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Purlie

Closing: November 06, 1971

Purlie - 1970 Broadway History , Info & More

Winter Garden Theatre (Broadway)
1634 Broadway New York, NY 10019

Based on Purlie Victorious by Ossie Davis


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Review: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 30, 2026


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

Review: PURLIE at WBTT
by Shanti M. Kennedy - Oct 21, 2025


West Coast Black Theatre's  26th season themed “Soul of a People”, opens with the lively musical 'Purlie.' This energetic production is based on Ossie Davis's charming play 'Purlie Victorious.'

Surprising Celebrities Who Began Their Careers in HAIR
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 24, 2025


Diane Keaton made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Hair at the age of 22. The landmark musical started out at the Public Theater off-Broadway in 1967 before transferring to the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway in 1968. Keaton joined the cast for the Broadway run, originating her track in the show.

Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theater
by Brett Cullum - Sep 20, 2025


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.

AN EVENING WITH MELBA MOORE Comes to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2025


Next month, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present 'An  Evening with Melba Moore,' featuring the legendary singer, actress and entertainer. Learn more here!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Opens 2025-2026 Theatre Season With PURLIE
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2025


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!

Review: Melba Moore Brings Her Own Brand of Cool to NYC at 54 Below
by Sharon Ellman - Jul 10, 2025


The Tony Award-winning songstress wows the crowd in FROM BROADWAY, WITH LOVE, continuing tonight 7/10 at 7 pm. This reviewer was completely mesmerized! What a night to remember! What a performer!

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric 'The Entertainer' Will Lead JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025


Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” will star in a new production of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway. Learn more about the upcoming production here!

Tony Winner Melba Moore Sets Release of New Single 'No Filter'
by Josh Sharpe - May 14, 2025


Tony Award-winner Melba Moore has set the release of her latest single, “No Filter,' arriving on June 5th. Written by Angela Pettus and produced by George Pettus, the track highlights the theme of self-empowerment.

Broadway Musicals for Every US State
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 13, 2025


This time, the reader question was: There are only three states in America without known Broadway musicals set within their borders. Can you guess which three? WE're breaking it down state by state.

Review: PURLIE by American Theater Group at Hamilton Stage-A Must-See in March
by Marina Kennedy - Mar 12, 2025


A top production of the hit musical, Purlie is now being presented by American Theater Group (ATG) at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, and the show is wowing its audiences. 

Cast and Creative Team Set For PURLIE at Hamilton Stage
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025


Broadway veteran Kenny Ingram will direct American Theater Group’s (ATG) production of the exhilarating and Tony Award-winning musical Purlie at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, NJ. Gary Mitchell, Jr. will provide Musical Direction.

Interview: Maurice Emmanuel Parent tells of Front Porch Arts Collective's HOLIDAY FEAST Where Sitcoms are on the Menu
by R. Scott Reedy - Dec 11, 2024


For the second straight year, Front Porch Arts Collective, Boston’s leading Black theater company, is presenting a “Holiday Feast” of staged readings of Christmas episodes from classic Black sitcoms, at Central Square Theater, December 12–14.

American Theater Group to Present MY ITALY STORY and PURLIE in 2024-25 Season
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 8, 2024


American Theater Group (ATG), Central NJ's professional regional theater company, will present the endearing My Italy Story by NJ playwright Joseph Gallo as its 2024-25 Season Opener, followed by the exhilarating and Tony Award-winning musical Purlie written by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell with music by Gary Geld.

5 Facts About PURLIE VICTORIOUS
by Team BWW - Jun 19, 2024


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

How Often Do Shows Tour Before Coming to Broadway?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 26, 2024


This time, the reader question was: How often do shows like The Wiz start on tour before coming to Broadway?

The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Fest Returns To The Wallis Annenberg Center For The Performing Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 18, 2024


Catch the second year of The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Fest at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts from May 14 - 21.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Acquires the Archive of Novella Nelson
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2024


The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Billy Rose Theatre Division has acquired the archive of Novella Nelson. Learn more about Nelson!

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Will Open Exhibition Featuring Theater Photography of Friedman-Abeles
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 26, 2024


The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center will soon celebrate the theater photography of the Friedman-Abeles Studio through a unique presentation of a selection of lenticular prints.

Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad, Daughter of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Reflects on the Women of PURLIE VICTORIOUS
by Team BWW - Feb 2, 2024


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. 

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Profiled on 'THEATER: All The Moving Parts', on CUNY TV
by Michael Major - Dec 19, 2023


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.

How Often Are Broadway Plays Adapted Into Musicals?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 8, 2023


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?

PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway- A Complete Guide
by Sidney Paterra - Sep 29, 2023


Looking for all the latest info on one of Broadway's hottest shows? BroadwayWorld has the full scoop on everything that you need to know about Purlie Victorious on Broadway. Check out all the details below!

New Federal Theatre to Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration Next Month at Edison Ballroom
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 23, 2023


NEW FEDERAL THEATRE will hold its 53rd Anniversary Celebration on October 2 at Edison Ballroom, honoring Woodie King, Jr., Gabrielle Kurlander, and Sade Lythcott. The gala is chaired by Kenny Leon and Lynn Whitfield.

New Federal Theatre To Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration in October
by Stephi Wild - Aug 30, 2023


Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT), led by Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke, will hold a 53rd Anniversary Celebration October 2, 2023 at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street.  

Purlie History

Other Productions of Purlie

1970   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1972   Broadway Return Engagement [Broadway]
Broadway
2004   London Fringe London Revival
London Fringe
2005   Off-Broadway Encores! Concert
Off-Broadway
2005   Regional (US) West Coast Revival
Regional (US)

Purlie - 1970 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Purlie — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1970 Theatre World Awards Performance Melba Moore
1970 Tony Awards Best Choreography Louis Johnson
1970 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Philip Rose
1970 Tony Awards Best Musical Peter Udell
1970 Tony Awards Best Musical Ossie Davis
1970 Tony Awards Best Musical Philip Rose
1970 Tony Awards Best Musical Gary Geld
1970 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Cleavon Little
1970 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Melba Moore

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