Rehearsals are underway for the Broadway premiere of Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate)'s Purpose, beginning performances at the Helen Hayes Theater February 25 ahead of a March 17 opening night. Go behind the scenes with the ensemble cast, which includes Tony winner Kara Young, in newly released pictures below.
Tony winner Phylicia Rashad is directing, making her Broadway directorial debut. The run will continue through July 6.
Young, who won a Tony Award last season for her work in Purlie Victorious, is new to the production, which made its world premiere at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre earlier this year. Also new to the company is LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis, and Alana Arenas are reprising their work from the Chicago bow. Casting is by JC Clementz and Calleri Jensen Davis.
Harry Lennix
Glenn Davis, Alana Arenas, and Jon Michael Hill
Glenn Davis and Kara Young
Jon Michael Hill, Harry Lennix, Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Kara Young
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Phylicia Rashad
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Glenn Davis and Jon Michael Hill
Alana Arenas
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Kara Young
Jon Michael Hill
Harry Lennix
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Harry Lennix
Harry Lennix
Jon Michael Hill
Glenn Davis
Glenn Davis
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 has reassembled her creative team for the Broadway bow. Scenic design will be by Todd Rosenthal, with costume design by Dede M. Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen. Tiffany Robinson will serve as production stage manager, with general management by 321 Theatrical Management.
Second Stage Theater controls the Hayes, which is housing Purpose, though it is not a Second Stage production.
Visit PurposeOnBroadway.com.
