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Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Brothers/Amblin Entertainment film

A teenager gives birth to two of her father's children and then is married off to a man who sought her sister. The man convinces the sisters' father to separate the two and makes sure they never communicate by intercepting letters between them. Abused and alone, the heroine struggles to find her identity and love.

Original

LaChanze, who won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of "Celie" in the Broadway musical The Color Purple from its opening in 2005 to November 2006, has had a distinguished and varied career in theater. more...
(Swing)
Eric L. Christian, known for his extensive Broadway experience, previously graced the stage in The Color Purple, adding to his impressive list of credits including Evita, South Pacific, Cry Baby, Hairspray, The Lion King, and Chicago. more...
(Swing)
Bobby Daye, who has an impressive Broadway resume including roles in The Color Purple, is currently performing in the Ensemble of Moulin Rouge. more...

Renee Elise Goldsberry, who originated the role of Nettie Harris in the original Broadway cast of The Color Purple from November 2005 to January 2006, is also renowned for her Tony Award-winning performance as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. more...

James Harkness, who previously graced the stage in The Color Purple, brings his multifaceted talent as an actor, choreographer, and songwriter to every performance, including his recent role in Ain't Too Proud the Life and Times of the Temptations. more...

Kingsley Leggs, who originated the role of Mister in the 2005 Broadway production of The Color Purple, has a distinguished career that includes notable performances in Sister Act and Miss Saigon, as well as numerous national and international tours. more...

Kenita R. Miller, who previously captivated audiences as Celie in The Color Purple, has an impressive array of credits including Broadway roles in Come From Away and Once On This Island, as well as notable Off-Broadway performances and television appearances. more...

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes made a stunning Broadway debut in the 2005 production of The Color Purple, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Shug Avery, a blues singer who profoundly influences the life of the protagonist, Celie. more...

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Awards and Nominations


2006 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Outstanding Actress in a Musical: La Chanze was nominated but did not win.
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical: Elisabeth Withers-Mendes was nominated but did not win.

2006 Tony Awards
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Brandon Victor Dixon was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Felicia P. Fields was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Elisabeth Withers-Mendes was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: LaChanze won.

Production Team

Jonathan Tunick Orchestrator
Angelina Avallone Make-Up Designer
John Lee Beatty Scenic Designer
Donald Byrd Choreographer
Gary Griffin Director
Charles G. LaPointe Hair Designer
Brian MacDevitt Lighting Designer
Paul Tazewell Costume Designer
Linda Twine Musical Director
Jon Weston Sound Designer
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