Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose” is gearing up for Broadway premiere with newly announced casting members. Tony winner Kara Young and LaTanya Richardson Jackson will join the company of Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, and Harry Lennix who will reprise their performances from the play’s previous staging in Chicago.
Following its world premiere at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in March 2024 with a well-received engagement, “Purpose” tells the story of a Jasper family, an influential force in Black American politics for decades, known for their roles as civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen.
“But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface,” the synopsis reads. “Spirited, hilarious and filled with intrigue, ‘Purpose’ is an epic family drama from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.”
The play will begin previews on February 25, ahead of an opening night on March 17 at the Helen Hayes Theater. Tony Award-winning director Phylicia Rashad will make her directorial debut on Broadway. Acclaimed playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins wrote the play, which features scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Dede M. Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.
The actors, Kara Young and LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who are new to the production, are known for their performances in “Purlie Victorious” and “To Kill A Mockingbird,” respectively. Young won a Tony Award last season for her role in “Purlie Victorious.”
Besides her performance in Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill A Mockingbird” – Broadway’s highest grossing American play adapted by Aaron Sorkin – Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson made a Broadway directorial debut, helming “The Piano Lesson,” the revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
The production of “Purpose” is heading to Broadway by a team of producers, including David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Theater-goers can find more information and ticket purchasing options at the play’s official website.
