SPOTLIGHT ON: KENNY INGRAM

Veteran Broadway performer, choreographer and director Kenny Ingram’s enthusiasm is infectious.

“I am ecstatic that ATG is producing Purlie,” he proclaims. “This is a brave choice for a theater company, and it demonstrates how ATG understands the importance of the musical’s message and how relevant it still is. Ossie Davis’s words are just as powerful today as they were over 50 years ago.”

Ingram has been tapped to direct ATG’s most ambitious show to date, one that has never been revived on Broadway, despite its two Tony Awards and five nominations. It’s the show credited with launching the careers of Melba Moore and Cleavon Little and its rousing opening number, “Walk Him Up the Stairs,” is considered one of Broadway’s best. ATG’S Purlie will feature a cast of 15, an orchestra of at least five, and a local community choir bringing to life the story of a traveling preacher who returns to his home in Georgia and concocts a scheme to reclaim his church.

Ingram has been a creative force in the theater industry for 30 years, and has been mentored by such greats as Hal Prince, Ruth Mitchell and Susan Stroman. He danced in Ragtime with Hinton Battle and choreographed Everyman at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago along with the late Frank Galati. He brought musicals to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2000 with his production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has worked extensively at top regional theaters across the country including Paper Mill Playhouse, The Goodman and Maine State Music Theater. He also performed in The Lion King on Broadway for 10 years. After Purlie, he’ll be directing and choreographing Anastasia at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA.

His vision for Purlie is that of a fast-moving gospel revival, with a strong community feel. “I hope this production moves the audience to rise to their feet and feel the energy and love,” he notes.

Ingram also emphasizes that the show is a satire and full of humor, allowing audiences to laugh and come together at the ridiculousness of the situations and interactions.  “In many ways, we are still reliving the past, and despite progress, there is still much work to do in regard to societal attitudes,” he notes. He promises that audiences at Hamilton Stage can expect a good time, great choreography, a memorable score and stellar performances.

Casting is currently being finalized (watch for more information soon!) and Ingram noted how he and his outstanding creative team, including Musical Director Dante Harrell, are very anxious to gather the entire cast and creative team together in one room.  “We all know it takes a village to produce theater, and my experience with (Producing Artistic Director) Jim Vagias and everyone at ATG has been so positive. The collaborative, pre-production process has been just incredible, and we can’t wait for rehearsals to begin.”

 “I’m all about joy,” he continues “it’s what I live on, and I pride myself on bringing that energy and positivity to the stage.”

 Amen to that.

Purlie runs March 6-23rd at Hamilton Stage in Rahway. Click here for tickets.