Fresh off Broadway, the beloved Tony Award-winning play Purlie Victorious is set to captivate Lowcountry audiences with its powerful blend of humor, satire, and social commentary. Originally written by the legendary Ossie Davis and recently headlined by Leslie Odom Jr. on Broadway, this revival is set to breathe new life into the timeless narrative that has remained relevant since its debut in 1961. Sponsored by the John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation.
About the Show
Taglined as “A non-Confederate romp through the cotton patch,” Purlie Victorious is a raucous comedy that tells the story of Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson, a dynamic preacher who returns to his Georgia hometown to reclaim his church and liberate his people from the clutches of the despotic plantation owner, Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee. The play masterfully tackles the themes of racial injustice, identity, and resilience with a sharp wit and an irrepressible spirit of hope.
This inspirational and joyous comedic gem, the genesis of the beloved musical Purlie, embodies the collective aspiration of freedom and justice. The New York Times called it, "Marvelously exhilarating" and it is sure to leave a lasting grin on your face.
Charleston Stage is thrilled to bring this production to life, directed by Henry Clay Middleton, whose vision is set to deliver both a fresh take and a faithful homage to Ossie Davis’s original work. The production features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Guest Actor Frederick Webb Jr. as Purlie Victorious Judson and Equity Actor Thomas Keating as Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, who will undoubtedly bring depth, humor, and authenticity to their roles.
Key Details:
- Show Dates: October 9th - October 27th, 2024
- Show Times: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM
- Venue: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
- Tickets: $47.00 - $85.00
- Box Office: CharlestonStage.com / (843) 577-7183
"I’m blessed to be a part of this groundbreaking production of Purlie Victorious at Charleston Stage," noted Director Henry Clay Middleton. "The goal of theatre is to be a reflection of our society, both past and present. Not everything in our history is pleasant, but it is a part of the human condition. But despite the segregation, there was laughter somewhere. Ossie Davis understood one can get a message across in different ways. One of my favorite quotes is, 'Comedy is merely a funny way of being serious.' He created a timeless piece that encapsulates that thought, and hopefully we can laugh at ourselves at the funny things segregation makes us do. After all, that’s how we love; that’s how we heal."
Tickets for Purlie Victorious are on sale now and can be purchased online 24/7 at CharlestonStage.com, by phone at (843) 577-7183 or in person at Dock Street Theatre Tuesdays – Fridays, 1pm – 5pm. Group discounts and Season Ticket packages are available.
