***** Purpose is Flawless and one of the best Productions in Steppenwolf History
“Purpose” is truly an epic family drama and one of the finest shows ever presented on the Steppenwolf stage. The play is masterfully written by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by two-time Tony Award winner (and beloved alum of The Cosby Show) Phylicia Rashad. This is most certainly a dramedy which will have you laughing hysterically out loud at so many moments only to be followed by jaw-dropping and gripping drama at others.
The plot involves the Jasper family which we learn early on has been part of the critical moments of the civil rights movement, harkening back to the historic days of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, but living on with glowing reputation today, at least until recently. The Jaspers are the perfect image of key pillars in the political and social movement of those days. Or are they?
Historical import aside, the Jaspers are also an American family. And like all families, they have their warts, secrets, and pressures all of which boil over in one weekend that is filled with intrigue and challenges. The action is set in Chicago which gives an extra sense of relation for us, and perhaps more than a passing suggestion of the real figures this play may be portraying (the parallels are more than singular). But it really does not matter where the action takes place. People will relate to the kinds of conflicts presented here in their own way and in their own family. These are incredibly powerful performances portrayed by actors who play intense drama and hysterical comedy flawlessly from the first moments of the play.
This is a true ensemble cast at its best. Each character is flawed and in the scope of the family, plays their own critical dysfunctional role. Harry Lennix, Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, and Ayanna Bria Bakari are all believable and perfect in their roles.
In the tradition of August, Osage County, Purpose raises the bar for memorable and indeed perfect performances, truly setting a new standard for productions to follow. Simply put, this play shines with an incredible script and some of the finest performances you will ever experience on stage.
Purpose has “Broadway-bound” written all over it. See it before you have to fly to New York to do so!
Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com
Show Type: Drama
Box Office: 312-335-1650
Steppenwolf Theatre is located at 1650 N. Halsted ( but now takes about half the block)
There is available street parking and they have parking as well- valet and self.
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Purpose”.
Editor’s note:
Jane and I attended a full house production last night. While the run time is two hours and thirty minutes with one 15 minute intermission, it moved at a quick pace. The production is sparkling and mind opening, digging into family history. The set ( Todd Rosenthal) is amazing and as some of the patrons said “Let’s move in”. The cast of six is one of power and those who are avid “Law and Order SVU” watchers will get to see Tamara Tunie in a whole new light. John Michael Hill as “Naz” is out story teller and one of the Jasper family members. As the youngest son, his dad ( Harry Lennix is perfect in this role) only wants success, but as we learn, neither of his sons is following in his illustrious footprints.
The play deals with subjects that will be hard for some to watch: sexuality, Black politics, Black faith, and family expectations. Jacobs-Jenkins has created a masterpiece and under the direction of Phylicia Rashad, this eye opener will allow you to explore the Jasper family history and future with a new awareness.
Put this one on you “MUST SEE” list and enjoy!
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