Tickets available through the Studio Theatre here.
Review by Peter Rosenstein for The Georgetown Dish May 11
Purlie Victorious premiered in1961, and wove together the aspirations of Purlie, an African American preacher, within the deeply entrenched racism of 1950s southern Georgia. It was written by the multitalented Ossie Davis, who first starred in it as Purlie. The play, rich in historical context, reflects a profound yearning for change amidst a society clinging to outdated norms. Against a backdrop of the civil rights movement, Purlie’s journey becomes a microcosm of the broader struggle for African American freedom and dignity…
This production of Purlie is directed superbly by Psalmayene 24 (The Colored Museum). A brilliant cast was brought together led by the magnificent Warner Miller, as Purlie. He is supported by an equally talented cast including Danaya Esperanza, as Lutiebelle; Kelli Blackwell, as Missy; Jason Bowen, as Gitlow; Stephen Patrick Martin, as Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee; John Sygar, as Charlie; and Lizan Mitchell, as Idella.
Review by Marc Fjor for DC Theatre Arts May 14
A provocative, farcical race satire inspires a personal response.
Prior to the play, there is music. It fills the halls, restrooms, and, of course, the theater: a soundtrack spanning the likes of Mahalia Jackson, Shirley Caesar, Stevie Wonder, Public Enemy, Marvin Gaye, Kendrick, and James Brown…
This gem of a play escapes simple sensemaking. It subverts expectations again and again, especially under the colorful direction of Studio favorite Psalmayene 24…
Sixty-five years later, it feels just as timely in Studio’s revival.