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Director(s): Kenny Leon Screenwriter(s): Paris Qualles, based on Lorraine Hansberry's play Executive Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Sean Combs, Carl Rumbaugh, Susan Batson, David Binder Producer: John M. Eckert Coproducers: Royce Bergman, Tim Christenson Cinematographer: Ivan Strasburg Editor: Melissa Kent Music: Mervyn Warren |
Raisin in the Sun
Premieres
U.S.A., 2007, 131 mins, Color
A Raisin in the Sun, the award-winning play by Lorraine Hansberry, comes to vibrant life in this filmed version that takes this seminal work to a deeper level and hopefully brings it to the awareness of a new audience. The all-star cast, several of whom won Tony Awards in the most recent revival on Broadway, reunites to recreate this enduring dramatic portrait.
The story is set in the 1950s and focuses on the Younger family, who are struggling to make ends meet on Chicago’s south side. An insurance check is about to arrive that will change the course of their lives forever. Each family member, however, has a different idea about how to spend the newfound wealth in his or her eagerness to shape a new life. Family ties are put to the test as the Youngers face problems as individuals and even bigger issues as an African American family daring to pursue the American dream.
What makes A Raisin in the Sun special is that this is not a simple filming of a stage play. It has been elegantly transformed from stage to film by director Kenny Leon’s careful guidance and the performances of a talented and insightful cast. In their capable hands, this American classic reveals it is as timely and significant as ever.
The story is set in the 1950s and focuses on the Younger family, who are struggling to make ends meet on Chicago’s south side. An insurance check is about to arrive that will change the course of their lives forever. Each family member, however, has a different idea about how to spend the newfound wealth in his or her eagerness to shape a new life. Family ties are put to the test as the Youngers face problems as individuals and even bigger issues as an African American family daring to pursue the American dream.
What makes A Raisin in the Sun special is that this is not a simple filming of a stage play. It has been elegantly transformed from stage to film by director Kenny Leon’s careful guidance and the performances of a talented and insightful cast. In their capable hands, this American classic reveals it is as timely and significant as ever.
Kenny Leon - Kenny Leon's directorial credits range from classic theatre to drama, comedy, musicals, opera, commercials, and film. He is the founding artistic director of Atlanta-based True Colors Theatre Company, dedicated to the preservation of African American classics. Previously, Leon was artistic director of Atlanta's Alliance Theatre for more than a decade, producing 10 world premieres, including Elton John's Aida. On Broadway, he directed the 2004 Tony Award–winning revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, which received five Tony nominations; and Wilson's Radio Golf, which was nominated for four Tonys. Upcoming directing projects include the European tour of Flashdance, a Broadway production of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, and Toni Morrison's opera Margaret Garner in Chicago.
Screenings:
Wed. January 23, 3:15pm, Eccles Theatre, Park City
Thu. January 24, Noon, Egyptian Theatre, Park City
Thu. January 24, 9:30pm, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, SLC
Wed. January 23, 3:15pm, Eccles Theatre, Park City
Thu. January 24, Noon, Egyptian Theatre, Park City
Thu. January 24, 9:30pm, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, SLC
Jennifer Davidson
Sony Pictures Television
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
WWD 2345
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 244-3775
jennifer_davidson@spe.sony.com
Sony Pictures Television
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
WWD 2345
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 244-3775
jennifer_davidson@spe.sony.com
