Leslie Odom, Jr. to star in 'Purlie Victorious' Broadway revival
The play premiered in 1961.
He's victorious! Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. will return to Broadway to star in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, a revival of Ossie Davis's play.
The role marks Odom's first return to Broadway since originating the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, which won him his Tony Award and, alongside his cast, a Grammy Award. He is also known for starring on screen in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, One Night in Miami..., and Smash.
Kenny Leon will direct Odom in the revival. He directed Topdog/Underdog and Ohio State Murders in the current Broadway season and is slated to direct Hamlet for Shakespeare in the Park this summer.
Additional creative team members include scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Emilio Sosa, and lighting designer Adam Honoré.
The title character of Purlie Victorious is a traveling preacher who goes to his Georgia hometown during the Jim Crow era, hoping to secure an inheritance and liberate his community, including his church and the cotton pickers working on a plantation.
The play premiered at the James Earl Jones Theatre (then the Cort Theatre) in 1961, with Davis starring as Purlie and his wife, Ruby Dee, as Lutiebelle, a woman who helps Purlie.
“Ossie Davis gave the American theater an American hero in Purlie Judson,” Odom said. “I have loved this piece and its author, Mr. Davis, for well over half my life. His writing and acting, his integrity, the commitment he and his brilliant wife made to nurturing young talent, and the example of citizenship have meant so much to me!"
Davis later co-wrote a musical adaptation, Purlie, which premiered in 1970. The 2023 revival is of the original play.
Purlie Victorious is set to start performances in late summer 2023, with exact dates, a theatre, and additional casting and creative team to be announced.
Photo credit: Leslie Odom, Jr. (Photo by Tony Duran)
Frequently asked questions
What is Purlie Victorious on Broadway about?
Hamilton Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. returns to Broadway in the first revival of Ossie Davis's sharp comedy. See him as a preacher who returns to his Georgia hometown to reclaim his inheritance, free enslaved workers, and save his congregation.
Where is Purlie Victorious on Broadway playing?
Purlie Victorious on Broadway is playing at Music Box Theatre. The theatre is located at 239 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is Purlie Victorious on Broadway?
The running time of Purlie Victorious on Broadway is 1h 40m
What's the age requirement for Purlie Victorious on Broadway?
The recommended age for Purlie Victorious on Broadway is 12+ is recommended. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for Purlie Victorious on Broadway?
Book tickets for Purlie Victorious on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Purlie Victorious?
Ossie Davis wrote Purlie Victorious, which marked his Broadway debut as a playwright in 1961. A veteran performer, he also played the title character.
Who directed Purlie Victorious?
Tony Award winner Kenny Leon directs Purlie Victorious. His best-known directing credits include A Soldier's Play, Topdog/Underdog, and A Raisin in the Sun.
Is Purlie Victorious appropriate for kids?
Purlie Victorious is suitable for all ages. The show does deal with themes including racism and enslavement. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is Purlie Victorious good?
Purlie Victorious received acclaim from famous figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt upon its premiere, and it has since gone down as a classic. With Tony Award-winning talent at the helm, this revival promises to be nothing less than funny, smart, and memorable.
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