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The Color Purple

Raise your voice. Make a joyful noise.

September 15 — October 28, 2018

On the U.S. Bank Main Stage
Previews Sep. 15–20 | Opening night Sep. 21
Based upon the novel by Alice Walker
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
Directed by Timothy Douglas
Music Direction by Darius Smith
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“A miracle on Broadway; a glory to behold!” —The New York Times

From Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller comes a powerful, Tony Award-winning musical with a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues. This stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie from the early to mid-20th century in the American south, as she journeys from childhood to womanhood, through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the true power of love and life. With a soul-rousing, Grammy-winning score, The Color Purple is an unforgettable and intensely moving American classic.

Tony Award, Best Revival of a Musical, 2016; Grammy Award, Best Musical Theater Album, 2017

Who's Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.

Playbill:
Explore the Playbill

Run Time: 
Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, including one intermission.  

Note: 
Recommended for ages 14 and up. Contains strong language and adult themes. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production at The Armory.

Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)

Performance Times

Evenings: Tuesdays – Sundays at 7:30 p.m.*
Matinees: Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., Thursdays at noon*

*Schedule may vary for some shows. Please check our season calendar to confirm.

Photos & Artwork

Coming soon!

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Sounds Like Portland featuring Omari Jazz

Sun, Sep 23, 6:30 p.m.  •  FREE

Help us celebrate the relaunch of our music series Sounds Like Portland where we offer free, all ages, pre-show performances by notable Portland musicians from all genres.

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Happy Hour with Y.G.B. Portland

Sun, Sep 16, 6:00 p.m.  •  FREE

In celebration of The Color Purple, we're collaborating with Y.G.B. Portland to bring special performances by Blossom, World Stage Theatre, Darian Anthony Patrick and a DJ set by Lamar Leroy to The Armory for a special Happy Hour.

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Check out photos of The Color Purple cast rehearsing the first number of Act II, "African Homeland," with choreographer Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi.

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From a bestselling novel to the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation, explore Alice Walker's The Color Purple.

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Meet the incredible cast and creative team behind The Color Purple. 

Happy Hour with Timothy Douglas and Guests

Wed, Sep 19, 6:00 p.m.  •  FREE

Join Director Timothy Douglas and cast members of The Color Purple for a Happy Hour about the artistic direction, costuming and other topics centered around his work.

See all news from The Armory …

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