Leslie Odom, Jr. Set To Return To Broadway In PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH

Tony and Grammy Award winner and Academy and Emmy Award nominee Leslie Odom, Jr. will star in a new Broadway production of the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis. Purlie Victorious will be staged by Tony-winner Kenny Leon who directed both Ohio State Murders and Topdog/Underdog earlier this season. 

This production which is currently scheduled to begin in late summer 2023 will mark Odom’s return to Broadway after winning the Tony for his legendary performance as “Aaron Burr” in Hamilton.

Theatre, dates, additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later date.

After premiering on Broadway in 1961 at the Cort Theatre (now the James Earl Jones Theatre) and running 261 performances, it was then adapted into the 1963 film Gone Are The Days! The play was later adapted into the musical, Purlie, which premiered on Broadway in 1970. 

“Ossie Davis gave the American theater an American hero in Purlie Judson,” said Leslie Odom, Jr. “I have loved this piece and its author, Mr. Davis, for well over half my life. His writing and acting, his integrity, the commitment he and his brilliant wife made to nurturing young talent, and the example of citizenship have meant so much to me! I am thrilled beyond measure to be part of this revival company. Mr. Davis’s pages are full of joy and rhythm, laughter and hope. We will endeavor to live up to the demands of a challenging text and the legacy of a great American.”

The Dee-Davis family stated the following: “The Dee-Davis family is so excited that Purlie Victorious will return to Broadway. Dad’s genius with words was never more evident than in the voice of Purlie Victorious Judson, who takes a humorous look at a serious subject. His call to justice is timeless and needed now more than ever. Thanks to producers Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, and Leslie Odom, Jr., and to director Kenny Leon for bringing Reverend Purlie to his feet once again. With Leslie Odom, Jr. in the role, Purlie will rise with magnificence.” 

Purlie Victorious is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Irene Gandy, Jacob Soroken Porter, Kayla Greenspan and Leslie Odom, Jr., making his Broadway producing debut.