Posted by | Ray Cornelius
The first set of images from the upcoming revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun has been released and from the looks of things, the show is going to be monumental.
As previously reported, this 2014 version is being directed by Tony nominee Kenny Leon and features an all-star cast including Denzel Washington, LaTanya Richardson, Anika Noni Rose, and Sophie Okenedo.
Washington will tackle the iconic role of Walter Lee, popularized by Sidney Poitier. Okenedo will play his wife, Ruth Younger while Rose will star as Walter Lee’s younger sister, Beneatha.
Jackson, who is the wife of Samuel L. Jackson, will play the matriarch of the family, Lena Younger (Mama). Orginally, legendary TV and screen actress Diahann Carroll was supposed to make her Broadway return in the role. However, due to the rigorous rehearsal schedule, the 78-year-old was unable to participate.
Round out the cast is Jason Dirden as George Murchison, Stephen McKinley Henderson as Bobo, David Cromer as Karl Lindner and Bryce Clyde Jenkins, as Walter’s son, Travis Younger.
This show is the second time around for Leon as director. He revived the play in 2004 featuring Phylicia Rashad, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Audra McDonald and Sanaa Lathan.
A Raisin in the Sun officially opens April 23 and will run for 14 weeks.
Check out the photos below:
Denzel Washington as Walter Lee Younger
Denzel Washington and LaTonya Richardson-Jackson as Lena Younger
Sophie Okenedo, Denzel Washington and Anika Noni Rose
Photo Credits: IndieWire.com
