Tuesday, December 22, 2020

419. PURLIE. From my (unpublished) ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE NEW YORK STAGE, 1970-1975


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)

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."

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.”