by Gregg T. Daniel, Les Blancs depicts the waning days of colonialism crossing into the 20th century as it reveals the impossible moral choices faced by individuals who must reconcile personal happiness with idealism. What happens when what we want and what we think is right is not what must be done? This play is rich with music and dance and set in and around a mission compound in Africa. The time is yesterday, today, and tomorrow-- but not very long after that.  

CLYBOURNE PARK Opens Maryland Ensemble Theatre's 17th Season Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 12, 2014


Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) will present the first play in its seventeenth Mainstage season, 'Clybourne Park'. Bruce Norris' satirical comedy won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize Award and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. 'Clybourne Park' will be directed by Peter Wray and will run every Thursday through Sunday at Maryland Ensemble Theatre from tonight, September 12 through October 5.

CLYBOURNE PARK to Open Maryland Ensemble Theatre's 17th Season, 9/12
by BWW News Desk - Aug 27, 2014


Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) will present the first play in its seventeenth Mainstage season, 'Clybourne Park'. Bruce Norris' satirical comedy won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize Award and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. 'Clybourne Park' will be directed by Peter Wray and will run every Thursday through Sunday at Maryland Ensemble Theatre from September 12 through October 5.

MET Sets 2014-15 Mainstage Season: CLYBOURNE PARK, THE ELEPHANT MAN & More
by Tyler Peterson - May 21, 2014


Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is proud to announce its 2014-2015 Mainstage season. MET's seventeenth mainstage season will run from September of 2014 through June of 2015 and will feature a classic Shakespeare comedy, a German masterpiece, a World Premiere original, and contemporary crowd pleasers. Season subscriptions are on sale now at a special early bird rate. MET Artistic Director Tad Janes shared his excitement about all the plays, 'This season brings such great plays to the MET! Two very exciting newer plays, Clybourne Park and Good People, both have a great sense of humor, but also have a real depth of message. The Arsonists is a very funny, bordering on absurd, comedy, and we feature two excellent timeless pieces with The Elephant Man and Twelfth Night. Next season also brings a new MET created piece, brought to us by MET Mainstage writing alumni Reiner Prochaska.'

A Raisin in the Sun History

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
   West End
West End

A Raisin in the Sun - 1959 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1960 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play Lloyd Richards
1960 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Sidney Poitier
1960 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Claudia McNeil
1960 Tony Awards Best Play Lorraine Hansberry
1959 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best American Play Lorraine Hansberry
1959 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Drama Performance Diana Sands

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