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Preview by David Munro
PURLIE is finally coming to London. First seen
on Broadway, in 1970 (and for a short run, in 1972), it was an
unexpected hit, running for 688 performances and winning Tony
Awards for its leads, Cleavon Little and Melba Moore, as the best
actor and best supporting actress in a musical play.
Based by Ossie Davis on his 1961 play, Purlie Victorious, it
utilises a flashback/frame device to tell the story, starting
and ending at the funeral of Cap’n Cotchipee, the local
bigoted plantation owner, and is concerned with the efforts of
Purlie, a self-styled preacher man, to obtain possession of Big
Bethel Church, against the opposition of the Cap’n.
Eventually, of course, Purlie emerges victorious with both the
church and his girlfriend, Lulubelle.
The score is by Gary Geld (music) and Peter Udell (Lyrics), who
crossed over from the world of pop songs to write this, their
first musical. They later went on to write the very successful
Shenandoah, which hitherto has not been seen this side
of the Atlantic.
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It ranges from rousing gospel songs,
such as Walk Up Them Stairs, which opens and closes the show,
to ballads, I Got Love, interspersed with humorous, songs
like Skinnin’ a Cat and Country and Western pastiche
- The World is Comin’ to a Start.
In short, it is a pulsating score, fusing Broadway ballads, rhythm
and blues and gospel into one glorious musical evening.
Much of the humour of the show comes at the expense of bigotry.
As Ossie Davis wrote: "The purpose of Purlie is to point
a mocking finger at racial segregation and laugh it out of existence."
Purlie is being performed by the Okai Collier Company, under
the direction of Omar F Okai, with choreography by Mykal Rand,
design by Kate Bannister and Karl Swinyard.
The title role, Purlie, is being played by Tee Jaye (Five
Guys Named Moe / Oh What A Night / Fame).
This looks like a very promising production of a musical which
has been shamefully neglected in this country and is being produced
for four weeks only at The Bridewell as part of its Black History
Month.
It is a must for anyone interested in musicals and also for
those who enjoy and appreciate good theatre.
I would, therefore, suggest if you want to see it, and I think
you should, that you book tickets now, as it strikes me that this
is a show that has all the makings of a sell-out hit.
Purlie, a musical by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter
Udell (based on Purlie Victorious, a play by Ossie Davis); Music,
Garry Geld; Lyrics, Peter Udell. September 2 – October 2,
2004.
Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane (off Fleet Street), London, EC4Y
8EQ.
Tues – Sun: 7.30pm; Sun Matinee: 3.30pm.
Box Office 020 7936 3456
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