MACON – “The Color Purple,” a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, will visit The Grand Opera House on Tuesday-Wednesday, May 3-4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-$49 and can be purchased through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or Online at www.TheGrandMacon.com.
“The Color Purple” is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, 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 about hope and the healing power of love.
Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press described the musical as “a Roof-Raising story of triumph.” And Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine said it is “a soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart.” Elysa Gardner from USA Today raved, “Pure heart! It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!”
“The Color Purple” is directed by Gary Griffin and features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award®-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. Rounding out the creative team are Tony Award®-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award®-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Craig Cassidy (sound design), Steven M. Bishop (Orchestrations/Arrangements), and Jasper Grant (Music Director).
This production of “The Color Purple” is produced by Phoenix Entertainment, Joyful Noisemakers LLC, led by Stephen Kane and Michael McFadden, and is the next phase in the life of the ground-breaking Broadway hit musical produced by Scott Sanders. The original Broadway musical opened on Dec. 1, 2005, and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. “The Color Purple” ran for more than two years on Broadway, followed by a three-year national tour.
Kane and McFadden have long been principal partners of Phoenix Entertainment and collectively share theatrical touring credits spanning nearly three decades on four continents. Their production repertoire includes: “Grease” starring Frankie Avalon, “The Will Rogers Follies” starring Larry Gatlin, ”The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Gypsy,” “Man of La Mancha,” “The Pajama Game,” “Fame,” “Godspell,” “The Vagina Monologues,” “The King & I,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Buddy,” “Ring of Fire” and “Late Nite Catechism,” among others.
The Grand Opera House
A performing arts center of Mercer University, The Grand Opera House is a historic 1,000-seat theatre located at 651 Mulberry St. in downtown Macon, Ga. The Grand brings the very best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to Central Georgia. In addition to its popular Broadway Series of nationally-touring productions and its GrandKids Arts Education Series for elementary, middle and high school students, The Grand hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. It is also home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra, the Central Georgia Opera Guild and The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances, contact Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or visit www.TheGrandMacon.com.
