The Color Purple at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Since it was first published in 1982, Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been widely regarded as a powerful touchstone of modern American culture. Its popularity was further bolstered by Steven Speilberg’s acclaimed 1985 film adaptation, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. Charting the life-affirming and courageous story of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation, we’re thrilled that an acclaimed and deeply moving musical theatre adaptation of The Color Purple will be performed on The Lowry‘s stage this autumn.
An acclaimed and deeply moving musical theatre adaptation.
When it first premiered in 2019, the Leicester Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome co-production received an incredible response from critics and theatre-goers alike. Winning the What’s On Stage Award for Best Regional Production, the show was hailed a “musical with heart, spirit and soul” and “a celebration of community and female empowerment” by The Guardian. However, this previous run only saw the production performed in London, Leicester and Birmingham – needless to say, we thought that this bold, spirited and beautiful show should be on your radar when it makes its way further north to Salford on its 2022 UK tour.
Adapted for the stage by Tony-award-winning playwright Marsha Norman with songs by Grammy award-winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, The Color Purple tells the story of one girl’s survival against all odds. Abused and oppressed throughout her youth, Celie sets off on a path to discover the power and joy of her own spirit. Through despair, anguish and hope – freeing herself from her past and reuniting with those she loves – Celie learns to love herself.
Directed by Tinuke Craig, The Color Purple features a jaw-droppingly talented cast. Leading the company as the downtrodden but full-hearted heroine Celie is Me’sha Bryan alongside Bree Smith (previously seen in Hope Mill’s The Wiz) as glamorous singer Shug Avery; Aaliyah Zhané will play Celie’s sister Nettie and the show will also feature Ahmed Hamad as Harpo and Jimand Allotey as Squeak, as well as several cast members from the original award-winning show: Ako Mitchell, Anelisa Lamola, KM Drew Boateng, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah and Karen Mavundukure.
A celebration of female empowerment and finding the strength to stand up for who you are.
With an evocative and soulful score that draws on jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, The Color Purple is a celebration of female empowerment and finding the strength to stand up for who you are and what you believe is right. Don’t miss out.
