Trisha Jeffrey and More to Star in Mercury Theater Chicago's THE COLOR PURPLE, 8/14-10/27

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N Southport Ave., presents the Broadway musical THE COLOR PURPLE, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, previewing August 14, opening Monday, August 26 at 7:30p.m., and running through October 27, 2013. THE COLOR PURPLE stars Trisha Jeffrey (Broadway's Rent, All Shook Up, and Little Shop of Horrors and the first National Tour of Sister Act) as 'Celie,' JaSondra Johnson (Crowns at Goodman Theatre) as 'Sophia,' and Adrienne Walker (Marriott Theatre'sDreamgirls) as 'Shug.' This highly anticipated production is led by multiple Jeff Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), and Brenda Didier (Choreographer).

Spanning four decades and two continents, THE COLOR PURPLE is an epic, profoundly uplifting family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous Grammy-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a hopeful testament to the healing power of love and a triumphant celebration of life.

Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, THE COLOR PURPLE opened in 2005 at the Broadway Theatre where it ran for over two record-breaking years. This musical was 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.

The New York Times hailed THE COLOR PURPLE as "Inspirational!;" Time Magazine said, "It is a soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart." USA Today raved, "Pure heart. It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, a Broadway hit!" and The Chicago Tribune called it ""A very honest representation of the soul of Alice Walker's beloved book."

THE COLOR PURPLE also stars Keithon Gipson as 'Mister,' Cortez Johnson as 'Ol' Mister,' and Evan Tyrone Martin (BoHo Theatre'sSpider Woman) as 'Harpo.' The ensemble includes Carrie Louise Abernathy, Sydney Charles, Aaron Holland, Donterrio Johnson, Donica Lynn, Katrina V. Miller, Travis Porchia, Ninah Snipes and Crystal Wood.

The musical is brought to vivid life on stage with a set designed by Robert Knuth (former artistic director of Circle Theater), costume design by Frances Maggio, lighting design by JaRed Moore and sound design by Mike Ross.

THE COLOR PURPLE runs from August 14 through October 27, 2013. The press opening is Monday, August 26 at 7:30p.m. The performance schedule is: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.and Sundays at 2 p.m. Group discounts of up to 50% are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Tami at Group Theater Tix at312.423.6612 or 866.809.3075. Individual tickets range from $22-$59, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

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