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Purpose on Broadway - NYC [38461]

Genre: Play

Purpose on Broadway

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Production Photo of Purpose in New York, with Kara Young.

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Production Photo of Purpose in New York, with Harry Lennix.

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Production Photo of Purpose in New York, with Jon Michael Hill.

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Production Photo of Purpose in New York, with Glenn Davis.

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Production photo of Purpose in New York, showing a woman talking to a man.

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Production photo of Purpose in New York showing, a woman in a red and black shawl points while smiling, standing next to a man in a patterned cardigan by a dining table with glasses, in front of a window.

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Four people stand in a living room; two are talking intensely while another man holds a woman, who looks away, in a warmly lit, upscale setting.

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Two people sit in a warmly lit living room with a staircase and family portraits on the walls; one sits on a couch, the other in an armchair, engaged in conversation.

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A man stands behind an older woman seated at a table, gesturing with his hands, while she reads from a large book.

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As with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ other plays, *Purpose* is intellectual, stirring, and high-octane in thrills and drama. As fierce as it is hilarious, this new play provides no easy answers but instead showcases a family contending with its identity, and how its members may move forward. Audiences can expect hilarious dialogue, volcanic political debate, and plenty of surprises along the way in this New York premiere.

Celebrated for her legendary screen and stage roles, and most recently *Skeleton Crew*, Rashad skillfully directs this four-star (Chicago Sun-Times) play. A show “absolutely not to be missed,” the Chicago Tribune's critic wrote of *Purpose*'s world premiere with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, “Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is the white-hot writer of the moment; I was knocked out.”

## What to watch for

- The production received three 2024 Equity Jeff Awards: Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding New Work (Branden Jacobs-Jenkins), and Outstanding Director of a Play (Phylicia Rashad).
- Director Phylicia Rashad became the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, which she won for her role in the revival of *A Raisin in the Sun*. She won her second Tony Award for her performance in *Skeleton Crew*.
- Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is a two-time Pulitzer finalist for *Gloria* and *Everybody* and is also the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” grant.
- Earning raves, *Purpose* is “a blistering production with explosive, knee-buckling intensity” per the Chicago Sun-Times.
- Steppenwolf is known for premiering esteemed plays including *August: Osage County*, which won the Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep.

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Purpose on Broadway  - NYC - Todaytix

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Get *Purpose* tickets and see *Appropriate* Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s newest play about a family of Black political luminaries reckoning with its legacy. Now nominated for six Tony Awards.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson will play her final performance in Purpose on July 13. Brenda Pressley will join the company in the role of Claudine Jasper on July 15.

Get *Purpose* tickets and see the Tony Award-winning Best Play from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who shocked audiences last season with his thrilling, Tony-winning Broadway debut, *Appropriate*. Two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, known for her starring role in *The Cosby Show* and stage performances in *A Raisin in the Sun* and *Skeleton Crew*, directs this epic family drama, which comes straight from Chicago following a celebrated run at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which originated the Pulitzer Prize-winning *August: Osage County*. Get *Purpose* tickets on New York Theatre Guide and see this six-time Tony Award-nominated show.

Experience *Purpose* on Broadway, a show “absolutely not to be missed,” the Chicago Tribune wrote. “Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is the white-hot writer of the moment; I was knocked out.” The play at Steppenwolf received a four-star review also in the Chicago Sun-Times, who said this was a “blistering Steppenwolf Production with explosive, knee-buckling intensity.”

Starting performances in February at the Hayes Theater, *Purpose* is a New York premiere tracing the storied legacy of the Jasper family. For decades, this influential family has left their mark on Black politics and culture. Its members are Civil Rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen. However, all families have their secrets sitting just under the shiny surface. When the youngest son of the family returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend, the family is forced to reckon with its faith, politics, and legacy of Black radicalism. 

Hilarious, brilliant, and providing no easy answers, *Purpose* is a bracing new work from one of the country’s most celebrated playwrights. Rashad brings the production, with a top-notch lineup of designers, to New York City this winter. Audiences who loved the fiery dynamics at play in *Appropriate* will surely appreciate the similarities in this startling Broadway production. Don’t miss Jacobs-Jenkins’ latest — get tickets to *Purpose* in New York now.

Purpose on Broadway  - NYC - NYTG

 Purpose Broadway Tickets | The Official NY Theatre Guide

See the four-star (Chicago Tribune) Purpose play on Broadway. A new work from Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate), Purpose in New York is an epic family drama directed by Phylicia Rashad. Now the recipient of six Tony Award nominations.

Kara Young stars in [*Mix and Master*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/46813-mix-and-master) on Broadway at the [Todd Haimes Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/todd-haimes-theatre) in winter 2027.

Young's Broadway credits include *Clyde's* in 2021, *Cost of Living* in 2022, *Purlie Victorious* in 2023, *Purpose* in 2025, and *Proof* in 2026. She earned Tony Award nominations for her performances in the first four shows, winning for *Purlie Victorious* and *Purpose*.

Her Off-Broadway credits include Classical Theatre of Harlem's production of Shakespeare's *Twelfth Night*, *Table 17* at [MCC Theater](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/mcc-theater), *Syncing Ink* at the [Apollo Theater](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/apollo-theater), [*Gruesome Playground Injuries*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/45270-gruesome-playground-injuries) at the [Lucille Lortel Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/lucille-lortel-theatre), and [*The Whoopi Monologues*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/44499-the-whoopi-monologues) with Lincoln Center Theater.

