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| Robert Guillaume, Patti Jo. |
PURLIE [Musical Revival] B: Ossie Davis, Philip Rose, and Peter Udell; M: Gary Geld; LY: Peter Udell; D: Philip Rose; CH: Louis Johnson; S: Ben Edwards; C: Ann Roth; L: Thomas Skelton; P: Philip Rose; T: Billy Rose Theatre; 12/27/72-1/7/73 (14)
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| Laura Cooper, Sherman Hemsley. |
Purlie was a
Broadway hit that ran two years (688 performances), from 1970-1972, went on
tour, and then returned to New York for a limited run of two weeks. Classed as
a revival, this latter production should more accurately be called a return
engagement. Since it doesn’t fit strictly within the time parameters of this
series, which begins in mid-1970, after the original show opened, it is
entered here chiefly for the record.
Mel Gussow lacked enthusiasm for the show, a musical based
on an earlier play by Ossie Davis, possibly because the actors were all
replacements, but not improvements. After suggesting it was dated, Gussow
added: “Instead of commenting on stereotypes—and ‘Purlie’ is knee‐deep in clichés—Philip
Rose's current production overstates them. Occasionally this is funny. More
often the humor is labored."
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| Patti Jo. |
Louis Johnson’s vibrant, but sparse, choreography was
approved. After criticizing Patti Jo as Lutiebelle for her good singing voice
but exaggerated expressions, Gussow said this of the other principals: “Robert
Guillaume is a convincing Purlie, floating bombast as if it were soap bubbles
but his singing is not too strong. Art Wallace is a very broad Cap'n Cochipee.
The best performances are given in lesser roles by Laura Cooper. Helen Martin
and. Sherman Hemsley.”
