The Color Purple - Chicago

The National Tour of the Broadway smash hit musical is getting closer to making its Chicago debut. The Color Purple will begin the casting process in Chicago July 14 – 18 for the Tony Award nominated show, which will kick off at the Cadillac Palace Theatre April 17, 2007. This long-run engagement will have an initial block of tickets on sale through June 2007, and the Chicago run will be followed by engagements in other major cities across the country.

A native of Chicago, director Gary Griffin says, “I have first-hand experience with the rich talent pool that Chicago affords the theatrical community.  It is only fitting that the casting process begins here.  The Broadway production features many artists with Chicago roots, including the Tony-nominated Felicia Fields and Music Supervisor Kevin Stites.” 

The Color Purple opened on Broadway on December 1, 2005, at the Broadway Theatre and received 11 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical.  The Color Purple features a book 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. The original creative team of John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (Music Supervisor) has been reunited for the tour.

Scott Sanders, Lead Producer of The Color Purple, stated “I am thrilled to bring this joyful and uplifting theatrical experience to audiences in Chicago and across the country.” “We are extremely excited to have The Color Purple come to Chicago first. We consider this to be one of Chicago’s own with Gary Griffin and, of course, Oprah Winfrey involved. As Chicago becomes more and more a first stop destination for Broadway, we are thrilled that The Color Purple follows in the footsteps of such blockbuster hit shows as Monty Python’s Spamalot and Wicked," said Lou Raizin, President, Broadway In Chicago.

The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Tickets are on sale now for groups of 15 or more and with the purchase of a season ticket subscription package.  The Color Purple is part of the 2006-2007 Broadway In Chicago Season Series on sale now.   For more information, go to www.BroadwayInChicago.com.