Purlie Victorious 1961

Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2026 include Othello and more.

What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre?

What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?

PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH is certainly a curiosity, a satire of Jim Crow life written during the throes of the equal rights movement of the early sixties. I feel like it should seem more creaky, more antiquated, and backwards. Unfortunately for us, it is not.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced the first show in its 2025-2026 “Soul Of A People” theatre season: “Purlie.” Learn more about the upcoming production here!

Main Street Theater will open its 50th Season with the regional premiere of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis. Learn more!

Leicester’s Curve Theatre has announced a slate of new Made at Curve productions and co-productions for 2025 and 2026, featuring a major Kander and Ebb revival, a rehearsed reading of an American classic, and a UK premiere of a hit Canadian docu-concert.

PBS has detailed its fall programming, which includes a new documentary celebrating Dick Van Dyke, a presentation of The Public Theater’s Twelfth Night, and the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert featuring Tony Award-winner Ruthie Ann Miles.

Main Street Theater (MST) is celebrating 50 years of engaging theater for curious and thoughtful audiences of all ages. 2025-2026 marks the 50th Season for Main Street Theater and will include seven productions.

What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at KARAMU? Neither Ruby Dee or Ossie Davis ever appeared in a Karamu stage production but both had significant presence and impact in the organization and in the lives of Karamu artists. They often visited for speaking engagements, to instruct master classes, and to support Karamu's mission. The duo met at Karamu.

Before you enjoy the Great Performances production, check out these five fascinating facts about the history and recent production of this groundbreaking play.

In this edition, we hear from producer Jeffrey Richards​​​​​​​, who contributed the below essay about his six-time Tony-nominated Best Revival of a Play, Purlie Victorious.

Purlie Victorious may have played its final Broadway performance months ago, but the acclaimed production was not forgotten by Tony nominators. The revival earned six 2024 Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Play. Enjoy 'Shadowing the Call' by Hasna Muhammad.

What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM, JR. at Emerson Colonial Theatre?

The live capture of the recent Broadway revival of Purlie Victorious is premiering on PBS this May. Starring Leslie Odom Jr., the Kenny Leon-directed production was filmed before it closed on Broadway earlier this year. The lineup also includes the Audra McDonald concert, Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary, Hamlet, and more!

The Staller Center invites you to be in 'the room where it happens' with Leslie Odom, Jr., on March 9 for An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. Renowned across stage, screen, and song, Odom, Jr. is best known for his roles as Aaron Burr in Hamilton and Purlie in Purlie Victorious.

As Purlie Victorious enters its final weekend on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is very excited to share an exclusive essay written by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's daughter, Hasna Muhammad, who played a key role in getting this landmark play back on Broadway. 

Leslie Odom, Jr. in Solo Show on Long Island!

The Staller Center invites you to be in 'the room where it happens' with Leslie Odom, Jr., on March 9 for An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr.

Host Patrick Pacheco is first joined by cast members Kara Young, Jay O. Sanders, and Heather Alicia Simms, who talk about their provocative roles in this sly and subversive comedy in which white supremacy meets its worst nightmare. Then critic Brittani Samuel and CUNY Professor Hillary Miller place Davis's groundbreaking drama.

Discover how PURLIE VICTORIOUS is giving NYC high school students the chance to see this incredible musical with a new student ticket initiative. Find out how to take advantage of this limited-time offer and experience the magic of PURLIE VICTORIOUS in New York City.

This time, the reader question was: With Purlie Victorious returning to Broadway, what are other plays that were revived on Broadway after their musical adaptations premiered?

Original Purlie Victorious cast member ALAN ALDA reunites with the Broadway revival cast in a special visit. Check out the photos and join in the excitement of this reunion at the Purlie Victorious revival.

BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big opening night of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here!

Check out photos of the cast of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch as they walk the red carpet on opening night!