The Color Purple
Raise your voice. Make a joyful noise.
“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)
The Color Purple
- 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
Reviews of "The Color Purple"
"You're rattled joyously to your marrow — and elevated to an uncharted level of hope. This is much more than a showstopping number. It's a moment of shared grace." - The Oregonian
Beyond the Production: "The Color Purple"
Explore additional reading materials and get a behind-the-scenes look at the design elements of The Color Purple.
From Page to Stage: "The Color Purple"
Explore Alice Walker's The Color Purple and the transformation from page to stage.
"The Color Purple" in Rehearsal
Check out photos of The Color Purple cast rehearsing the first number of Act II, "African Homeland."
A Snapshot Look at Alice Walker's "The Color Purple"
From a bestselling novel to the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation, explore Alice Walker's The Color Purple.
"The Color Purple" Cast and Creative Team
Meet the incredible cast and creative team behind The Color Purple.
Current & Upcoming
Productive Discomfort: On Casting
This in-depth conversation delves into the changing face of casting in today’s theater, with PCS Associate Artistic Director Chip Miller and actor/writer Ayanna Berkshire.
Monthly Drop-in Improvisation Class for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, this once-a-month improv class will set you on the path to success! (One of four sessions.)
Live Music: Discovery Fest
Join us for a special afternoon concert and showcase of local Portland artists called Discovery Fest. The lineup will feature a range of genres and artists including rapper Young Shirt Mayne, space funk band Dreckig, rock band B^GG^GE, plus special guests Jan Julius and Veana Baby.
Monthly Drop-in Urban Jazz Dance Class with Noelle Simone
Urban Jazz dance technique is a fusion of: Jazz, Hip-hop, Horton*, Graham, Ballet, and Voguing. Originated in Chicago Illinois by Mr. Joel Hall, owner of the Joel Hall Dancers and Center. Urban Jazz focuses on isolations, rhythm, and soul, fused with the lively energy of the Chicago streets. All levels are welcome! (One of four sessions.)
Drop-in Writing Workshop for BIPOC Writers with Anya Pearson
One of four Fall 2021 workshops for BIPOC writers designed to help generate new material, refine existing drafts, or simply discover the permission to call yourself a writer. Join one or more of these monthly drop-in sessions, where we will gather in person to write together, bounce ideas off each other, share our work in progress, and hold space for the fullness of who we are.
October First Thursday with Pablo Rivarola
Join us in October for a First Thursday event featuring live music from the Pablo Rivarola Trio. Pablo (trumpet player, composer, pianist, and bandleader) will be joined by drummer Nick Morrison and keyboard player Anderson Donley. Complimentary beer from our partners at Deschutes Brewery!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Show Sponsors
2018-2019 Superstars
2018-2019 Supporting Sponsors
