Purpose
Destined to take its place among the greatest American dramas of all time
Theatremania
Why see Purpose?
Meet The Jaspers
Winner of two 2025 Tony awards, including Best New Play and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Kara Young!
Starring two time Tony Award winner Kara Young (Purlie Victorious), Purpose is now showing on Broadway after its critically acclaimed premiere in Chicago in 2024. Written by Tony-award-winning Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate) and directed by Tony-award-winning Phylicia Rashad, this all-star cast and creative brings you one of the most exhilarating and thought-provoking performances of the year. With themes of civil rights and generational activism, prepare for something spectacular and thought-provoking.
What is the plot?
The Jaspers are a black family with a decades-long history in black activism and civil rights. One day, their youngest son Nazareth, brings an unfamiliar guest to the family home. This guest's arrival brings the family's secrets to the forefront, forcing the Jaspers to confront their faith and their legacy.
Key Information
Run Time
Two hours and 50 minutes with one interval
Dates
Finished Aug 31
Cast
- Kara Young
- LaTanya Richardson Jackson
- Harry Lennix
- Jon Michael Hill
- Glenn Davis
- Alana Arenas
Please note: The producers can't guarantee the appearance of any performers on any specific date.
Creative
- Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
- Directed by Phylicia Rashad
- Scenic design by Todd Rosenthal
- Costume design by Dede M. Ayite
- Lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker
- Sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen
- Tiffany Robinson as production stage manager
Awards
2025 Tony Awards
Nominations
- Best Play
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play - LaTanya Richardson
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play - Joel Michael Hill
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play - Henry Lennix
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play - Kara Young
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play - Glenn Davis
2025 Tony Awards
- Best Play
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play - Kara Young
Reviews
Customer reviews
Seen Purpose? Loved it? Hated it?!
Help your fellow New York City Theatre visitors by leaving the first review!
News
NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE
"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"
Read how we protect your data .