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. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. With a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, The Color Purple premiered at the Alliance Theatre Company in Atlanta, Georgia and opened on Broadway on November 1, 2005. It was nominated for eleven 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. The London off-West End production opened on Broadway in 2015, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
Orchestration:
Piano-Conductor (Keyboard 1)
Keyboard 2 (Keyboard, Shaker)
Reed 1 (Alto Sax, Clarinet, Flute)
Reed 2 (Bari Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax)
Trumpet (Trumpet, Flugelhorn)
Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Dobro, Harmonica)
Bass (Acoustic, Electric)
Drums (Drum Set, Tambourine, Triangle, Vibraphone, Cowbell, Shaker, Djembe, Rainstick, Ankle Bones, Xylophone, Mark Tree)
