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First Breeze of Summer Tickets

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On the schedule

First Breeze of Summer Performances & Tickets

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Inside the production

Story, stage & company

Cast & creatives

People behind the production

First Breeze of Summer is more than a play—it's a centerpiece of American theatre history. From its Off-Broadway origins with the Negro Ensemble Company at St. Mark's Playhouse in 1975 to a Broadway transfer that earned a Tony nomination for Best Play, this piece remains a touchstone for character-driven drama exploring memory, family, sexuality, and intergenerational dynamics within a Black American context. The writer behind this enduring work, Leslie Lee, left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire theatre communities and audiences alike. Use this page to learn about the performer behind the name, browse important career milestones, and find upcoming opportunities to experience the work live through reliable ticketing.

On stage

The documented stage experience

While The First Breeze of Summer has seen revivals, current published seasons for major venues may vary. We acknowledge the latest information from Signature Theatre and other cultural institutions, and we’ll help secure your seats when new engagements arise. For fans and newcomers alike, this page offers a concise view of the artist's biography, discography highlights, and the best pathways to see performances live—through trusted, user-friendly ticketing options.

The essentials

Quick Facts About First Breeze of Summer

  • Original production: The First Breeze of Summer premiered Off-Broadway with the Negro Ensemble Company at St. Mark's Playhouse in 1975, later transferring to Broadway's Palace Theatre and earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Play in 1975. ([newyorker.com](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1975/03/17/off-broadway?utm_source=openai))
  • 2008 revival: Signature Theatre's Off-Broadway revival opened August 2008 at the Peter Norton Space in New York with Leslie Uggams and Yaya DaCosta, and was extended due to popular demand. ([playbill.com](https://playbill.com/article/uggams-stars-in-signatures-first-breeze-revival-opening-aug-21-com-152624?utm_source=openai))
  • Awards/recognition: The play won an Obie Award for Best New American Play and an Outer Critics Circle Award; it also earned a Tony nomination for Best Play during its Broadway transfer. ([nysun.com](https://www.nysun.com/article/arts-a-first-breeze-blows-through-again?utm_source=openai))
  • Author legacy: Leslie Lee is a celebrated Black playwright whose body of work includes The First Breeze of Summer and other NEC-associated works; a foundation preserves his legacy. ([leslieleelegacy.org](https://www.leslieleelegacy.org/menu?utm_source=openai))
  • 2025 status: As of early 2026, Signature Theatre’s published seasons for 2025–26 do not include The First Breeze of Summer, indicating no current or announced 2025–26 engagements. ([signaturetheatre.org](https://signaturetheatre.org/2025-26-season/?utm_source=openai))
  • Genre/style: The piece is a character-driven drama/memory play focusing on family, memory, sexuality, and intergenerational dynamics within a Black American context. ([newyorker.com](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1975/03/17/off-broadway?utm_source=openai))

While The First Breeze of Summer has seen revivals, current published seasons for major venues may vary. We acknowledge the latest information from Signature Theatre and other cultural institutions, and we’ll help secure your seats when new engagements arise. For fans and newcomers alike, this page offers a concise view of the artist's biography, discography highlights, and the best pathways to see performances live—through trusted, user-friendly ticketing options.

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