From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark event.

THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who—through love—finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Directed by Gary Griffin, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award— winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy— Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and choreography by Donald Byrd.

> Download the full plot synopsis [257 KB PDF]

"The novel is about helping people see that we are just human beings here. We're really trying to live lives that are fulfilling and happy." — Alice Walker (author)

When producer Scott Sanders first hatched the notion of turning THE COLOR PURPLE into a Broadway show, naysayers had a field day. Sure, the material was rich: Alice Walker's novel was without question ensconced in the American literary canon—it's a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, has sold more than five million copies, and is to this day among the top five most reread books in America...

But some skeptics wondered how musical theater would treat a story arc that spanned four decades and dealt with heavy and serious issues, including spiritual crisis. Others felt that Steven Spielberg’s 1985 cinematic adaptation—with memorable performances by Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey—would overshadow any other attempts at dramatization.

What Scott Sanders knew—and what kept him going through the eight years it took to secure permissions, backing, and a creative team that could produce a show that honored the material—was that music is a way to express emotions that transcend words, and that the message, the heartbeat of Walker's story (much of it rooted in her own family history), sang.

— By Lise Funderburg (author of A Memory Book of The Broadway Musical)

Kimmel Center Media Player Keyword: Purple

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Groups Save 20%*
Treat your friends, family and colleagues to unforgettable entertainment! To book your group today, call 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947, or email groupsales@kimmelcenter.org.

* Discount valid on groups 20 or more. Offer valid on the Tuesday - Thursday and Sunday evening and Wednesday matinee performances, all seats except box seats and premium seats, if paid by April 15, 2008. Performance prices, dates, times, and cast subject to change without notice. Fees apply. ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS OF EXCHANGES.

Slideshow Photo Credits:
THE COLOR PURPLE / First National Tour. All photos by Paul Kolnik.

1. Shug Avery Comin to Town, Keith Byron Kirk (left) and Kimberly Ann Harris (right)
2. The Church Ladies (from left) Lynette DuPree, Virginia Ann Woodruff, Kimberly Ann Harris
3. Push Da Button featuring Grasan Kingsberry and Sumayah McRae
4. Felicia P. Fields (Sofia) and Stephanie St. James (Squeak)
5. Jeannette Bayardelle (Celie) and LaToya London (Nettie)

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