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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

“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.

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

View Photos on Flickr

Preview image for Reviews of "The Color Purple"

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

Preview image for Beyond the Production: "The Color Purple"

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.

Preview image for From Page to Stage: "The Color Purple"

From Page to Stage: "The Color Purple"

Explore Alice Walker's The Color Purple and the transformation from page to stage. 

Preview image for "The Color Purple" in Rehearsal

"The Color Purple" in Rehearsal

Check out photos of The Color Purple cast rehearsing the first number of Act II, "African Homeland."

Preview image for A Snapshot Look at Alice Walker's "The Color Purple"

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.

Preview image for "The Color Purple" Cast and Creative Team

"The Color Purple" Cast and Creative Team

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

Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).

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Show Sponsors

2018-2019 Season Superstars

2018-2019 Season Supporting Sponsors