The cast of Signature Theatre's The Color Purple is here! Starring Nova Y. Payton, Danielle J. Summons, and Frenchie Davis, performances are set to run August 16–October 9 at MAX Theatre in Arlington, Virginia.
In the video above, watch Payton and the ensemble sing the reprise of Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray's title song from the popular musical.
Timothy Douglas directs the production with Payton as Celie, Summons as Shug Avery, and Davis as Sofia. The cast also features Kaiyla Gross as Nettie, Stephawn P. Stephens as Ol’ Mister/Preacher, Solomon Parker III as Harpo, Tẹmídayọ Amay as Squeak, and Torrey Linder as Mister, with ensemble members Ian Anthony Coleman, Jalisa Williams, Keenan McCarter, Nia Savoy-Dock, Raquel Jennings, Sean-Maurice Lynch, Tobias A. Young, and Yewande Odetoyinbo. Swings include Catrina Brenae, Gabrielle Rice, and Jay Frisby.
The production will also have scenic design by Tony Cisek, costume design by Kara Harmon, lighting design by Peter Maradudin, sound design by Ryan Hickey, and hair, wig, and make-up design by J. Jared Janas.
The Color Purple features a book by Marsha Norman, adapted from the novel by Alice Walker and the Steven Spielberg-directed movie of the same name. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and was revived a decade later. The revival received Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Cynthia Erivo’s performance as Celie as well as nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best Direction. The Color Purple also won the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Warner Bros.' feature film adaptation of the The Color Purple musical is slated to hit theatres December 20, 2023.
For more information, visit SigTheatre.org.