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GREAT PERFORMANCES: Purlie Victorious

The cast of "Purlie Victorious" Bill Timoney, Billy Eugene Jones, Heather Alicia Simms, Leslie Odom Jr., Jay O. Sanders, Kara Young, Noah Robbins, Noah Pyzik and Vanessa Bell Calloway.
Marc J. Franklin
/
PBS
The cast of "Purlie Victorious" Bill Timoney, Billy Eugene Jones, Heather Alicia Simms, Leslie Odom Jr., Jay O. Sanders, Kara Young, Noah Robbins, Noah Pyzik and Vanessa Bell Calloway.

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This comedic play starring Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. tells the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner. Written by Kennedy Center honoree Ossie Davis with direction by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun”), "Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch" was recorded live at the Music Box Theatre on January 24-26, 2024.

Starring Leslie Odom Jr., this comedic play tells the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner.

"Purlie Victorious" originally opened on Broadway in 1961 and featured Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Alan Alda, Godfrey Cambridge, Sorrell Booke and Beah Richards. The play mirrors playwright Ossie Davis’ personal journey, growing up in racially segregated Georgia, and challenging oppressive white authority in the South and beyond.

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Purlie (Leslie Odom, Jr.) tells Missy (Heather Alicia Simms) about his plan to buy his church back using his cousin's inheritance in this satirical play by Ossie Davis.

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Purlie (Leslie Odom, Jr.) prepares Lutiebelle (Kara Young) to become Cousin Bee by quizzing her about her "past" in this satirical play by Ossie Davis.

For more than 50 years on PBS, GREAT PERFORMANCES has provided an unparalleled showcase of the best in all genres of the performing arts, serving as America’s most prestigious and enduring broadcaster of cultural programming. Showcasing a diverse range of artists from around the world, the series has earned 67 Emmy Awards and six Peabody Awards.

Heather Alicia Simms and Billy Eugene Jones in GREAT PERFORMANCES "Purlie Victorious"
Marc J. Franklin
/
PBS
Heather Alicia Simms and Billy Eugene Jones in GREAT PERFORMANCES "Purlie Victorious"

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