“Messy, layered, uncomfortable, funny, and painfully human — the duration is two hours and fifty minutes.”
By Alejandra EncisoMay 21, 2026Full Review
PLAYREGIONALCLOSED
Purpose
La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, CA
Ran from May 18, 2026
Regional production: tracked as a buzzy, well-reviewed show that could transfer to Broadway.
4 Rave
2 Positive
Critics' Take
Jacobs-Jenkins' Pulitzer and Tony-winning family drama earns strong reviews for its sharp, hilarious dissection of a civil rights icon's messy legacy. Critics praise the emotionally resonant writing and layered performances.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
6 reviews4 Rave
2 Positive
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“Liberally sprinkled with gems of humor and gasp-inducing shocks, the beautifully crafted play moves like a runaway train under the taut, focused and humorous direction of Delicia Turner Sonnenberg.”
By Pam KragenMay 18, 2026Full Review
“‘Purpose’ lands because it understands how complicated families can be.”
By ErinMarie ReiterMay 19, 2026Full Review
“Purpose is a powerful, provocative, poignant, and yet humorous family drama that reveals skeletons of all kinds stored in the closet for decades.”
By Yuko KurahashiMay 22, 2026Full Review
“Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, who is a local San Diego treasure, did a great job at directing the pacing and energy of the show.”
San Diego Jewish World StaffMay 22, 2026Full Review