Kara Young - NY

Kara Young (2)

Jon Michael Hill earned a 2025 Tony Award nomination for starring as Nazareth "Naz" Jasper in *Purpose* on Broadway  in 2025. His Broadway debut was in *Superior Donuts*, and he joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2007. His many credits at that Chicago theatre institution include the pre-Broadway world premiere of *Purpose, Leroy and Lucy, True West,* and *Pass Over.*

Jon Michael Hill - NYC 

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A veteran theatre actress with numerous credits across Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre across the U.S., Brenda Pressley has performed on Broadway in the original cast of *Dreamgirls*, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning play *Purpose*, *The Lyons* with Linda Lavin, Richard Greenberg’s *The American Plan*, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Cats*. She won an Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in the Off-Broadway show *And the World Goes ‘Round-The Songs of Kander and Ebb*.

Pressley has also appeared on screen in films like *Detachment*, *16 Blocks* with Bruce Willis, *Cradle Will Rock*, and *It Could Happen To You*.

Brenda Pressley - NY

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Harry Lennix stars in [*Are You Now or Have You Ever Been*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/46992-are-you-now-or-have-you-ever-been) off Broadway at [New York City Center](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/new-york-city-center) from July 14 to August 2, 2026.

Lennix earned a 2025 Tony Award nomination for starring as Solomon "Sonny" Jasper in *Purpose* on Broadway. He's been seen in *Radio Golf* on Broadway and in *Titus Andronicus* off Broadway. Lennix appeared in films including *The Matrix Reloaded,* *The Matrix Revolutions,* *Ray,* and *Man of Steel.* He starred in television series including *The Blacklist,* *Dollhouse,* and *Billions.* 

Harry Lennix - NYC 

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Glenn Davis is an actor, producer and artistic director of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, alongside Audrey Francis, where he has been an ensemble member since 2017. His Steppenwolf credits include *Downstate, The Christians, You Got Older, The Brother/Sister Plays, Head of Passes, King James,* and others.

On Broadway, he earned a Tony nomination for starring in *Purpose* and appeared in *Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo*, and off Broadway, he received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for *Downstate* at Playwrights Horizons. 

Glenn Davis - NYC 

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Alana Arenas joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2007 and created the role of Pecola Breedlove for the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of *The Bluest Eye,* which also played at the New Victory Theater Off-Broadway. She made her Broadway debut as Morgan Jasper in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play *Purpose* in 2025.

Alana Arenas - NYC 

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The Hayes Theater, established in 1912 and located in the heart of New York City, is a notable venue for Broadway productions. Known formerly as the Little Theatre, the Helen Hayes Theatre was renamed in 1983 in honor of the acclaimed actress. Since its renovation in 2017, the Hayes has become one of the most technologically advanced, intimate Broadway houses. Its seating capacity of 597 hasn't affected the quality and charm of performances held there. Known for presenting some of the most innovative works of contemporary playwrights, it continues to attract theatre buffs from around the world. 

 ## How to Get There 

The Hayes Theater is situated at 240 West 44th Street, between 7th and 8th avenue. For those taking the subway, the Times Square-42nd Street station served by N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains is the closest stop. If you prefer a taxi or a ride-sharing service, simply set your destination to the theater's address. There are also numerous parking facilities within a few blocks where you can leave your car if you're driving.

Hayes Theater - Second Stage Theater - NY

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Hayes Theater

Hayes Theater - TodayTix

The Hayes Theater officially opened as The Little Theatre on March 12, 1912. The building was designed by Harry Creighton Ingalls and built by Winthrop Ames, opening with John Galsworthy's play *The Pigeon*.

During the 1920s, the theatre was redesigned by Herbert J. Krapp to increase the capacity from 300 to 590. The New York Times purchased the building in 1931, converting it to a conference hall under the name of New York Times Hall.

In 1979, Martin Markinson and Donald Tick bought the theatre and renamed it in 1983 to the Helen Hayes Theatre to honor the actress. A previous theatre bearing her name was demolished in 1982 to make way for the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

On April 18, 2015, it was officially announced that Second Stage Theater had purchased the property. It was later revealed that the venue would be renamed the Hayes Theater, and it opened in spring 2018. The Hayes Theater is the smallest Broadway theatre, now with 597 seats.

## How to get to the Hayes Theater on Broadway

The Hayes Theater, located on 44th Street between Eighth Avenue and Broadway, is closest to the 42nd Street - Port Authority subway stop on the A, C, and E lines. Additionally, the nearest bus stops are 8th Ave/W 46th St. on the M20 and M104 lines; 7th Ave/W. 44th St. on the M104 line; and 8th Ave/W 43rd St. on the M20, M104, and M34A-SBS lines.

Hayes Theater - New York Theatre Guide

The Hayes Theater, opened in 1912 and initially named The Little Theatre, has passed ownership several times, upgraded, and renamed. It's the smallest Broadway theatre.

Theater seating chart with labeled stage, orchestra section with rows A-R, and mezzanine section with rows A-H.

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What's on at Hayes Theater in New York City. Browse upcoming shows, check showtimes, and get tickets on TodayTix.

Hayes Theater — Shows & Tickets | NYC | TodayTix

Hayes Theater, an intimate Broadway venue in NYC, presents innovative contemporary plays. It's accessible via subway, taxi, and has nearby parking facilities.

Alana Arenas's past shows