Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Rehearsals for Menier Chocolate Factory's THE COLOR PURPLE

Menier Chocolate Factory presents the European premiere of the landmark musical The Color Purple, which runs from 5 July to 14 September. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the rehearsals below.

With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this European premiere is directed and designed by Tony Award winner John Doyle (Road Show at the Menier Chocolate Factory), adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

The cast will include Cynthia Erivo as Celie (Sister Act: The Musical - UK tour, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg - Gielgud), Nicola Hughes as Shug (Porgy & Bess - Savoy - Olivier nomination for Best Actress in a Musical), Adebayo Bolaji as Harpo (Ghost - Piccadilly) and Abiona Omonua as Nettie (Legally Blonde - Savoy, Hairspray - UK tour). Full casting to follow shortly.

Musical supervision is by Catherine Jayes, musical supervisor and director for the Chocolate Factory's production of Merrily We Roll Along, currently at the Harold Pinter Theatre, and Road Show. Choreography is by Ann Yee, costume design by Matthew Wright, lighting design by Jane Cox and sound design by Gregory Clarke.

Alice Walker is an internationally celebrated author, poet and activist whose books include seven novels, four collections of short stories, four children's books, and volumes of essays and poetry. With The Color Purple, Walker became the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction and the National Book Award.

To purchase tickets please visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com.

THE COLOR PUPLE Rehearsals

THE COLOR PUPLE Rehearsals

THE COLOR PUPLE Rehearsals

THE COLOR PUPLE Rehearsals