Brenda Pressley, a Broadway veteran of The Lyons, Cats, and the original company of Dreamgirls, succeeded 2025 Tony nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson as Claudine Jasper in 2025 Best Play Tony winner Purpose beginning July 15 at the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway. New production shots are giving us a first look at Pressley onstage—take a look in the gallery below.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Pulitzer- and Tony-winning play began previews February 25 and opened March 17, with Phylicia Rashad at the helm. The extended run is now set to continue through August 31.
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.
Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Jon Michael and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Glenn Davis and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Jon Michael Hill and Brenda Pressley in Purpose
Pressley joins an ensemble cast also including now two-time Tony winner Young (Purlie Victorious) as Aziza Houston, 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 has 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.
