Purlie Victorious

 Purlie Victorious
 A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
The Music Box
September 23, 2023 

Photo coourtesy of Purlie Victorious

The Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’s 1961 play, Purlie Victorious, is truly joyous.  Kenny Leon directs a stellar cast, with the right touch of style, melodrama, and grit that allows Ossie Davis’s writing to ring with truth, humor, and relevance.  

Purlie Victorious Judson (played by Leslie Odom, Jr.) searched for a young girl to pretend to be his deceased cousin so he could get a five hundred dollar inheritance that is being held by Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee (played by Jay O. Sanders).  He finds Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins (played by Kara Young) on his travels through Alabama, and brings her back to Georgia.  Missy Judson (played by Heather Alicia Simms) thinks Lutiebelle will pass as their deceased cousin, but her husband, Gitlow (played by Bille Eugene Jones), needs some convincing.  They almost pull it off until Lutiebelle signs the wrong name on the papers.  Purlie is on the run for trying to swindle Ol’ Cap’n Cotchpie, but comes back in force to preserve Lutiebelle’s reputation.

Leslie Odom, Jr., & Kara Young
Photo courtesy of Purlie Victorious

Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young are great together.  Mr. Odom is full of life as Purlie.  His vitality fills the stage and energizes all the characters to take action.  Ms. Young portrays Lutiebelle as an innocent, nervous girl who transforms into a determined young woman.  She is willing to open up and take a risk, all due to Purlie’s inspiration.  These two actors have a great chemistry, and keep the audience fully engaged in the action of the story. 

Heather Alicia Simms & Billy Eugene Jones
Photo courtesy of Purlie Victorious

Heather Alicia Simms and Billy Eugene Jones are a strong pair as Missy and Gitlow Judson.  Their relationship is full of fire, and their timing is fast and sharp.  Jay O. Sanders creates a wicked villain in the character of Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee.  This role is played with a precise balance of humor and malice to keep it from being too dark.  There are also strong performances by Vanessa Bell Calloway as Idella Landy and Noah Robbins as Charlie Cotchipee.

This cast delivers a completely enjoyable experience of a gem of a play.  Purlie Victorious is playing at The Music Box.  Don’t miss it. 

  

Domenick Danza