The play, “Raisin in the Sun” came to television this week. It tells the story of family in Chicage during the 1950’s who’s “hopes and dreams are constantly deferred” through issues related to racism. The original play was first produced in 1959 and made history as the first play to be written by an African American woman. The play starred Sidney Poitier, Claidia McNeil, Diana Sands, Ruby Dee, and Louis Gossett, Jr. This was followed by a Hollywood movie in 1961.

The play was revived several years ago, starring Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, Sanaa Lathan, and John Stamos. This cast reprised their roles in the new television version.

This new television movie aired Monday night, February 25th, and succeeded in “beating NBC in their 6-week winning streak, with 12.7 million viewers.” It’s refreshing to see a movie of such positivity doing well in the ratings.

It’s also good to see strong Broadway productions being featured to a wider audience. The more that people are exposed to quality stage plays in movie form, the more that they’ll be likely seek out Broadway tickets online. It’s a good thing for the theater.