The cast for the Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad, has officially been revealed.
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The cast includes LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Kara Young, Harry Lennix (The Blacklist), Jon Michael Hill (Pass Over), Glenn Davis (Downstate), and Alana Arenas (The Bluest Eye). Notably, Arenas, Davis, Hill, and Lennix reprise their roles from the play’s world premiere at Steppenwolf in Chicago earlier this year.
Purpose begins previews at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater on February 25, 2025, with its official opening set for march 17. The limited 19-week engagement will run through july 6, 2025.
The play dives deep into the complexities of the Jasper family, a prominent name in Black American politics. Over decades, the family has been a cornerstone of civil rights leadership, pastoral influence, and congressional power. However, when Nazareth, the youngest son, returns home with an unexpected guest, the cracks in the family’s foundation come to light, leading to a dramatic reckoning with faith, legacy, and personal duty.
Described as “spirited, hilarious, and filled with intrigue,” Purpose is a multi-layered family drama that showcases Jacobs-Jenkins’ storytelling prowess. The production explores themes of Black political power and the generational impact of the Civil Rights Movement, blending humor and heart with deeply resonant questions about legacy and identity.
The production is brought to Broadway by a powerhouse team of producers, including David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The creative team includes scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Dede M. Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.
After earning critical acclaim during its world premiere at Steppenwolf in march 2024, Purpose is set to captivate Broadway audiences with its epic storytelling and Rashad’s directorial vision. The combination of an award-winning playwright, a stellar cast, and a compelling narrative ensures Purpose will be one of the most significant productions of the 2025 Broadway season.