Date & Time
Price $20 - $56
Venue
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
1012 N. Orange Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
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Purlie
Directed by Nate Jacobs and Jim Weaver
Book by Ossie Davis, Phillip Rose, Peter Udell
Music by Peter Udell
Lyrics by Gary Geld
Based on the play “Purlie Victorious” by Ossie Davis
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 PM; Matinees: 2 PM
In the Tony-Award winning comedic Broadway play, Purlie, a charismatic and resourceful self-taught Black preacher returns to his home in the Jim Crow South to reclaim his inheritance, save his community church and free the oppressed workers. The problem is that Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee, the domineering plantation owner, is unfairly holding Purlie's inheritance. With the help of Ol' Cap'n's son, Charlie, Purlie manages to outsmart the white-haired old-timer to win a victory for freedom. The play is known for its humor, wit, and commentary on race and inequality in the American South.
The play, which explores themes of race, injustice, community, and the struggle for freedom and equality in the American South, premiered in 1961 on Broadway, and starred the author, Ossie Davis. The play was revived on Broadway in 2023 to critical acclaim and starred Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young who won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins
TICKETING INFORMATION:
ADULT TICKET - $52
STUDENT (25 & UNDER) / ACTIVE MILITARY TICKET - $22. Must present valid ID upon request.
PREVIEW ADULT TICKET (the first 3 performance dates or as listed) - $42
Preview performances are the last chance for directors and designers to polish a production before Opening Night. We welcome the audience to join us in this process at a discounted ticket price for these performances.
