How well do you know *The Color Purple* musical? This acclaimed production, based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel and the 1985 film, has captivated audiences worldwide since its Broadway debut in 2005. Test your knowledge of its historic runs, Tony Award winnings, and star-studded cast, including Oprah Winfrey as producer and Fantasia Barrino in the lead role. Discover fascinating trivia that traces the journey from stage to screen, as well as memorable moments from its 2023 film adaptation.
Adaptations
- Danielle Brooks, known for her stage performance as Sofia, reprised her role in the 2023 film adaptation of 'The Color Purple'.
- Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay for the 2023 film adaptation of 'The Color Purple', which was directed by Blitz Bazawule, known for 'Black is King'.
- The 2023 film adaptation of 'The Color Purple' features a debut acting performance by singer-songwriter H.E.R. as Squeak.
- A film adaptation of The Color Purple musical was released on December 25, 2023.
- Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Scott Sanders, and Oprah Winfrey, who were involved in the original 1985 film adaptation, returned to produce the 2023 film adaptation of 'The Color Purple'.
International Productions
- The production in Rio de Janeiro ran from September 6 to November 3, 2019 before moving to São Paulo from December 6, 2019, to February 16, 2020, and was directed by Tadeu Aguiar.
- The 2024 London production of 'The Color Purple' by the Sedos is believed to be the first fully staged amateur production in the UK.
- The first international production of The Color Purple took place in London at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013, directed by John Doyle.
Musical Composition
- The music and lyrics for The Color Purple musical are by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray.
Notable Tours
- Fantasia Barrino, first American Idol winner to perform on Broadway, played Celie in the original Broadway production and reprised her role for the 2010 National tour and the 2023 film.
Production Facts
- Celebrity producer Oprah Winfrey, along with Quincy Jones, were producers for the original Broadway run of the musical.
- The Color Purple musical is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and its 1985 film adaptation.
- The Broadway production of The Color Purple managed to recoup its $11 million investment within just its first year.
- During the 2015 Broadway revival, the role of Shug Avery saw multiple cast changes, moving from Jennifer Hudson to Heather Headley, and then to Jennifer Holliday.
- The 2015 revival of 'The Color Purple' was noted for its more streamlined and modest production compared to its original, with critics highlighting its powerful performances.
- The Color Purple was first workshopped in 2004 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.
- A revival of The Color Purple on Broadway opened in late 2015 and concluded in early 2017, winning two Tony Awards in 2016, including Best Revival of a Musical.
- The original Broadway production of The Color Purple ran from 2005 to 2008, and received eleven Tony Award nominations in 2006.
