Leslie Odom Jr. (left) and Alan Alda photographed backstage at ‘Purlie Victorious’ on Oct. 3, 2023.Photo:Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Bruce Glikas/WireImage
The cast of the Broadway revival ofPurlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patchhad quite a treat when they were graced with a rare appearance from one of the stars who helped bring the show’s original production to life:Alan Alda.
PEOPLE has exclusive details on Alda’s appearance at the Music Box Theatre in New York City on Tuesday. The 87-year-old actor — who wasdiagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015— is part of the new production’s producing team alongside a bevy of famous names including Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington and Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr., who leads the production as Purlie, and his wife, actress Nicolette Robinson.
Heather Alicia Simms (left), Kara Young, Alan Alda and Vanessa Bell Calloway photographed backstage at ‘Purlie Victorious’ on Oct. 3, 2023.Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Pictures captured the star smiling as he enthusiastically posed for selfies and embraced them. “The cast was thrilled,” the source says. “He told them how important the play was, especially now in this world, said he was going to bring family back. His wife was taking cell phone video on her phone, too, which was cute.”
Noah Robbins (left) and Alan Alda photographed backstage at ‘Purlie Victorious’.Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Noah Robbins — who plays plantation owner son Charlie Cotchipee in the revival, the role Alda originated — told PEOPLE about his experience finally meeting the veteran actor. Prior to Tuesday, Robbins and Alda had only spoken on the phone, but that changed after the latter’s surprise appearance.
“Having anything in common with Alan Alda is an honor. Having this role, in this show, in common with him is a gift beyond words,” Robbins said about talking with Alda in-person. “He’s an absolute treasure, and meeting and conversing with him was a highlight of my life.”
Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young in ‘Purlie Victorious’.Marc J. Franklin
Marc J. Franklin
When the original production began in 1961,Purlie Victoriouswas praised as being groundbreaking for its satire on racism in America and drew the attention of famous faces and politicians at the time, who flooded to the theatre to see it. The play ended up being nominated for one Tony Award in the category best featured actor in a play thanks to Alda’s costar Godfrey Cambridge’s work.
To mark the show’s 100th performance, famed civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. attended and celebrated with performers.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (center). with the cast of ‘Purlie Victorious’ in 1962.Thomas E. Poag
Thomas E. Poag
Today’s revitalization ofPurlie Victoriousis notable for the fact that it’s the first time that the original show has been performed since the it closed in 1962 after 261 performances. A filmed version of the play, re-titledGone Are the Days!, was released in 1963 and tapped many of the debut cast members, including Alda.
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In 1970,Purlie Victoriouswas turned into a musical titledPurlie, but had little involvement from Davis.Purliewas generally well-received despite this, garnering nominations for five Tony Awards including best musical.
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patchis now open at the Music Box Theatre. For tickets and more information, visitpurlievictorious.com.
source: people.com
