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A Raisin in the Sun
February 19 March 30
By Lorraine Hansberry Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III Leonard C. Haas Stage
The pivotal drama that "changed American theatre forever"

Company Artists Melanye Finister (Lettie, Skeleton Crew) and Eric B. Robinson Jr. (Bonez, Mud Row) lead a stellar ensemble in this award-winning classic. Simultaneously intimate and mythic in scope, Lorraine Hansberry’s pivotal drama “changed American theatre forever” (The New York Times). Three generations of the Younger family share a cramped apartment on the segregated South Side of 1950s Chicago. The late Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy could mean a fresh start, but disputes surrounding how to spend the money reveal deep generational divides.

Recommended for ages 12+

Individual Sponsors: Nicole Sakowitz & Bill Pikounis

Cast and Creative Team
Jalen Coleman
George Murchison
Morgan Charéce Hall
Beneatha Younger
Nayib Felix
Joseph Asagai
Melanye Finister
Lena Younger (Mama)
Todd Lawson
Karl Lindner
Kristopher King Clark
Travis Younger (alternating)
Gabe Moses
Moving Man
Prince Peay
Travis Younger (alternating)
Eric B. Robinson Jr.
Walter Lee Younger
Candace Thomas
Ruth Younger
Keith Wallace
Bobo
Lorraine Hansberry
Playwright
Steve H. Broadnax III
Director
James F. Pyne
Scenic Designer
Jerrilyn Duckworth
Costume and Wig Designer
DeAnna Doggett
Lighting Designer
Curtis Craig
Sound Designer
Andrew Watring
Associate Director
Sydnei Williams
Stage Manager
Discover More
People's Light is a Book Sanctuary!
Read "A Raisin in the Sun" with us and learn more about our commitment to being a Book Sanctuary.
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Enhance Your Experience
$35 Previews

See the production early and enjoy automatically discounted tickets, plus special events on select nights.

Previews run February 19–22

February 19: Ladies' Night
Get the girls together and enjoy a wine discount at concessions (available for everyone, not just the ladies!) to fuel your night out.

February 20: AfterWORDS
Talkback after the performance with Dramaturg Gina Pisasale

February 21: Family Night
Bring your theatre-loving teens to our Friday preview! Pre-show programming TBA.

AfterWORDS

You’ll want to unpack this one. Right after Thursday evening performances, stay for a post-show discussion moderated by People’s Light staff, often joined by members of the cast or creative team. You can bring your thoughts and questions, or just sit back and listen!

Thursday Nights

Costume Presentation

Ever wondered what goes into costuming a play? Join People’s Light Costume Shop Manager Sarah Ochocki on Saturday, March 1st at 1:00pm to get a glimpse into the fashion of A Raisin in the Sun. Learn about 1950s style, see what goes into the making of a period piece, and meet some real costumes up close and personal.

Our costume presentation is free with reservation, tickets to A Raisin in the Sun matinee sold separately.

Saturday, March 1 at 1pm

Tales with Tom

Join local legend and longtime People’s Light company artist, Tom Teti, for a special Raisin-themed pre-show Scoop! With his trademark wit and searing insight, Tom performs an autobiographical solo piece focused on a neighborhood in transition. Following Tom's performance, spend some time with Tom to discuss your thoughts and questions about the piece, theater, and local history. Afterwards, join us for a performance of A Raisin in the Sun.

Tales with Tom is free with reservation, tickets to A Raisin in the Sun matinee sold separately.

Sunday, March 2 at 1pm

Relaxed Performance

Relaxed Performances offer a judgment-free, "shush-free" environment where traditional theatre rules are relaxed. During the performance, audience members are free to move around, exit and enter the theatre, or vocalize. All are welcome! At each Relaxed Performance, we offer audio descriptionASL interpretation, and a pre-show sensory tour where you can interact with set and prop elements and ask questions.

Sunday, March 16 at 2pm
Pre-show sensory tour at 1pm (free with RSVP to diiorio@peopleslight.org)

Audio Description

Headsets provide commentary on the visual aspects of a performance. This supplemental narration interweaves with the real-time, spoken dialogue. This is also a Relaxed Performance.

Sunday, March 16 at 2pm

ASL Interpretation

American Sign Language interpretation provided by Hands UP Productions. This is also a Relaxed Performance.

Sunday, March 16 at 2pm

Smart Caption Glasses

Our Smart Caption Glasses offer immersive, real-time captioning for live theatre. These revolutionary glasses display a synchronized transcript of the play directly on the lenses, and are customizable for your comfort.

Smart Caption Glasses are available at performances of this play in the date range below. To reserve your pair of glasses, simply add tickets to your cart, then follow the link that appears at the top of the page to add a glasses reservation to your cart for free. For assistance, please contact the Box Office at tickets@peopleslight.org.

March 18–30

Access Date

To expand access to our work, we offer 50%-off Access Dates throughout the season. The discount is automatic for this performance, no promo code required.

Wednesday, March 19 at 2pm

Open Captioning

During every performance this week, dialogue appears on an LED screen placed near the stage to benefit patrons with hearing impairments, as well as English language learners.

March 25–30