Phylicia Rashad is set to make history on Broadway. The 76-year-old actress will direct “Purpose,” a new play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. This marks Rashad’s Broadway directorial debut, scheduled for February 25, 2025, at the Helen Hayes Theater in New York City.
“Purpose” tells the story of the Jasper family’s quest to become a powerful force in Black American politics. The family’s journey takes an unexpected turn when their youngest son, Nazareth, brings home a surprise guest. This event forces the Jaspers to confront their faith, legacy, and hidden cracks in their foundation.
Broadway Debut Follows Chicago Success
Rashad’s journey with “Purpose” began earlier. She directed its premiere at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in March 2024. The production received rave reviews and became one of Steppenwolf’s highest-grossing shows in nearly 50 years.
“I’ve been many places in my life and good places abound, and this is certainly one of them and this is a good time,” Rashad told ABC 7 about her passion for directing.
The success in Chicago paved the way for the Broadway production. However, casting details for the New York run have not been announced yet.
Rashad’s Illustrious Career in Entertainment
Phylicia Rashad’s career spans decades across television, film, and theater. She became a household name as Claire Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” from 1984 to 1992.
Her TV appearances include roles in “This Is Us,” “Empire,” and the Peabody Award-winning series “David Makes Man.” Rashad’s stage career is equally impressive, with performances in musicals like “Jelly’s Last Jam,” “Into the Woods,” and “The Wiz.”
Accolades and Recent Achievements
Rashad’s talent has earned her numerous accolades. She was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2016 and won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play that same year.
As a two-time Tony Award winner, Rashad’s most recent Broadway appearance was in “Skeleton Crew” in 2022. Beyond acting, she served as dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.
Expanding Her Directorial Portfolio
While “Purpose” marks Rashad’s Broadway directorial debut, she has previously directed several acclaimed productions. Her directorial credits include August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” at the Seattle Repertory Theater and Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “Our Lady of 121st Street.”
Rashad’s transition to directing on Broadway at 76 showcases her versatility and ongoing passion for theater. As “Purpose” prepares to open, audiences eagerly await this new chapter in Rashad’s storied career.
