SPECIAL “BLACK HISTORY MONTH” SCHOOL EVENT

STUDENT MATINEES FOR A HISTORICAL REVIVAL

MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BROADWAY OPENING OF THE MUSICAL

Based on Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun

Production Consultant, Phylicia Rashad

Directed by Evelyn Collins

Choreographed by Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards

Music by Judd Woldin, Lyrics by Robert Brittan

Book by Robert Nemiroff and Charlotte Zaltzberg

Lorraine Hansberrry, playwright of

A Raisin in the Sun, was the first Black woman to have her play produced on Broadway.

Performances:

February 24 through March 12, 2023

Special School Matinee Performances:

Wednesday, March 1, 1 PM

Thursday, March 2, 1 PM

Wednesday, March 8, 1 PM

Thursday, March 9, 1 PM

Lorraine Hansberry's classic A Raisin in the Sun is transformed into a soulful, inspiring musical as a proud Black family's quest for a better life explodes in song, dance and incisive human drama. Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Raisin ran for over two years on Broadway and enjoyed a record-breaking national tour, including 40 major cities in the US and Canada, being seen by 3.5 million people.

Marking the fiftieth anniversary of Raisin’s opening on Broadway, with the approval of the Hansberry Estate and in association with Production Consultant, Phylicia Rashad (two-time Tony Award winner, A Raisin in the Sun and Skeleton Crew and three-time Emmy nominee), the Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s production will be directed by Evelyn Collins (Principal and Founder of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Mount Vernon, NY) and be a major part of New Jersey’s Black History Month observations.  The musical will be choreographed by Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards (Broadway’s Bring in Da' Noise, Bring in Da' Funk and After Midnight).

The story of a Black family aspiring to move out of the Southside, Chicago projects in the 1950s, Raisin is a poignant reflection on the American Dream, the obstacles Black families face, and the true meaning of trust, family and love.

Evelyn Collins, director of Raisin,

is the principal and founder of the

Denzel Washington School of the Arts.

Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards,

Choreographer of Raisin,

on historic TAP Forever Stamp

from the US Postal Service.

THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL FOR 

TODAY’S HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Directed by Tony Nominee, Hunter Foster

Music by Matthew Sklar, Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin

Based on an original concept by Jack Viertel

Bus Parking Available

Hunter Foster, director of The Prom, is a Tony Award nominee who has appeared in 12 Broadway shows, including Urinetown, Little Shop of Horrors and The Bridges of Madison County.

Performances:

May 5 through May 21, 2023

Special School Matinee Performances:

Thursday, May 11, 1 PM

Thursday, May 18, 1 PM

The Jersey Shore’s first professional production of the musical that Billboard calls “Hairspray meets Dear Evan Hansen,” The Prom opened on Broadway in 2018 and was a Broadway critics’ darling with six Tony nominations. The Axelrod’s production will be directed by Tony-nominated Broadway veteran Hunter Foster.

Recently made into a Hollywood film, The Prom tells the story of four eccentric Broadway stars who are in desperate need of a new stage. So, when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. With a message for all of us, this musical with real heart guarantees real laughs and real tears!

SCHOOL MATINEE GROUP PRICING

10-50 Students: $32

Over 50 Students: $28

One Free Chaperone Seat for

every 25 seats purchased.

For more information, email

[email protected] or call

the APAC Box Office: 732-531-9106, ext 14