Broadway's current revival of Ossie Davis' Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch is continuing its Victorious Talkbacks series in 2024 with a new roster of special guests. The series invites audiences at the play's Thursday evening performances to stick around after the show for a post-show conversation with cast members and special guests.
The talkbacks, presented by Lawryn LaCroix, will be moderated by Sade Lythcott and Jonathan McCrory of National Black Theatre and feature Dr. Hasna Muhammad, daughter of playwright Davis.
Adrienne Warren will be on hand for the January 11 edition, with Purlie Tony winner Melba Moore joining January 18 and Lin-Manuel Miranda January 25.
The production officially opened September 27, 2023, at the Music Box Theatre after beginning previews September 7, with Kenny Leon at the helm.
Leslie Odom, Jr. stars in the title role opposite Kara Young as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins, Heather Alicia Simms as Missy Judson, Billy Eugene Jones as Gitlow Judson, Noah Robbins as Charlie Cotchipee, Vanessa Bell Calloway as Idella Landy, Jay O. Sanders as Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee, Bill Timoney as The Sheriff, and Noah Pyzik as The Deputy. Rounding out the company are understudies Donald Webber, Jr., Melvin Abston, Willa Bost, and Brandi Porter. Casting is by The Telsey Office.
The work follows a traveling preacher, Purlie, who returns to his Georgia hometown to save the local church and the cotton pickers working on Ol' Cap'n Cotchiepee's plantation. Davis both wrote and starred in the 1961 original Broadway production, appearing alongside his wife, Ruby Dee. Davis and Dee would go on to reprise their performances in a 1963 film adaptation titled Gone Are the Days! A musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 1970, making Melba Moore a star (and a Tony winner) for her performance as Lutiebelle, singing the Gary Geld-Peter Udell score's most enduring hit, "I Got Love."
The production features scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Adam Honoré, sound design by Peter Fitzgerald, hair and wig and makeup design by J. Jared Janas, and original music by Guy Davis. Kamra A. Jacobs is production stage manager.
Kara Young, Heather Alicia Simms, Leslie Odom, Jr., Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, and Noah Robbins in Purlie Victorious
Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young in Purlie Victorious
Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young in Purlie Victorious
Jay O. Sanders, Billy Eugene Jones, Kara Young, and Leslie Odom, Jr. in Purlie Victorious
Noah Robbins and Vanessa Bell Calloway in Purlie Victorious
Kara Young in Purlie Victorious
Leslie Odom, Jr. in Purlie Victorious
Kara Young and Heather Alicia Simms in Purlie Victorious
Heather Alicia Simms and Billy Eugene Jones in Purlie Victorious
Leslie Odom, Jr. in Purlie Victorious
Cast of Purlie Victorious
