Jacobs-Jenkins play PURPOSE headed to Broadway

Complete casting has been announced for the Broadway premiere of Purpose, the new play from Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The drama will be directed by two-time Tony winner Phylicia Rashad, who makes her Broadway directorial debut

Purpose premiered at Steppenwolf in Chicago in March 2024. From that production, Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, and Harry Lennix will all reprise their performances. They’ll be joined by Tony winner Kara Young and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

Loosely inspired by political scandals within the family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Purpose is about an influential Black American family in Chicago who are forced to examine their legacy when their youngest son returns home. Previews at the Helen Hayes Theatre begin on February 25 ahead of a March 17 opening. This is not a production of Second Stage Theater, which owns the Hayes.

Purpose will feature 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.

https://www.theatermania.com/news/kara-young-harry-lennix-and-more-to-star-in-branden-jacobs-jenkinss-purpose-on-broadway_1758030/

Updated On: 12/9/24 at 12:01 PM

I loved this at Steppenwolf, even in its unfinished form, still... I find it odd they didn't cast some star power to get folks in the door if they weren't planning on keeping the original cast. These are all amazing actors but... I don't know. Worried about the play's box office as a commercial production

Updated On: 12/9/24 at 12:21 PM

Stunning art! I'm very excited to see this play and truly appreciate reasonably priced tickets.

"the only people not coming over from the Steppenwolf production are Tamara Tunie and Ayanna Bria Bakari"

Which is a third of the cast. I've heard that at least one of the cast members not transferring did not get along with the director.

"Latayna Richardson Jackson is not a good actress"

The role is written in such a way that the performer just has to say the lines and they'll still do a swell job. That's what Tamara Tunie did and she was just fine. I found myself wishing a more dynamic actor was playing the part as there was certainly a lot that went unexplored... but... this is a very deep play with two remarkable performances in a production that mostly skims the surface. We'll see if we get better, bolder, and more coherent direction in New York... though there's no reason to think that we will.

I feel bad for Ayanna Bria Bakari. I get the logic of replacing her with a Tony Award winner, but why not spread the wealth a little and give a Chicago actress her Broadway debut?

Yes, she was incredible. It's the performance that is on-stage the least, but is a barn burner.

Agreed about Ayanna Bria Bakari. Her performance was extraordinary and brought a lot to the play. Kara Young has been a bright light in everything so I'm sure she'll bring a lot to the part.

Updated On: 12/9/24 at 02:55 PM

The more Jacobs-Jenkins, the better. I wish it wasn't directed by a Cosby apologist, but whatever.

So this IS a commercial production?

I can't find the producers involved anywhere.

markypoo said: "So this IS a commercial production?

I can't find the producers involved anywhere."

Some big names here:

David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick, and Steppenwolf.

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "the only people not coming over from the Steppenwolf production are Tamara Tunie and Ayanna Bria Bakari

Latayna Richardson Jackson is not a good actress"

This is correct. Why is she replacing for Broadway? Do they think she sells tickets - or is it they think Sam Jackson still has that much effect?