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You can now get a first look at Brenda Pressley in Broadway’s Purpose. Brenda Pressley assumed the role of 'Claudine Jasper' on Tuesday, July 15. The Broadway cast of Purpose currently features 2025 Theare World Award Winner Alana Arenas, 2025 Tony Award Nominees Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, and Glenn Davis, and 2024 and 2025 Tony Award winner Kara Young. 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 with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning...

Brenda Pressley will take her first bow as Claudine Jasper in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Purpose tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15. Pressley will appear in the role through the conclusion of the production’s run on August 31. A photo of Pressley in character has been released ahead of her debut. Pressley began her theatrical career in And Still I Rise, written and directed by Maya Angelou. Her Broadway credits include the original company of Dreamgirls, The Lyons opposite Linda Lavin, Richard Greenberg’s The American Plan, and Cats. Off-Broadway, she recently co-starred in Annie Baker’s Infinite Life at Atlantic Theater Company and The National Theatre in London. Other Off-Broadway credits include Proof of Love, The First Breeze of Summer, Mom, How Did You Meet the Beatles?, Seven...

Tony Award nominee Latanya Richardson Jackson took her final bow in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose on Sunday, July 13 at the Helen Hayes Theater. Watch video of the emotional moment as Latanya takes her final bow for an acclaimed performance. Jackson originated the role of Claudine Jasper in the acclaimed Broadway production, earning a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, as well as Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Award nods for her powerful performance. Directed by Phylicia Rashad, Purpose continues its run through August 31 and will welcome Brenda Pressley to the cast beginning July 15. Pressley will step into the role of Claudine Jasper, joining the ensemble alongside Harry Lennix, Jon Michael...

Brenda Pressley will join the Broadway company of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Purpose, directed by Phylicia Rashad, beginning performances Tuesday, July 15th. Ms. Pressley will assume the role of ‘Claudine Jasper.’ Latanya Richardson Jackson, who originated the role of Claudine in the Broadway production and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play as well as Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for her work, was previously scheduled to appear in the show through July 6th and has now extended by one week. She will give her final performance on Sunday, July 13th. Steppenwolf’s production of Purpose, which also received the New York Drama Critics’...

“To have pain is to have certainty,” essayist Elaine Scarry wrote in The Body in Pain in 1985. “To hear about pain is to have doubt.” Even that shared certainty can’t quite quell the doubts among Infinite Life’s characters, visitors to a California clinic for people living with chronic pain. Sofi (Christina Kirk) is pretty certain that her bladder condition, which has decimated her sexual health, is the worst pain anyone there has experienced. Nelson (Pete Simpson) insists that his colon disease hurts worse than childbirth. No one has a verbal metric to accurately compare their pain so even sharing their experiences with other sufferers can be lonely. How can anyone know the silent pain of a body only you have ever lived in?

That’s one of the central questions at the tender, discomfiting heart of Infinite Life, but the knowledge that this is a new Annie Baker...

Recently, CBS released the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 4 of season 7. The episode is entitled, "Taxed," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty dramatic and interesting stuff take place as Ethan Carver coerces Diane to argue her own beliefs. Alicia and the bond court judge get heated over a shoplifting case, and more! In the new, 4th episode press release: Alicia Clashes With The Bond Court Judge When She Agrees To Support A Client's Plea Of Innocence In A Shoplifting Case, On "The Good Wife," Sunday, Oct. 25. Press release number 2: Alicia will clash with the bond court judge when she agrees to support a client's plea of innocence in a shoplifting case. Also, Diane is going to get coerced by her client's counsel, Ethan Carver (Peter Gallagher), to argue against her own beliefs in a case about physician assisted suicide.

Recently, CBS served up the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Elementary" season finale episode 24 of season 3. The episode is entitled, "A Controlled Descent," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff as possible foul play may be involved with Holmes' former recovery sponsor, and more. In the new, 24th episode press release: When Holmes' Former Recovery Sponsor Disappears, Holmes And Watson Must Determine Whether He Is A Victim Of Foul Play Or If He Has Relapsed. Press release number 2: When Holmes' former recovery sponsor and friend, Alfredo (Ato Essandoh), disappears, Holmes and Watson are going to retrace his steps as Captain Gregson and Detective Bell lend NYPD's resources to help find him. As the group races to find him, Holmes is going to wonder if his friend is a victim of foul play, or worse, if he has relapsed into addiction. Guest...

Charlie Hofheimer is set to join the cast of Nicky Silver's new comedy The Lyons on Broadway at the Cort Theatre 138 W. 48 St. starting tomorrow, June 12. Mr. Hofheimer assumes the role of Curtis Lyons, joining the cast of The Lyons which stars 2012 Best Actress Tony nominee Linda Lavin, Dick Latessa, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. Mr. Hofheimer takes over the role of Curtis from Michael Esper.

The Lyons, which debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre, officially opened on April 23 at the Cort Theatre. Previews began on April 5. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. Mark Brokaw directs.BroadwayWorld was on hand for opening night, and was on the red carpet inside the after party to chat with the cast and company...

