A Pulitzer Prize. A National Book Award. 11 Academy Award Nominations. Four Golden Globe Nominations. Three Tony Awards. Few stories have had the cultural significance and lasting power of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple.
Beloved by audiences worldwide, The Color Purple traces one woman’s fraught journey towards freedom and self-love. It begins with 14-year-old Celie Harris, pregnant with her second child and the victim of unspeakable cruelty at the hands of her male family members. As she comes of age, her babies are taken from her, she is married off to an abusive husband, and her sister runs away, leaving Celie gut-wrenchingly alone, spirit broken.
Step by tiny step — and with the help of two courageous Black women — our hero rises up, gains her independence, and rebuilds her life from scratch.
The musical adaptation of The Color Purple features awe-inspiring soul, gospel, jazz, and blues vocals underpinned by raw dialogue and a masterful plot. It is a triumphant, uplifting piece of art that reaffirms some fundamental truths: that Black is beautiful, that women are powerful, and that love is love.
“A glory to behold!”
– The New York Times Critic’s Pick
Read the latest reviews
“Gorgeous and timely! Director Timothy Douglas and his exquisite cast and crew bring grace, grit and hope to The Color Purple. The DCPA production makes it easy to feel awash with theatergoer gratitude.” — The Denver Post
“You haven’t lived until you’ve caught The Color Purple. Simply outstanding! Intimate, but also sweeping. This is why we go to the theatre. Do yourself a favor, get tickets.” — Chris Parente (KWGN Denver)
“In so many words, this production is incredible. Where to even start with this cast? They all came to slay.” — BroadwayWorld
Meet the Cast
Creative Team
Directed by Timothy Douglas | Choreography by Dane Figueroa Edidi | Music Direction/Conducting by S. Renee Clark | Scenic Design by Tony Cisek | Costume Design by Trevor Bowen | Lighting Design by Peter Maradudin | Sound Design by Ken Travis | Fight Direction by Geoffrey Kent and Samantha Egle | Intimacy Choreography by Greg Geffrard | Casting by Grady Soapes, CSA and Binder Casting | Production Management by Matthew Campbell | Associate Music Direction by Dan Graeber | Assistant Direction by Mykai Eastman | Stage Management by Corin Davidson, Nick Nyquist and Malia Stoner | Stage Management Apprentice Nia Pitts
The Color Purple
Based Upon the Novel Written by Alice Walker and The Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis & Stephen Bray
Directed by Timothy Douglas
Choreography by Dane Figueroa Edidi
Music Direction/Conducting by S. Renee Clark
THE COLOR PURPLE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. http://www.theatricalrights.com
Premiere Sponsor:
The Flagg Family
Spotlight Sponsors:
Sustainer Society
Singleton Family Foundation
Supporting Sponsors:
LEARN MORE
Type: Musical, Drama
Intermission: Yes
EXPLORE MORE
Read the latest from our News Center
Thank You to Our Generous Season Sponsors
Additional support provided by
Support the DCPA Today!
Our stories reflect your life. Our artists are your neighbors. And your children are our future. Invest in the life-changing power of theatre with a donation to the DCPA!
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Be the first to hear about our shows and promotions