BroadwayNews.com: The first revival of “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch” has arrived on Broadway. The play is currently in previews at the Music Box Theatre and slated to open on Sept. 27. Ossie Davis’ play tells the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church. Producer-actor Leslie Odom, Jr., stars in the title role.
2 comments:
I had seen the marquee in New York City for Purlie Victorious with Leslie Odom Jr. and was very intrigued as to what it was. It is interesting to learn about the show and why it was a passion project for Odom and Ossie Davis. It seems that Odom has a lot of admiration for Ossie and I think it is wildly important to tell the stories that people need to hear and that one is passionate about. I think that the best shows and work that one could do are projects that one is passionate about. And from this article, it seems that Odom is extremely passionate about this show, he is an extremely talented actor and I am sure he will do phenomenally in this role. If I have the opportunity to, I will definitely be seeing if I can go watch this production when I go back home.
I took a Black Musical Theatre History course in high school and analyzed Purlie Victorious then. It is really a great show, and I’m excited to see the new iteration of it since its origination sixty years ago. As stated by Leon in the article, “He wrote a play about America and what’s going to keep America beautiful,” Leon said. “And 62 years later, we’re looking at the challenges of our country and this is a salve, a balm to heal what’s wrong with America.” While I love the new work, I view this quote as the reason for revivals of shows. History doesn’t repeat itself, but patterns and social change do. I find it fascinating how work that is hundreds and even just tens of years old can still speak so much truth in a completely different context. While I’m not close to New York, I do hope to see this production and support this show and the CMU alumni taking center stage.
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