‘Purpose’ Reigns at the Alliance Theatre

Branden Jacobs‑Jenkins’ “Purpose,” winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and now onstage at the Alliance Theatre, is one of the strongest productions I’ve seen in a long time. It’s a family drama that feels real, complicated, and honest. Jacobs‑Jenkins, who teaches playwriting at Yale and has won a Pulitzer Prize for his body of work, writes about families in a way that doesn’t feel exaggerated or theatrical. The characters feel fully human, and the play shows how a family’s public image can collide with the private reality they’ve been avoiding.

The play centers on the Jasper family, a well‑known group of ministers, activists, and community leaders. As the Alliance’s press materials describe, they’ve “been the embodiment of Black political power and public virtue – a dynasty of ministers, activists, and changemakers whose legacy has shaped generations.” The reunion they’re having is supposed to be a positive event, but it becomes clear early on that the family is carrying more than they want to admit. When a young outsider shows up and asks questions no one wants to hear, the evening shifts into something more revealing.

Keith Arthur Bolden’s direction is straightforward and steady. He doesn’t rush the scenes or push the emotions. He lets the family dynamics unfold naturally, which makes the conflicts feel earned. Bolden has talked about being raised by Southern parents who taught him that “every life has purpose,” and that once you discover it, “you can move forward with a certain freedom and clarity.” You can see that idea in the way the characters try to hold onto their beliefs even when those beliefs are challenged.

The play is long — about three hours — and you do feel the length. But it’s not slow. It’s more that Jacobs‑Jenkins gives the characters room to talk, argue, and circle around the truth the way families actually do. There were moments when I realized how much time had passed, but I never felt bored. The writing is strong enough, and the acting is good enough, that the length becomes part of the experience rather than a drawback.

The production elements support the story without distracting from it. The set looks like a real home that has seen decades of expectations. The lighting, sound, and costumes all help define the mood and the relationships. Nothing feels overdone.

The acting is what makes this production exceptional. Every cast member delivers a grounded, believable performance. There isn’t a single weak link. They listen to each other, react to each other, and create a family dynamic that feels lived‑in. It’s rare to see an ensemble where everyone is operating at the same high level, but that’s what this production has. The cast is genuinely Broadway‑quality, and they carry the play with confidence and clarity.

“Purpose” is a play about legacy, faith, and the stories families tell themselves to stay intact. It asks what we owe to our families and what we owe to ourselves, and it doesn’t pretend those answers are simple. The Alliance Theatre’s production treats the material with respect and honesty. It’s a long evening, but a worthwhile one, and the performances make it memorable.

The play runs through Sept 20. Tickets are available at the Alliance Theatre.

Cast:

• Jerome Preston Bates as Solomon Jasper
• Veanna Black as Morgan Jasper
• Donna Biscoe as Claudine Jasper
• Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant as Junior Jasper
• Victoria Omoregie as Aziza Houston
• Travis Turner as Nazareth Jasper