Due to COVID cases within the company with both principal actors and understudies, The Public Theater has canceled all performances of its Off-Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun October 14-16.
The official opening, originally scheduled for October 19 in the Newman Theater, will be postponed due to the cancellations. A new date will be announced. Performances are currently scheduled through November 13.
Francois Battiste and Tony winner Tonya Pinkins lead the company as Walter Lee Younger and Lena Younger, respectively, alongside John Clay III as Joseph Asagai, Calvin Dutton as Bobo, Mister Fitzgerald as George Murchison, Perri Gaffney as Mrs. Johnson, Paige Gilbert as Beneatha Younger, Mandi Masden as Ruth Younger, and Jesse Pennington as Karl Lindner.
Battiste's son, Toussaint Battiste, is alternating in the role of Travis Younger with Camden McKinnon. Rounding out the company as understudies are Skyler Gallun and N'yomi Stewart.
Hansberry investigates the American dream, racism, housing discrimination, and economic strife through the story of a Black family newly arrived in Chicago in this classic play, which premiered on Broadway in 1959.
The revival is directed by Robert O'Hara. The creative team includes scenic designer Clint Ramos, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Alex Jainchill, sound designer Elisheba Ittloop, sound system designer Will Pickens, hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, video designer Brittany Bland, and movement director Rickey Tripp. Prop management is by Claire M. Kavanah with Teniece Divya Johnson serving as fight and intimacy director. Clarissa Marie Ligon is the production stage manager and Andie Burns the stage manager.
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See production photos below:
Mandi Masden, Tonya Pinkins, and Toussaint Pinkins in A Raisin In The Sun
Francois Battiste and Tonya Pinkins in A Raisin In The Sun
John Clay III and Paige Gilbert in A Raisin In The Sun
Francois Battiste, Mandi Masden, Paige Gilbert, and Jesse Pennington in A Raisin In The Sun
Tonya Pinkins in A Raisin In The Sun
Francois Battiste and Toussaint Battiste in A Raisin In The Sun
Francois Battiste, Tonya Pinkins, and Mandi Masden in A Raisin In The Sun
Camden McKinnon and Tonya Pinkins in A Raisin In The Sun
Mister Fitzgerald, Tonya Pinkins, and Paige Gilbert in A Raisin In The Sun
Perri Gaffney in A Raisin In The Sun
Mandi Masden and Francois Battiste in A Raisin In The Sun
Calvin Dutton and Francois Battiste in A Raisin In The Sun
