SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS - HOW TO PURCHASE ONLINE 

Watch this video for instructions on how to buy your season subscription.

 

 

The Color Purple

Book by Marsha Norman
Music & Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray
BASED UPON THE NOVEL WRITTEN BY ALICE WALKER
AND THE WARNER BROS./AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT MOTION PICTURE

October 14 – November 21, 2015

This inspiring musical tells the story of an unforgettable woman who triumphs over adversity and discovers her unique voice in the world.  Based on the Pulitzer-Prize winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film), the play chronicles Celie’s 40-year evolution from near-enslavement to enlightenment through heartfelt letters to God and her long-lost missionary sister. With a jubilant score of roof-raising gospel, jazz, and throaty blues, The Color Purple is the tale of an everywoman triumphing over adversity, and a testament to the power of hope.

 

Nate JacobsNate's Notes

"I found the message of this musical to be uplifting: Despite what others may say about you or do to you, you can find love, hope, and happiness if you listen to your own voice and believe that you are important, that you matter!" -Nate Jacobs

James Harkness, DirectorDirector’s Note

"When I was approached with the opportunity to direct this production of The Color Purple, I was both overjoyed and overwhelmed. What a responsibility! This story is beloved by so many people, the worry of delivering it faithfully was staring me in the face. Also having been a part of both the world premiere in Atlanta and the original Broadway cast, carrying that legacy is daunting. But there was no way I was going to say no to such a wonderfully challenging opportunity! I am so happy that this story is still being told, still touching and changing people’s lives, which is what we want art, literature and theater to do. It is an important story of hope, self-discovery, love and the need of it, and family. The importance of these things is what we all face daily, sometimes successfully and many times not. I feel we can all find parts of ourselves mirrored in each of these characters, and in watching their struggles and triumphs, and hopefully find some insight or at least a moment of joy. Getting to share this story at WBTT is quite wonderful because I feel that like Celie, WBTT has had tumultuous, yet rewarding, journey to eventually standing on its own feet. Now it faces an incredible and bright future of growth and discovery. I am honored and humbled to be involved in this presentation and I hope you enjoy the piece." -James Harkness, Director

 
VIDEO: See excerpts from The Color Purple!

 

CAST AND CREATIVE

KAYLA ROSE AIMABLE (Glodene/Olivia/ Female Dance Ensemble)

PROMISE BEACHEM (Young Nettie/Girl/Olinka Child)

DEVON BUCHANAN (Buster/Young Man/Dance Captain)

APPHIA CAMPBELL (Celie)

JEFFERY CASON, JR. (Pa/Guard/Adam/Male Dance Ensemble)

EARLEY DEAN (Bartender/Grady)

LADARIUS DRAYTON (Young Harpo/Young Adam)

DEIDRA GRACE (Church Lady-Jarene/Royal Wife/African Wife)

JANIAH GREGORY (Young Celie/Girl/Young Olivia/Olinka Child)

TARRA CONNER JONES (Church Soloist/Darlene/Royal Wife/African Wife)

JOEL PATRICK KING (Harpo)

NEYCE PIERRE (Shug)

KHADIJAH ROLLE (Nettie)

CHAKARA ROSA (Daisy/Odessa/Female Dance Ensemble)

DAMETRIA "DEE" SELMORE (Sofia)

XYLINA STAMPER (Squeak)

TIERRA A. WALKER (Church Lady-Doris/ Royal Wife/African Wife)

CECIL E. WASHINGTON, JR. (Mister)

JAMES HARKNESS (Director)

JOHN BRONSTON (Music Director)