Atlantan Kenny Leon gets best director Tony nod for ‘Raisin in the Sun’
Atlanta-based director Kenny Leon has received a best director Tony Award nomination for his revival of "A Raisin in the Sun."
The drama, on the boards through June 15 at Ethel Barrymore Theatre with Denzel Washington as Walter Younger, received five nominations, announced Tuesday morning. The other four:
- Best revival of a play
- Best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play, for LaTanya Richardson Jackson (the onetime Atlantan who is married to Samuel L. Jackson)
- Best performance by an actress in a featured role in a play, for Anika Noni Rose
- Best performance by an actress in a featured role in a play, for Sophie Okonedo
Leon was nominated for a best director Tony in 2010 for his revival of August Wilson's "Fences," also starring Washington. He didn't win but Washington and Viola Davis took home best actor and actress trophies.
Leon’s original “A Raisin in the Sun” also was nominated for best revival, in 2004, and scored Tonys for Phylicia Rashad (best actress) and Audra McDonald (best featured actress).
Meanwhile, the director is readying a Broadway premiere of "Holler If Ya Hear Me," featuring the songs of the late Atlantan Tupac Shakur. The musical is to open June 19 at the Palace Theatre.
“I’m humbled and grateful,” Leon said in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s been an amazing year. So proud of the production and especially proud of the women and LaTanya. Denzel made it all work and is indeed an American treasure. Onwards, ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me.’”
Leon will next be seen in Atlanta in an acting role. He is scheduled to star, opposite Rashad, in a Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company production of ”Same Time Next Year,” July 8 through Aug. 3 at 14th Street Playhouse.
The Tony Awards will air 8 p.m. June 8 on CBS.
