Phylicia Rashad to direct L.A. production of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’
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In her numerous screen and stage roles, Phylicia Rashad has invariably brought a cutting intelligence and a razor-sharp sense of comic timing. In March, the actress will be working on the opposite side of the lights in the role of director in a Los Angeles revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ produced by the Ebony Repertory Theatre.
Rashad will stage the production that is scheduled to open March 25 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. Casting for the play will be announced at a later date, the theater company said.
Though she is best known for her role in the NBC series ‘The Cosby Show,’ Rashad has worked frequently on the stage throughout her career. The actress won the Tony Award for best actress in a play for the 2004 revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ that was directed by Kenny Leon.
A television version of that Broadway production aired on ABC in 2008 and was later released on DVD.
Rashad’s other Broadway credits include August Wilson’s ‘Gem of the Ocean’ in 2004, Shakespeare’s ‘Cymbeline’ in 2007 and Tennessee Williams’ ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ in 2008. The actress has a role in Tyler Perry’s upcoming film ‘For Colored Girls,’ which is based on the play by Ntozake Shange.
Ebony Repertory Theatre was founded in 2008 in L.A. with the purpose of bringing high-quality professional theater to minority communities. The company’s former artistic director, Israel Hicks, died earlier this year. Wren T. Brown, who was a founder of the Ebony, currently serves as the company’s producer.
-- David Ng
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