ABOUT THE SHOW: The Color PurpLE
he 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. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. With a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of The Color Purple is a West Michigan community theatre premiere.
RATED: PG-13 due to some violence including domestic abuse, adult language, use of alcohol, and sexual situations.
The Color Purple is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by TRW.
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES
April 18 – May 4, 2025 (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, Saturday May 3 at 2:00pm. No Matinee on Easter Sunday, April 20.)
PRESENTING SPONSOR
The Color Purple is proudly sponsored by Warner Norcross + Judd.
TICKETS
CLICK HERE for tickets.
ACCESSIBLE PROGRAMMING AND RESOURCES
Audio Described and ASL Interpreted Performance with pre-show Touch Tour: Saturday, April 26; Relaxed Environment Performance: Wednesday, April 23; Pick Your Price Wednesday: all Wednesday performances. We believe that all people should experience the thrill, excitement, and storytelling of live theatre. CLICK HERE to see a variety of accessible programs and services based on the needs of our community.
STAGE DOOR DRINKS + LIBATIONS
Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, join us 60 minutes before curtain at both performances to purchase beer, wine, seltzer, and soda in the lower lobby. You can enjoy your drink inside the theatre while you watch the show and return to Stage Door Drinks & Libation during intermission (where applicable)! All beverages from Stage Door Drinks + Libations will come in a reusable souvenir cup! Return with your glass to other Stage Door Drinks & Libations nights throughout the season and get a discount when you re-use your cup.
AUDITION
Friday, February 7, 6-9pm and Saturday, February 8, 4-8pm; Callbacks Monday, February 10, 6-10pm. For details and more information click HERE.
MEET THE CAST
CLICK HERE for the cast list.
MEET THE PRODUCTION STAFF
Director/Choreographer: CHRISTOPHER CHASE CARTER
Music Director: VANESSA ALLEN
Stage Manager: SHANELL HAIGH
VOLUNTEER
CLICK HERE to get involved with the production.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Check back to see how the show is brought to life at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
DIGITAL PLAYBILL
Once the show has opened, you can CLICK HERE to access the show’s Digital Playbill. Why digital and not printed? This decision had many factors that went into it including the reduction of our paper footprint in an effort to be more climate-conscious as well as budgetary restrictions coming out of the pandemic. Digital Playbills remain archived long-term and can be accessed HERE.
MEDIA AND MARKETING
From promotional and production video trailers to local television and radio spots, you’ll find it all here.
For media requests, contact Noddea Skidmore, Director of Marketing and Communications, at n.skidmore@grct.org.
