Purpose Show Poster

Purpose Reviews

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins epic family drama arrives on Broadway, directed by Phylicia Rashad.

4.7
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critics reviews Critics’ Reviews (2)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.

"A blistering Steppenwolf Production with explosive, knee-buckling Intensity."

Chicago Sun-Times

Steven Oxman

"Absolutely not to be missed! Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is the white-hot writer of the moment – I was knocked out!"

Chicago Tribune

Chris Jones

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (88)

4.7
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Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Best play I’ve ever seen
"Superb cast, perfect balance of humor and serious, engrossing themes that you will keep coming back to. "
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Carolyn D from New York on Jun 12, 2025
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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. "
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SHARMELL W from RALEIGH on Jun 8, 2025
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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."
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Jenefer J from Valley Stream on Jun 5, 2025
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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."
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Cheril F from Bronx on Jun 5, 2025
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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!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 4, 2025
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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. "
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Christoph V from New westminster on May 31, 2025
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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. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 31, 2025
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Terrific…Beautifully written
"So well acted and told …absolutely terrific"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 29, 2025
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Grateful for the experience
"This play was excellently written, casted and performed."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 29, 2025
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Purpose is a must-see!
"Attending the Broadway pay "Purpose," was an incredible experience! the performances of the entire cast was exceptional. From start to finish, the show was both thought provoking and hilarious. I loved the varied themes of the storyline and contemplated buying another ticket to see it again."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 27, 2025
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Amazing performance!!
"This show was the highlight of my visit. It depicted various secret truths about the behaviors of a community laced with purpose and civility. The performance was tastefully directed with plenty of comedy to keep you focused. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 26, 2025
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Very Entertaining
"We loved this show , finding it funny, engaging and thought provoking. I would see it again"
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Gregory L from Astoria on May 26, 2025
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Spectacular!!
"This show was AMAZING! It was so different and original. Full of laughter, drama and depth. I’m still thinking about how deep the writing was. Every character moved me. Definitely seeing it again!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 25, 2025
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Captivating
"The show was great. It kept your interest from beginning to end. The actors were phenomenal. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next."
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Sharon M from Greensboro on May 25, 2025
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Brilliant dialogue. Seriously and funny at the same time.
"Best show I’ve seen this year. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 24, 2025
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Great theater explores and shatters taboos. PURPOSE exceeds great.
"Jenkins has always been an honest, entertaining voice, since his early Signature Theater works. With PURPOSE he channels inspiration from history -- the Jesse Jackson family and its many challenges -- and from other playwrights (Thornton Wilder; Arthur Miller; August Wilson; Tracy Letts...to name a few) to powerful effect. Great art builds on the work of pop culture and those that came before us. Jenkins displays his tremendous respect for classic storytelling, with his trademark pitch-perfect insights into the African American experience through characters we instantly recognize who are simultaneously utterly fresh. Family drama can be the most seismic form of theater, when executed effectively. Jenkins provided a MasterClass in how to entertain, fulfill, provoke, and thrill the audience, utilizing beloved set-ups and tropes mixed with "up to the moment" authentic dialogue. Jenkins juggles the old and new unlike any other. He's reached the pinnacle of theater, and can now stand proudly with his heroes."
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Tom N from Venice on May 24, 2025
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A riveting play with outstanding performances
"I loved how the characters evolved and interacted. It was funny, profound and touching!"
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Stephen L from Santa Rosa on May 23, 2025
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A must see. Captivating throughout!
"Acting was amazing. It was funny and serious at once. It touched on many current issues."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 22, 2025
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Awesome
"Awesome performance, very relatable and funny, kept getting better."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 18, 2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed it!
"Hilarious and thought provoking at the same time! The acting was superb!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 18, 2025
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Excellent project
"I love the concept and content from start to finish. The acting is great and the setting is complimentary to the storyline. Every actor gives an interesting twist to the story and brings a stellar performance that draws viewers into the play. I’ve seen the play three times and never once felt disappointed. Love it."
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James R from New York on May 17, 2025
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Family
"I loved the Show. The Acting was Superb and made me believe that what I was watching was real. It was a relatable and compelling experience that made me think of my own family. Everyone who played a part played it well. I would recommend this show to anyone wanting to a Great night of theater!!!!"
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Cheryl G from Jonesboro on May 16, 2025
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I saw it in Chicago as well. Both casts were fantastic.
"Being from Chicago I recognized who the family was based on. I really enjoyed Latanya Richardson Jackson of the mother. "
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linda l from Chicago on May 14, 2025
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Must see show
"I really not a fan of drama plays, however, I loved Purpose. I truly enjoyed the show. In addition to great acting, Purpose had plenty funny moments that were recognizable to all. The show also gave some education to points I'm sure a lot people we're aware. "
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Wanda J from Avenel on May 14, 2025
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All around excellent
"superbly written and acted. Funny, touching and powerful.."
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William R from New York on May 14, 2025
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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.

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