PURLIE VICTORIOUS – A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

By OSSIE DAVIS

Starring

LESLIE ODOM, JR. and KARA YOUNG
BILLY EUGENEJONES, JAY O. SANDERS, HEATHER ALICIIA SIMMS
VANESSA BELL CALLOWAU, NOAH ROBGINS, NOAH PYZIK, and BILL TIMONEY
MELVIN ABSTON, WILLA BOST, BRANDI PORTER, DONALD WEBBER, JR.

Directed by KENNY LEON

The Music Box
239 West 45th Street (between Broadway & Eighth Avenue)
https://purlievictorious.com/tickets

If Ossie Davis is not too busy, you would like to request that he return to Earth for a few minutes so that we can pour accolades onto his worthy head for the brilliance and courageous masterpiece that is PURLIE VICTORIOUS. Whether you celebrate or mourn (or a combination of both) that this show has stood the test of time, it cannot be denied that the writing was above and beyond. And since it was first produced in 1961 and pokes fun at racism, sexism, and classism, the daring and foresight of Mr. Davis must be acknowledged.

Add an unbelievably talented cast to the whole shebang, and you have a winner. Celebrate that the affable (even when he was playing the outrageous Aaron Burr in Hamilton) Leslie Odom, Jr., is back on Broadway as Purlie. He is delightful as the preacher with large sleeves to hold all his tricks. And Kara Young will have you falling in love with Luttiebell Gussie Mae Jenkins the moment she hits the stage. Jay O. Sanders is quite odious as Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee while the rest of the cast hold their own with these rambunctious characters. PURLIE VICTORIOUS is an exquisite night of entertainment that should not be missed.

- Laurie Lawson -