National Black Theatre (NBT) recently announced that it would be joining the production team for the revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. The venture marks the second consecutive season that NBT will be on Broadway, following its acclaimed production of Fat Ham. Previews will begin on Sept. 7 and opening is set for Sept. 27 at The Music Box Theatre.
Artist Dr. Barbara Ann Teer founded National Black Theater in 1968. Recognized as the longest-running Black theatre in New York City, NBT has received Tony and Emmy nominations. The organization aims to produce powerful works of theatre that “shift the inaccuracies around African Americans’ cultural identity by telling authentic stories of Black lives.” NBT also serves as a space for learning, using arts to educate and empower those in the community. Based in Harlem, the Theatre is set to undergo a capital redevelopment project that will transform the space “into a 21st-century destination for Black culture.”
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 and National Black Theatre… emerged in the 1960’s, during a period of intense social upheaval and cultural reexamination.
Producers Jeffrey Richards and Irene Gandy
Legendary playwright, actor, and activist Ossie Davis originally penned Purlie Victorious. The comedy details the story of a Black preacher returning to his small hometown in Georgia. Based in the era of Jim Crow, the preacher looks to save the community’s church and free the cotton pickers working on a nearby plantation. The play premiered on Broadway in 1961 and initally featured actors Alan Alda, Godfrey Cambridge, Sorrell Booke and Beah Richards. For its 100th performance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the company and celebrated the milestone with them.
Kenny Leon will direct the latest rendition of the iconic play. Actors Leslie Odom Jr, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, Noah Pyzik, Noah Robbins, and many more set to star Purlie Victorious. The performance will also feature contributions from Tony Award winner Derek McLane who will be responsible for scenic design.
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.
NBT is led by CEO Sade Lythcott and Executive Artistic Director Jonathan McCrory. The group hosts more than 90,000 visitors annually and has produced over 300 original works.
Tickets are on sale here. Call 212-239-6200 or in person at The Music Theatre box office. Here for more details and information.
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