As first reported by Playbill.com, the show will star "L.A. Law" star Blair Underwood as Purlie, as well as Caroline, or Change's Anika Noni Rose, The Life's Lillias White and Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century's John Cullum. Also in the cast is Doug E. Doug. Anika Noni Rose will play Lutiebelle, White is Missy, John Cullum is Ol Cap'n' and Doug is Gitlow.
Purlie is based on the late Ossie Davis' "Purlie Victorious." With a book by Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell, Purlie features music by Gary Geld and lyrics by Peter Udell. Directed by Philip Rose, the original 1970 production was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical; its co-stars, Cleavon Little and Melba Moore, both won Tonys for their performances.
The presentation would be dedicated to the memory of Ossie Davis, who passed away on Feb. 3.
