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Overview

Synopsis

"Purlie" tells the story of Purlie, a self-taught preacher who returns to his home in the South with the intent of opening an abandoned church and ringing the bell of freedom. The problem is that Ol' Cap'n is holding Purlie's inheritance due to a long-lost cousin. With the help of Ol' Cap'n's son, Charlie, Purlie's manages to outsmart the white haired old-timer to win a victor' for freedom.

Show Information

Book
Peter Udell , Philip Rose , Ossie Davis
Music
Gary Geld
Lyrics
Peter Udell
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Farce
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Child, Early Teen, Late Teen, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Purlie Victorius

Lead

Male

Baritone

Lutibelle Gussimae

Lead

Female

Charlie

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Gitlow

Supporting

Male

Missy

Supporting

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Ol' Cap'n

Supporting

Male

Idella

Featured

Female

Soprano

Church Soloist

Featured

Female

Soprano

Members of Big Bethel Church

Ensemble

Either Gender

Songs

  • Walk Him Up the Stairs
  • Newfangled Preacher Man
  • Skinnin' a Cat
  • Purlie
  • The Harder They Fall
  • Charlie's Songs: The Barrels of War; The Unborn Love
  • Big Fish, Little Fish
  • I Got Love
  • Great White Father
  • Skinnin' a Cat
  • Down Home
  • First Thing Monday Mornin'
  • He Can Do It
  • The Harder They Fall (Reprise)
  • The World Is Comin' to a Start
  • Walk Him Up the Stairs (Reprise)

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

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