Casting Equity Actors for Production of "Purlie"
Equity actors for roles in "Purlie". See breakdown below. About the project: SYNOPSIS: Purlie is the 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis's comedic play Purlie Victorious about a raveling preacher who returns to his hometown in Georgia and concocts a scheme to reclaim his church. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction and Best Choreography, the original Broadway production received Tony Awards for Best Performance by a Leading Actor (Cleavon Little as Purlie) and Best Performance by a Featured Actress (Melba Moore as Lutiebelle). Rate: SPT $512 weekly minimum (SPT 5) + health/pension/travel Additional info: Audition break: 1:00PM - 2:00PM Some roles will be understudied. PREPARATION Please bring a picture/resume. Please prepare a brief singing selection (about a minute long) in the in the style of the score - traditional Broadway with Jazz/Gospel/R&B influences. They will provide an accompanist. First rehearsal: 2/10 or 2/17/2025 (TBD) First preview: 3/6/2025 Closes: 3/23 Rehearsals and performances will take place in Rahway, NJ (about 40 minutes from Penn Station via NJT). EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions. If you are interested, please apply.
8 roles
A charismatic con man (think Harold Hill). He must dominate the stage as soon as he sets foot on it. Like any good preacher, he sometimes sings when he talks and talks when he sings.
From the backwoods of Alabama, she has been a servant in a white household. Naive, innocent, good-hearted - she met Purlie in Alabama as a preacher and accompanied him back to the plantation to assist him with his scheme. Purlie is planning to have her impersonate dead cousin Bee. Lutiebelle helps Purlie with his plans but she has plans herself: to make Purlie her husband. The audience falls in love with her immediately. Sings “I Got Love”
Aunt Missy is Purlie’s sister-in-law. Kind hearted (but firm) matriarch of the Judson family. Married to Purlie’s brother Gitlow Judson.
Purlie’s brother who does little to lessen the sibling rivalry. He accepts the realities of plantation life. Appointed “Deputy for the Colored” by the owner of the plantation.
The Plantation Owner who is Purlie's antagonist. A white southerner who is not with the movement and can’t understand why ‘the old ways’ need changing. His symbol of authority is a bullwhip.
[IDELLA LANDY] is Charlie’s nurse and confidant since birth. Self-assured and wise. Doubles as [CHURCH SOLOIST] The lead singer of the church choir, she opens the show with a rousing raise-the-roof gospel solo.
Ol’ Cap’n’s son. A (not particularly talented) aspiring folk singer for justice. He represents the New South and has more in common with Purlie than his father. Plays guitar, at least a bit.
Strong singer/dancer/actors.
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