Tony- and Pulitzer-Winning Purpose Finishes Broadway Run August 31
Jon Michael Hill, Brenda Pressley, Kara Young, and more star in the Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play at the Hayes Theater.
Jon Michael Hill and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Marc J. Franklin
Broadway says goodbye to this year’s Best Play Tony winner Purpose August 31 at the Hayes Theater, completing its extended run. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins‘ Pulitzer winner began previews February 25 and opened March 17, with Tony winner Phylicia Rashad at the helm.
The play emerged from the June 8 Tony Awards with two wins, with Kara Young winning her second Tony (in two years) for her featured performance in addition to the Best Play win.
Get your own copy of the official opening night Purpose Playbill at The Playbill Store.
The ensemble cast features now two-time Tony winner Young (Purlie Victorious) as Aziza Houston, Brenda Pressley as Claudine Jasper, Harry Lennix as Solomon “Sonny” Jasper, Jon Michael Hill as Nazareth “Naz” Jasper, Glenn Davis as Solomon “Junior” Jasper, and Alana Arenas as Morgan Jasper. Understudies Petronia Paley, Esau Pritchett, Chris Myers, and Sojourner Brown round out the company. Casting is by Calleri Jensen Davis with original casting by JC Clementz.
The work follows an Illinois family of civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen—pillars of Black American politics—with secrets lying just beneath the surface. The youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend that ultimately forces the family to reckon with itself, their faith, and the legacies of Black radicalism.
Rashad is reprising her work at the production’s helm after staging the Chicago world premiere, and reassembled her creative team for the Broadway bow. Scenic design is by Todd Rosenthal, with costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen. Hair and wig design are by Tony honoree Nikiya Mathis, and Tiffany N. Robinson serves as production stage manager with general management by 321 Theatrical Management.
Visit PurposeOnBroadway.com.
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Photos: Brenda Pressley in Purpose on Broadway
Photos: Brenda Pressley in Purpose on Broadway
4 PHOTOS
Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Marc J. Franklin
Jon Michael and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Marc J. Franklin
Glenn Davis and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Marc J. Franklin
Jon Michael Hill and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Marc J. Franklin