Kara Young and LaTanya Richardson Jackson to play the purpose of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on Broadway
Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play Purpose is set to make its Broadway debut with newly announced cast members, including Tony winners Kara Young and Latanya Richardson Jackson joining Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, John Michael Hill and Harry About Lenix, whose roles return from the play’s previous engagement with Chicago They will.
The original version of the plot premiered to critical acclaim in March 2024 at the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. The play tells the story of the Jasper family, a powerful force in black American politics, known for their civil rights leadership, clergy, and members of Congress, but underlying their public success are family secrets and problems .
The Broadway production, directed by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, premieres February 25, with an official opening night scheduled for March 17 as part of the Helen Hayes Theater Creative Group and scenic design by Todd Rosenthal and scenic design by Dede M. McCarthy. It includes costumes by Ayight, lighting by Amith Chandrashaker and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodine
Kara Young, best known for her Tony-winning performance in Pearly Victorious, and Latanya Richardson Jackson, recognized for her work in To Kill a Mockingbird, discuss The Piano Lesson and her Broadway directing career first in this exciting new role
David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Mark Platt, LaChange, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick and the Steppenwolf Theater Group are producing the plot. For more information and ticket information, visit the play’s official website.