The Lyons, which debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre, officially opened last night, April 23, at the Cort Theatre. Previews began on April 5. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. Mark Brokaw directs.BroadwayWorld was on hand for opening night, and we bring you photos from the first curtain call and the opening night party below...

The Lyons, which debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre, officially opened last night, April 23, at the Cort Theatre. Previews began on April 5. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. Mark Brokaw directs. BroadwayWorld was on hand for opening night, and we bring you photos from the starry opening night arrivals below...

The Lyons debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre and opened tonight on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.

The Lyons, which debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre, officially opens tonight, April 23, at the Cort Theatre. Previews began on April 5. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. Mark Brokaw directs. The opening night curtain has just come up and below, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the production footage below...

The Lyons debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre and just began previews on April 5, with an official opening night set for April 23. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.Check out photos from the production in previews below...

The Lyons debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre and just began previews on April 5, with an official opening night set for April 23. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.In the video below, Rita played by Linda Lavin shares her thoughts on relationships. Click below to check it out...

The Lyons debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre and just began previews on April 5, with an official opening night set for April 23. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.In the video below, Rita played by Linda Lavin shares her thoughts on motherhood. Click below to check it out...

The Lyons debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre and now begins previews on April 5, with an official opening night set for April 23. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.The cast and creative team met the press today, March 28, and BroadwayWorld brings you interviews from the big event below...

The Lyons debuted last fall at the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre and now begins previews on April 5, with an official opening night set for April 23. The Lyons comes to Broadway with its entire original cast Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa along with Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.The cast and creative team met the press today, March 28, and BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the big event below...

Nicky Silver's play The Lyons -- a critical and popular success when it debuted last fall at Vineyard Theatre -- will transfer to Broadway's Cort Theatre 138 W. 48 St. with its entire original cast expected to be inteact, including the Tony Award-winning stars Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa, along with Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell. Michael Esper is in negotionations to return as well. The Vineyard Theatre production of The Lyons will be presented on Broadway by producer Kathleen K. Johnson. Mark Brokaw directs.

By Samuel Negin

The Lyons, a new play by Nicky Silver, will be coming to Broadway. The play has been playing off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre and will be coming to the Cort Theatre this spring. The press announcement has stated that Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa will move with the show, and that Michael Esper, Kate Jennings Grant, Brenda Pressley and Gregory Wooddell, who also appeared in the off-Broadway incarnation, are expected to transfer with the show, as well. The play, directed by Mark Brokaw, is scheduled to open on April 26th, just in time to be eligible for the 2012 Tony Awards.

Click to read more…...

On Monday, December 5, Tony and Golden Globe Award-winning actress and singer Linda Lavin celebrated the release of her new CD, Possibilities Sh-k-BoomGhostlight Records by gathering a few good friends to join her in concert on the Birdland stage. Lavin's special guests included Nancy Dussault, Brenda Pressley, Michael Esper amp Kate Jennings-Grant, as well as Billy Stritch piano, Steve Doyle bass and Steve Bakunas drums.

Crumbs From The Table Of Joy begins Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:00pm, by Lynn Nottage Directed by Seret Scott, with Laura Heisler ( Doris to Darlene, The Mistakes Madeline Made), Sadrina Johnson (The Book of Lambert, Southern Promises), Billy Eugene Jones (A Raisin in the Sun), Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer, Seven Guitars at Signature, and American Plan at Manhattan Theatre Club), Amina S. Robinson (Mamma Mia!) Commissioned by Second Stage Theatre in 1992...

Manhattan Theatre Club presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's The American Plan which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). BroadwayWorld and Broadway Beat were there to capture all the excitement od Opening Night!

Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's The American Plan which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of The American Plan began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opened last night, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Mtc's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's cameras were there to capture the star-studded arrivals! The Broadway production of The American Plan marks Mtc's eighth collaboration with Richard Greenberg; a relationship that includes the original New York production of The American Plan which premiered in 1990 at Mtc at New York City Center - Stage II and then transferred to Stage I. Other Mtc productions of Greenberg plays include: Eastern Standard, The Extra Man,...

Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's The American Plan which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of The American Plan began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opened last night, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Mtc's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's cameras were there to capture every moment of the starry celebration! It is the Catskill Mountains in the early 1960s, and Lili Adler (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominee Lily Rabe) and her mother Eva (Tony and Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl) are spending the summer across the lake from a bustling hotel where comics entertain and buffets overflow. When a handsome young...

Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's The American Plan which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of The American Plan began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opens tonight, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Mtc's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). It is the Catskill Mountains in the early 1960s, and Lili Adler (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominee Lily Rabe) and her mother Eva (Tony and Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl) are spending the summer across the lake from a bustling hotel where comics entertain and buffets overflow. When a handsome young stranger (Benjamin Eakeley) enters their world, the emotionally fragile Lili finds herself falling in love.