Renowned playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is bringing his latest work, Purpose, to Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater. Preview performances will begin on February 25, 2025, with an official opening set for mid-March. The production will be a rental at the historic theater, rather than a production of Second Stage Theater, which owns the Hayes.
Jacobs-Jenkins, a MacArthur “genius” fellow, is best known for his play Appropriate, which recently won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival. Purpose follows the story of the Jaspers, an influential Black American family whose legacy spans generations of civil rights activism, religious leadership, and political influence. When the youngest son unexpectedly brings an uninvited guest home, the family is forced to confront deep questions about its history and identity.
The play made its world premiere in March 2024 with Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company and was met with critical acclaim. The New York production will once again be directed by Tony Award-winning actor and director Phylicia Rashad, marking her Broadway directorial debut after her success with Skeleton Crew.
The creative team for Purpose includes scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Dede M. Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen. The production is being produced by a high-profile team, including David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Casting for Purpose will be handled by JC Clementz, CSA, and Calleri Jensen Davis, with the official cast announcement to be made closer to the preview date, Theatermania reports.
