Denzel Washington is returning to Broadway in a production of A Raisin in the Sun. Producers announced the acclaimed actor’s involvement on Thursday.
The Malcolm X star is set to tackle the role of Walter Lee Younger in the upcoming revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s play. Diahann Carroll has reportedly been tapped to portray Lena Younger in the production. Kenny Leon is currently on-board to direct.
The Scott Rudin-produced version of A Raisin in the Sun will mark Carroll’s first appearance on the stage in over 30 years . She and Denzel Washington will be joined by Sophie Okonedo, Anika Noni Rose, Stephen Tyrone Williams, Jason Dirden, and Stephen McKinley Henderson. More casting details will be available shortly.
This isn’t the first time Washington and director Kenny Leon have teamed up on Broadway. The pair previously worked together on the 2010 revival of Fences. The actor’s performance in the play earned him a Tony Award.
It’s been nearly ten years since A Raise in the Sun found its way on-stage. The previous production hit Broadway back in 2004. The adaptation starred Sean Combs, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, and Sanaa Lathan.
The version featuring Denzel Washington is expected to open on April 3, 2014. The production will reportedly wrap things up on June 15, 2014.
Before A Raisin in the Sun hits Broadway, fans of the actor can catch him in a number of big-screen endeavors. His most recent effort, the action-thriller 2 Guns, hits theaters today (August 2). Washington stars alongside Mark Wahlberg in the flick.
The busy actor is also tackling the lead role in the adaptation of the 80s TV series The Equalizer. Helmed by Training Day director Antoine Fuqua, the film casts Washington as secret agent-turned-private investigator Robert McCall. Chloe Grace Moretz and Melissa Leo co-star in the flick.
Are you a fan of Denzel Washington ? What do you think about the acclaimed actor portraying Walter Lee Younger in Kenny Leon’s A Raisin in the Sun?
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