Description

The Ossie Davis-penned musical revival, PURLIE, is coming to the Pasadena Playhouse June 24 - July 31. With Preview performances already selling out, Pasadena Playhouse is excited to co-produce this energetic, soulful and catchy musical with The Goodman Theatre in Chicago. PURLIE is based on the play Purlie Victorious and combines gospel, rhythm and blues and the best of Broadway with music by Gary Geld, lyrics by Peter Udell, choreography by Ken Roberson and written by Davis, Udell, and Phillip Rose. Originally produced and directed by Phillip Rose in 1970, Purlie was nominated for Best Musical, and earned two Tony Awards for its stars Cleavton Little and Melba Moore. Udell, Geld, and Rose subsequently collaborated on the musical Shenandoah. Directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps (Blue & Play On!), this production will feature an outstanding cast and on of L.A.’s hottest rhythm sections.