The musical "Raisin," an adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's acclaimed play "A Raisin in the Sun," brought a powerful story of an African-American family in 1950s Chicago to the Broadway stage. With music by Judd Woldin, lyrics by Robert Brittan, and a book co-written by Robert Nemiroff and Charlotte Zaltzberg, the production aimed to translate the dramatic depth of the original play into a musical format. Its journey from initial tryouts to a successful
Broadway run, marked by critical acclaim and significant awards, cemented its place in theatrical history.
The Road to Broadway
The development of "Raisin" began with a pre-Broadway tryout period, a common practice for major theatrical productions. The musical first premiered on May 30, 1973, at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. This initial run allowed the creative team to refine the show before its highly anticipated Broadway debut. The decision to adapt such a well-regarded play into a musical presented both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful crafting of the book and score to maintain the integrity of Hansberry's original work while adding a new dimension through music.
Following its Washington D.C. engagement, "Raisin" made its Broadway premiere on October 18, 1973. The chosen venue was the 46th Street Theatre, a prominent location in the heart of New York City's theater district. The production featured a notable cast, including Virginia Capers as Lena, Joe Morton as Walter, Ernestine Jackson as Ruth, Debbie Allen as Beneatha, Ralph Carter as Travis, Helen Martin as Mrs. Johnson, and Ted Ross as Bobo. Donald McKayle served as both director and choreographer, shaping the visual and narrative flow of the musical.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Upon its Broadway opening, "Raisin" garnered significant attention from theater critics. Clive Barnes of The New York Times, who had previously reviewed the Washington D.C. performance as "a warm and loving work," offered further praise for the Broadway production. Barnes noted that the musical's book might even surpass the original play, calling "Raisin" an unusual musical that could appeal to both musical enthusiasts and those who typically do not favor the genre. This sentiment highlighted the production's ability to transcend traditional musical theater expectations.
Walter Kerr, also writing for The New York Times, elaborated on the musical's strengths, particularly its inventive underscoring. Kerr observed how the music effectively invaded Hansberry's tightly knit play, expanding the action beyond its original four walls and spilling it onto the streets with a dynamic orchestral presence. He specifically mentioned the "jittery down-flight of strings" and the "frog-throated sass from the heavy-breathing viols" that complemented the realistic dialogue. This critical reception underscored the musical's innovative approach to adapting a classic dramatic work.
Broadway Run and Legacy
The Broadway production of "Raisin" proved to be a substantial success, enjoying a lengthy run. After its initial opening at the 46th Street Theatre, the show transferred to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on January 13, 1975, continuing its engagement. The musical ultimately closed on December 8, 1975, after a remarkable 847 performances. This extended run demonstrated its popularity and enduring appeal to audiences.
"Raisin" received nine Tony Award nominations, ultimately winning two of the prestigious awards. It secured the Tony Award for Best Musical, a testament to its overall excellence and impact. Additionally, Virginia Capers was honored with the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Lena. The production's success extended beyond Broadway, with Virginia Capers later starring in the national tour, further solidifying the musical's reach and legacy. The original cast recording, produced by Thomas Z. Shepard, was released on Columbia Masterworks on November 23, 1973, allowing the musical's score to reach an even wider audience, though some critics noted its lack of traditional "soul sounds" for a story about a Black family.
