Kara Young, Harry Lennix, and More to Star in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's Purpose on Broadway

Complete casting has been announced for the Broadway premiere of Purpose, the new play from Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The drama will be directed by two-time Tony winner Phylicia Rashad, who makes her Broadway directorial debut

Purpose premiered at Steppenwolf in Chicago in March 2024. From that production, Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, and Harry Lennix will all reprise their performances. They’ll be joined by Tony winner Kara Young and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

Loosely inspired by political scandals within the family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Purpose is about an influential Black American family in Chicago who are forced to examine their legacy when their youngest son returns home. Previews at the Helen Hayes Theatre begin on February 25 ahead of a March 17 opening. This is not a production of Second Stage Theater, which owns the Hayes.

Purpose will feature 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.