Rehearsals for Park Square Theatre's THE COLOR PURPLE Begin Next Week

Park Square Theatre will produce the musical The Color Purple featuring a cast of 20 actors, a live orchestra, and some of the finest talent in the Twin Cities on its Proscenium Stage January 16 - February 15, 2015.

One of America's most beloved films and novels, Alice Walker's inspiring saga comes to the stage with a rousing score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues. All her life, "Po' chile" Celie has known only hardship and cruelty. Twice pregnant by her abusive father, she is married off at the age of 14 to a callous local farmer. Her sole joy in the world is the letters she receives from her sister Nettie. But when sassy nightclub singer Shug Avery comes to town, Celie's awakening, emotional and otherwise, promises to lead her to healing and joy. With a jubilant score of roof-raising gospel, jazz and throaty blues, The Color Purple is the tale of an everywoman triumphing over adversity, and, through surprising discoveries of love, finds her own voice in the world. The Color Purple is a testament to the power of hope and a celebration of the loved ones we never leave behind.

The Color Purple will feature some of the finest talent in the Twin Cities. The cast features Aimee K. Bryant* as Celie and Regina Marie Williams* as nightclub singer Shug Avery. Thomasina Petrus* plays the role of Sophia (the role Oprah Winfrey played in the film). Additional cast members include: Jamecia Bennett (Church Soloist/Chorus/Ensemble), Ginger Commodore (Trio), Ryan Colbert (Ensemble), Irene Griffin (Trio), Shirley Marie Graham (Trio), Jamaica Meyer (Nettie), Reginald D. Haney (Buster), T. Mychael Rambo* (Mister), Dennis Spears* (Pa/Old Man/Chief), Joetta Wright (Squeak), Kasono Mwanza* (Ensemble), Rodney Fair (Pa/Piano Player/Chorus), Daonna Lewis (Ensemble), and Andre Miles and Rylee F. Armstrong (children). The role of Harpo is yet to be cast,

*Member, Actors Equity Association

The Color Purple production team includes Lewis E. Whitlock III (Director), Rev. Carl Walker (Musical Director), Denise Prosek (Arrangements), Trevor D. Bowen (Costume Designer), C. Andrew Mayer (Sound Designer), Mike P. Kittel (Light Designer), Abbee Warmboe (Props Designer), Seitu Jones** (Set Designer), Andrea Moriarity-Dahlberg (Wig Designer).

**USA, United Scenic Artists ***SDC, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Performance Schedule: Seven preview performances will be held on Friday, January 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, January 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. (bargain preview at $0.99); Wednesday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. January 23 is Opening Night, and the regular run continues through February 15. Six student matinees will be performed on Tuesday, January 27; Wednesday, January 28; Wednesday, February 4; Tuesday, February 10; Wednesday, February 11; and Friday, February 13. Show times are 7:30 p.m.; Saturday performances are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. All performances are in the company's 350-seat Proscenium Stage in Saint Paul's historic Hamm Building, 408 St. Peter St.

Ticket prices: Previews: $35 and $45. Regular Run: $48 and $68. A $2 facility fee will be added to each ticket to help maintain Park Square's two stages. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square box office, 20 W. Seventh Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org

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