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Breakdown
NOTE: “The Color Purple” is based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel. A Steven Spielberg movie version was released in 1985.
SEEKING:
SQUEAK, u/s NETTIE
SQUEAK: African-American female, 20s - 30s. Harpo's lover after Sofia leaves him. Although she is mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. She is of mixed ancestry. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has chutzpah and a caring heart. NETTIE Understudy: African-American female, 20s - 30s. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty, educated. She has a powerful bond with her older sister, Celie. Forced by Mister to leave Celie, she starts a new life in Africa). Needs a commanding actress who also have comic chops and a good singing voice with belt and soprano capability. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
PA, u/s OLD MISTER
PA (Also known as Alphonso): African-American male, 30s-40s. Celie and Nettie’s stepfather who rapes and abuses Celie and gives away her two children. OLD MISTER Understudy: Mister’s father. He owns the farmland on which Mister works and lives with Celie and his children. Old Mister is a mean-spirited, selfish man who disapproves of his son). Needs a commanding actor with a fantastic high baritone singing voice. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
CHURCH LADY, u/s SHUG
CHURCH LADY: Female, African-American, 30s - 40s. A trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town. They comment on the action throughout the show. SHUG Understudy: African-American female 30s-40. A popular singer, we meet her at death’s door. Comfortable in her sexuality, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Her vulnerability is shocking later on. She is loved by both Celie and Mister. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
BUSTER
Male, African-American, 20s - 30s. Appearance of a boxer. Sense of comedy. Small singing role. Very much part of the Ensemble.
PREACHER, u/s MISTER
PREACHER Male, African-American, late 40s. MISTER Understudy: Also known as Albert. Male, African-American, late 40s. Handsome, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in love with Shug. He transforms to a kind man by the end of the story). FEATURED ENSEMBLE.
ADAM
Male, African-American, 20s. Celie's son grown up. No text. This track will also cover a principal role. Must be a fantastic actor who sings very well. ENSEMBLE
OLD MISTER, u/s PA
OLD MISTER: Male, African-American, late 40s. Mister’s father. He owns the farmland on which Mister works and lives with Celie and his children. Old Mister is a mean-spirited, selfish man who disapproves of his son. PA Understudy (Also known as Alphonso): Celie and Nettie’s stepfather who rapes and abuses Celie and gives away her two children). Needs a commanding actor with a fantastic high baritone singing voice. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
GRADY, u/s HARPO
GRADY: Male, African-American, 20s - 30s. HARPO Understudy: Male, African-American, 20s - 30s. Mister’s vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia. He spends much time trying to get Sofia to obey him the way Celie obeys his father, but he is unsuccessful, as Sofia is considerably stronger than he is. Harpo eventually establishes a jukejoint in his first house and becomes Squeak’s lover. Later, he and Sofia reconcile. Through his love of Sofia, he learns how to love a woman. Must have a great baritenor voice. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
OLIVIA
Female, African-American, 20s. Celie's daughter grown up. No text. This track will also cover a principal role. Must be a fantastic actor who sings very well. ENSEMBLE
CHURCH LADY, u/s CELIE
CHURCH LADY: Female, African-American, early 20s - mid 30s. Part of a trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town. They comment on the action throughout the show. CELIE Understudy: Female, African-American, early 20s - mid 30s. Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but really not, has a deep, hard soul, believes that she is ugly, has a sense of humor which is sometimes wicked. She is an observer. Her eyes are very telling. Eventually breaks away from a life of mistreatment and finds love and independence. Needs a great belt singing voice with lots of soul. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
CHURCH LADY, u/s SOFIA
CHURCH LADY: Female, African-American, early 30s - mid 40s. Part of a trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town. They comment on the action throughout the show. SOFIA Understudy: Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger but beautiful. Comfortable being large and sexual, knows how to use her sexuality, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. FEATURED ENSEMBLE
FEMALE SWING #1
Female, African-American, 20s – 30s. This track covers the onstage ensemble and possibly a featured or principal role. Must be a fantastic actress who sings very well. ENSEMBLE
FEMALE SWING #2
Female, African-American, 30s – 40s. This track covers the onstage ensemble and possibly a featured or principal role. Must be a fantastic actress who sings very well. ENSEMBLE
MALE SWING #1
Male, African-American, 20s – 30s. This track covers the onstage ensemble and possibly a featured or principal role. Must be a fantastic actor who sings very well. ENSEMBLE
MALE SWING #2
Male, African-American, 30s – 40s. This track covers the onstage ensemble and possibly a featured or principal role. Must be a fantastic actor who sings very well. ENSEMBLE
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