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#1

Purlie

Has there been any talk about the cast of Purlie at City Center?
#2

re: Purlie

Dunno, but I recall Cleavon Little winning a Tony as Purlie (did you know Ossie Davis wrote PURLIE VICTORIOUS and starred in it and wrote the book for the musical PURLIE?) AND the divine Melba Moore tearfully accepting her Tony for her supporting work in PURLIE. If memory servces me correctly, Ms. Moore performed I GOT LOVE from PURLIE on the Tonys to a thunderous reception.
"Blow out the candles Robert and make a wish. Want something, want SOMETHING."
#3

re: Purlie

I love this show. I was in the ensemble in my high school production of it. Before doing it my drama teacher had us watch the movie version of the original play "Purlie Victorious" titled "Gone Are The Days" which was filmed in 1963 and starred Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. We then watched the 1981 filmed version of the musical and he then had us study the Original Broadway Cast Album before prepping for the show. It's one of my personal favorites.

Updated On: 2/12/05 at 04:05 PM

#4

re: Purlie

I'm curious about the City Center casting, too. I'm going to see it for a class.
A work of art is an invitation to love.
#5

re: Purlie

Anika Noni Rose would be wonderful in the show, but she's on tour with CAROLINE.
#6

re: Purlie

"(did you know Ossie Davis wrote PURLIE VICTORIOUS and starred in it and wrote the book for the musical PURLIE?)"

The book was by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell.
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"
#7

re: Purlie

Saw the original with Cleavon Little, Melba Moore & Sherman ( The Jeffersons ) Helmsley

Opening number was a real barn burner . The show, as I recall , was quite good.
Poster Emeritus

Updated On: 2/13/05 at 10:13 PM

#8

re: Purlie

I may have a ticket up for sale.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#9

re: Purlie

"Saw the original with Cleavon Little, Melba Moore & herman ( The Jeffersons ) Helmsley"

You mean Sherman Helmsley.
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

Updated On: 2/13/05 at 12:22 AM

#10

re: Purlie

They haven't announce casting yet, but I have my fingers crossed for Norm Lewis and Anika Noni Rose (who may be finshed with the Caroline tour at that point) or Marcy Harriell.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#11

re: Purlie

Amen, Margo.
#12

re: Purlie

Isn't Norm doing Dessa Rose?
#13

re: Purlie

Sally Murphy is currently in FIDDLER, but that's not stopping her from performing in A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN. It's only for four days.
#14

re: Purlie

All I can say is WOW!!!!! Anika, Blair Underwood, Lillias and John Cullum -- I can't wait to see this next month!

From Playbill.com:

"L.A. Law" star Blair Underwood will portray Purlie in the March 31-April 3 concert production of the musical Purlie! at the City Center Encores! series, Playbill.com has learned.

He will be supported by three Tony winners: Caroline, or Change's Anika Noni Rose, The Life's Lillias White and Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century's John Cullum."



"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#15

re: Purlie

Why do I always miss the good stuff?!!! I won't be in New York until late April so I will miss this! Purlie is the 1st show I ever saw. And I have seen it twice. I pray that they record this performance.
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
#16

re: Purlie

WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN WHEN I'M NOT UP THERE!

Ok Got to find a way to get up there. I am NOT missing this great cast.
#17

re: Purlie

I am seeing Purlie on Friday April 1st. It is going to be amazing!!! Great cast.
#18

re: Purlie

i saw her in caroline..great voice..but not a tony award performance
#19

re: Purlie

I'm salivating! I'm going on the 3rd and can't wait.
#20

re: Purlie

sparky - I agree with you. And she has a nice voice, however, it needs much amplification in order to be heard.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#21

re: Purlie

Rath, for probably the first time ever, I disagree with you. I thought Anika richly deserved her Tony.
#22

re: Purlie

Me too.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#23

re: Purlie

I thought she probably did - her hype was enormous and I bought it - until I saw the show, which was months after the Tonys. Having seen NEVER GONNA DANCE, and then seeing COC, I was shocked that she won over Ziemba. And that's not bias.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#24

re: Purlie

Although, Veanne should have been nominated. But even if she was, Anika should have and would have won.
#25

re: Purlie

Sparky, just wondering if you saw an off night at CAROLINE. She got raves from folks who didn't even like the show.

i had no idea Blair Underwood could sing. i was personally hoping for Wayne Brady, who in my opinion, needs a break-out role to become a major musical theatre star.

Always loved PURLIE, and this cast sounds great to me. Wasn't there recently rumor of a tour with Ms. Moore playing another role?
Will: They don't give out awards for helping people be gay... unless you count the Tonys. "I guarantee that we'll have tough times. I guarantee that at some point one or both of us will want to get out. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life..."

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