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Great Performances: Purlie Victorious • WXXI-TV

WXXI TV

A Black man in a navy three piece suite and white button down shirt is about to take off the jacket and is smiling

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.

Great Performances: Purlie Victorious airs Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Play, the Emmy-winning performing arts series Great Performances announces the addition of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch to its Broadway’s Best lineup in May. Starring Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr.—newly Tony nominated for his performance in the play along with his co-star Kara Young—Great Performances: Purlie Victorious the revival of Ossie Davis’ groundbreaking 1961 play also received 2024 Tony Award nominations for Best Direction of a Play (Kenny Leon), Best Costume Design of a Play (Emilio Sosa), and Best Scenic Design of a Play (Derek McLane).

The comedic play 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”), this first Broadway revival was recorded live at the Music Box Theatre on January 24-26, 2024. Purlie Victorious made its original debut on Broadway in 1961 and starred Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Alan Alda, Godfrey Cambridge, Sorrell Booke and Beah Richards. 

Photo: Leslie Odom Jr. • Credit: Marc J. Franklin

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