The Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’ play “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch,” has unveiled its complete cast. The below will join Leslie Odom Jr. as previously announced, from director Kenny Leon.
Scheduled to open at the Music Box Theatre this autumn, the show’s previews will commence on September 7, followed by the grand opening on September 27.
READ: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding: Brittany Adebumola, Dominique Thorne, Among 10 Cast in Broadway Play
Sharing the stage with Odom are Vanessa Bell Calloway as Idella Landy, Billy Eugene Jones as Gitlow Judson, and Noah Pyzik as Deputy. Noah Robbins stars as Charlie Cotchipee, Jay O. Sanders is taking on the role of Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, Heather Alicia Simms as Missy Judson, and Bill Timoney is playing Sheriff. Kara Young, a 2023 Tony Award nominee for “Cost of Living,” is appearing as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins.
The narrative revolves around Purlie, a traveling preacher, who returns to his Georgia hometown with the intention of rescuing the local church and the cotton pickers on Ol’ Cap’n Cotchiepee’s plantation. The original 1961 Broadway production was both written by and starred Ossie Davis, who performed alongside his wife, Ruby Dee. This dynamic duo later reprised their roles in a 1963 film adaptation titled “Gone Are the Days!” The story also found its musical adaptation on Broadway in 1970, catapulting Melba Moore to stardom and earning her a Tony for her portrayal of Lutiebelle. Notably, the upcoming revival will mark the first presentation of Davis’ original play on the Main Stem.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Leslie Odom Jr. remarks, “Ossie Davis gave the American theatre an American hero in Purlie Judson. I have loved this piece and its author, Mr. Davis, for well over half my life.” Odom is thrilled to be part of the revival and to pay homage to Davis’ legacy. This revival also signifies Odom’s return to Broadway since his Tony-winning performance as Aaron Burr in the original cast of “Hamilton.”
The Dee-Davis family shares in the excitement, recognizing the timeless relevance of Purlie’s call to justice. They extend their gratitude to the producers and director Kenny Leon for bringing this iconic character back to life. The creative team, under the guidance of Kenny Leon, includes scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Emilio Sosa, lighting designer Adam Honoré, and sound designer Peter Fitzgerald.
The revival of Purlie Victorious is backed by a team of notable producers: Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Irene Gandy, Willette and Manny Klausner, Kayla Greenspan, and Leslie Odom Jr., marking his debut as a Broadway producer.
For more information, visit PurlieVictorious.com.