National Black Theatre Joins PURLIE VICTORIOUS Producing Team
On the heels of their highly celebrated Broadway production of Fat Ham, National Black Theatre (Sade Lythcott, CEO; Jonathan McCrory, Executive Artistic Director) will return to Broadway for the second consecutive season. The Tony and Emmy-nominated producers have announced they will be joining the producing team for the upcoming Broadway revival of American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by the legendary Ossie Davis. Previews will begin on Thursday, September 7, 2023 and opening is set for Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th St.).
Photo by Rowena Husbands
“Purlie Victorious' production team is a true homecoming moment for the organization. With our commitment to civic and social justice, NBT’s founder, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, collaborated with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee–theatrical icons on the frontlines of justice work–to tell unapologetically Black stories like Purlie Victorious. While involved in the original production and film adaptation, Dr. Teer forged relationships where she found comradery, community, and love. We are thrilled to extend the indelible legacy of Ossie, Ruby, and Dr. Teer by reviving the seminal, satirical text. Over 60 years later, Purlie Victorious lends an unflinching eye on the truth of our times.” - Sade Lythcott, CEO, National Black Theatre
“We are delighted to welcome the venerated National Black Theatre, under the leadership of Sade Lythcott and Jonathan McCrory, to the producing team of Purlie Victorious. Their participation and input into the production seems especially appropriate, since both the play (1961) and National Black Theatre (1968), one of the longest-running Black institutions devoted to exploring all facets of Black theatre, both emerged in the 1960’s, during a period of intense social upheaval and cultural reexamination.” - Jeffrey Richards and Irene Gandy
“United in vision and intention, it is a privilege to partner with National Black Theatre on the revival of Purlie Victorious. Creativity, ingenuity, resources, and a touch of class—our room is better for having them in it!” - Leslie Odom, Jr.
Tony & Grammy Award winner and Academy & Emmy Award nominee Leslie Odom, Jr. will star as “Purlie Victorious Judson” alongside Vanessa Bell Calloway (Dreamgirls) as “Idella Landy”, Billy Eugene Jones (Fat Ham) as “Gitlow Judson”, Noah Pyzik (Addy & Uno) as “Deputy”, Noah Robbins (To Kill a Mockingbird) as “Charlie Cotchipee”, Jay O. Sanders (Primary Trust) as “Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee”, Heather Alicia Simms (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike) as “Missy Judson”, Bill Timoney (Network) as “Sheriff” and Tony Award nomineeKara Young (Cost of Living, Clyde’s) as “Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins”. Direction is by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon(Topdog/Underdog, A Soldier’s Play, A Raisin in the Sun). The play marks Odom’s return to Broadway after winning the Tony for his iconic performance as “Aaron Burr” in Hamilton.
The producing team is led by Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Irene Gandy, Willette and Manny Klausner, Kayla Greenspan andLeslie Odom, Jr., making his Broadway producing debut.
Tickets are on sale at Telecharge.com, 212-239-6200 or in person at The Music Theatre box office, which is now open Monday through Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm. For more info, visit www.purlievictorious.com.