"I was so stunned at just how much I loved this play and the dynamics of the cast. The story line had so many turns yet it didn't lose sight of the underlying message. I am so glad I got to see this particular group city Latanya Richardson Jackson. Job well done everyone who played a part in the showed current success. "
...
Read more
Charmise W from Uniondale on Jun 26, 2025
A play like Purpose is the reason I go to re NYC to see plays.
"This play is as good as anything I’ve seen on Broadway and I’ve been going for 50 years. The emotional impact, the staging and the acting were all pretty near perfect. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry and you’ll come out of the theater seeing things a bit different than when you entered and there is no higher praise for a play."
...
Read more
Scott D from Houston on Jun 22, 2025
Family Drama
"The acting of the entire cast was fantastic. Kara Young truly deserved the Tony she won for the role of Aziza. The “deep” conversation at the dinner table was so real. It could’ve been anybody’s family. I would come to see the play again."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2025
Excellent show.
"Directed with poise and precision by Phylicia Rashad in her Broadway directorial debut, Purpose is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally raw—a layered, often explosive drama that confronts the personal costs of public lives.
Purpose revolves around the reunion of a prominent Black political dynasty in the wake of a family tragedy. Nazareth Jasper (Jon Michael Hill), a seminary dropout turned outsider, returns home to find that time—and silence—have not healed old wounds. When he brings along a mysterious guest, the family’s well-curated image begins to unravel.
Jacobs-Jenkins writes with surgical precision and a sharp sense of rhythm. His characters don’t just argue—they perform, preach, plead, and provoke. The dialogue hums with philosophical rigor, theological depth, and biting wit. At times, it feels like August Wilson meets James Baldwin via Succession. But what grounds the play is its deeply human core: a family's attempt to hold on to love while drowning in expectations.
At nearly three hours, Purpose is not an easy ride—but it is a deeply rewarding one. It’s the kind of play that makes you lean forward, sit with discomfort, and reflect long after the curtain falls. For those interested in complex storytelling, powerhouse performances, and urgent questions about race, faith, and identity in America, Purpose is a must-see."
...
Read more
Andre R from WOODSTOCK on Jun 22, 2025
Amazing Performances
"The show was amazing from beginning to end! Highly recommend! A must see!!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2025
Outstanding
"I’m speechless… all I can say, I haven’t seen a great play in a very long time.
"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2025
You don’t want to miss this show!
"Exceptional show with fantastic actors. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2025
Must see
"I absolutely love this play. It was thought provoking and entertaining. The actors did a phenomenal job."
...
Read more
Thina J from Ellenwood on Jun 22, 2025
Excellent!!
"This was a great play and very relevant to what’s going on right now. It showed various family dynamics with a lot of twists and turns. The lead actor/story teller was outstanding and kept the audience engaged. If you are in New York you should definitely check this out."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 21, 2025
Don’t miss it
"The play itself and the acting were absolutely fantastic. Every character was multidimensional and came alive for the audience. The plot resisted the temptation to wrap everything up at the end. That means we all continue to think about it. I’m also impressed that the theater solely shows plays by living American playwrights. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 19, 2025
Funny, serious, complex, impactful
"Purpose addresses many significant issues from relationships to politics, from dependence to power, from effectiveness to mental disorder. All are covered with wisdom and humor. And bravo to the cast!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 18, 2025
Moving and piercing theater experience.
"I can’t stop thinking about Purpose. So much depth and incredible talent. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 18, 2025
Love this play
"Excellent show about a black family's life. We totally enjoyed it. It was also very funny."
...
Read more
Shirley D T from Hempstead on Jun 17, 2025
We’re still raving!😊
"The acting was spot on fantastic! Heading back to Atlanta like a raving fan.👍👍"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 16, 2025
BRILLIANT ADVERSITY and TOUGH LOVE
"This is a family story. We all have a purpose in life. Secrets? Were meant to explore what and who we are. What is our meaning. Do we see others and ourselves clearly. When we come to conclusions, are we scared SHI...LESS, or is the clarity of our being a internal gift that comforts."
...
Read more
Lauryn A from Garland on Jun 16, 2025
Great play, great ensemble cast
"The theatrical acting was outstanding. My favorite was definitely Harry Lennix’s character and Latanya Richardson Jackson was of course outstanding.
Display is not for children. The profanity usage and the theme of the play was a bit mature.
I would have liked to have seen more of the morgan character. The actress who played her did a really good job, but it just was not enough scenes for her.
And of course, the Tony award winning actress who played Anika was worthy. The young man who was the center of the focal points, talked too much. His dialogue was overpowering. But overall, the play with excellent.
"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 14, 2025
Best play I’ve ever seen
"Superb cast, perfect balance of humor and serious, engrossing themes that you will keep coming back to. "
...
Read more
Carolyn D from New York on Jun 12, 2025
Loved how family dynamic shifted- and it was hilarious!
"This play is a look inside a family patriarch and expectations of his family- I love the humor of the play and how much I laughed. I want the actors to allow for those important pauses when the audience is laughing before they start their next line, I felt like I had to stop laughing to listen to the next line. Overall, this was a funny, interesting story and play. "
...
Read more
SHARMELL W from RALEIGH on Jun 8, 2025
NOT TO BE MISSED
"This show checked all marks for me. The theater was smaller and a bit more intimate. You can really see the actors and the set was fabulous. It felt like you were literally peaking into someone's home. The actors all played their roles fabulously not missing a beat and keeping you guessing as to what would happen next. I highly recommend this play."
...
Read more
Jenefer J from Valley Stream on Jun 5, 2025
great play
"The show was fabulous; I would go again I really enjoy it.
The performance of all cast was great, Jon Micheal Hill I hope he does receive a Tony Award he did wonderful job."
...
Read more
Cheril F from Bronx on Jun 5, 2025
Purpose Keeps You Engaged
"I enjoyed the narration provided by one of the characters. I enjoyed that each character was exploring purpose in their own way. I enjoyed that the play mirrored many current day challenges. Great play!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 4, 2025
Written, performed and treated tenderly
"Unreal writing and incredible undertaking of the work by the cast. The piece and the house carried eachother through this raw exposure of family. "
...
Read more
Christoph V from New westminster on May 31, 2025
Exceptional Performance
"The cast did a remarkable job on their performances! I was captivated the entire time and the storyline was excellent. I would highly recommend seeing Purpose. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on May 31, 2025
Terrific…Beautifully written
"So well acted and told …absolutely terrific"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on May 29, 2025
Grateful for the experience
"This play was excellently written, casted and performed."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on May 29, 2025
Viewing 101-125 of 225
About
Purpose
For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black radicalism. Spirited, hilarious and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.
