December 19, 2003 10:30

P DIDDY SET TO MAKE BROADWAY DEBUT

The rapper is expected to appear in a remake of the classic drama 'A Raisin In the Sun'...

Puff Daddy is to make his BROADWAY debut in LORRAINE HANSBURY's drama 'A RAISIN IN THE SUN', which is expected to open next April.

The rapper will star in the production which focuses on a black family who move into an all-white neighbourhood.

Producer David Binder said of Puff Daddy's auditions: "We were all incredibly impressed - he's focused on the work."

Puff Daddy - real name Sean Combs - was approached by Binder in September, after he said he "was interested in doing serious, challenging work in the theatre".

The 1959 production of 'A Raisin In The Sun' starred Sidney Poitier and was made into a film in 1961.

Binder said: "It is an American classic alongside 'Streetcar', 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Crucible' and it has never had a Broadway revival."

According to BBC News, Kenny Leon will direct the play, with rehearsals expected to begin in February.

"We are approaching very seasoned New York theatre actors to fill out the rest of the cast," Binder said.

Puff Daddy has previously appeared in the films 'Monster's Ball' and 'Made'.