The Black Rep brings ‘Purlie’ to Edison

Acclaimed musical launches 2014-15 season Sept. 10

Ron Himes in the Performing Arts Department’s 2013 production of “My Children, My Africa.” On Sept. 10, Himes will direct “Purlie” for The Black Rep in Edison Theatre. Photo by Whitney Curtis/WUSTL Photo Services.

In 1976, a Washington University in St. Louis bachelor’s candidate named Ron Himes launched The Black Rep. Over the years it would become one of the nation’s largest and most critically acclaimed African-American theater companies.


On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Himes — now the Henry E. Hampton Jr. Artist-in-Residence in Arts & Sciences — will begin The Black Rep’s 38th season with the satirical musical “Purlie” in the university’s Edison Theatre.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1970, “Purlie” tells the story of Purlie Victorious Judson, an itinerant preacher who returns to his Georgia home to claim a family inheritance and revive Big Bethel, the local community church. Standing in his way is Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, a ruthless plantation owner, with whom the inheritance was left “in trust,” and who refuses to release it to Purlie.

“ ‘Purlie’ deals with turbulent social issues like racial bigotry, civil rights issues and a privileged society that resists change and integration,” said Himes, who directs the show. Citing The Black Rep’s history of producing theater that is relevant and reflective of what is happening within the African-American community, Himes added, “We feel that it is so important for us to produce this musical at this particular time.”

Performances of “Purlie” will continue through Sept. 21 at Edison. The Black Rep season will then continue with “A Raisin in the Sun” (Nov. 28-Dec. 1), “Stick Fly” (Feb. 5-22, 2015), and “Paul Robeson” (March 11-29, 2015), all at Harris-Stowe State University.

The 2014-15 season will conclude with “Once on this Island” (April 22-May 3, 2015) at Edison Theatre.

Opening night tickets are $25; student rush tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Black Rep’s box office, 6662 Olive Blvd., and by calling 314-534-3810.

For more information, visit theblackrep.org.