THE COLOR PURPLE Comes To The Stage In Austin 1/12-17/2010

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Austin will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for eight performances, January 12-17. Presented by H-E-B Broadway Across America-Austin, tickets for THE COLOR PURPLE are available at the Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin's Bass Concert Hall box office, or by calling (512) 477-6060.

Nominated for eleven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE COLOR PURPLE opened on December 1, 2005 at the Broadway Theatre where it ran for over two record-breaking years. It is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is about hope and the healing power of love.

Michael Kuchwara, the Associated Press described THE COLOR PURPLE as "a Roof-Raising story of triumph." And Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine said, "[it is] a soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart." Elysa Gardner from USA Today raved, "Pure heart! It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!"

As on Broadway, the first North American Tour of THE COLOR PURPLE is directed by Gary Griffin. THE COLOR PURPLE features a libretto 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 Tony Award®-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award®-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (Music Supervisor) was reunited for the tour.

The first North American Tour is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich and Todd Johnson.

The original cast recording is available on EMI/Angel Records, and THE COLOR PURPLE: A Memory Book of the Broadway Musical (Avalon/Carroll & Graf) is available in bookstores now. Ariel Investments is a proud sponsor of THE COLOR PURPLE.

Join our social community! For up-to-the-minute news including videos, news articles, photos, and more visit H-E-B Broadway Across America-Austin on Facebook and Twitter.com/baaaustin.

Starting at $19.50, tickets are available at the following authorized outlets: Texas Box Office Outlets, by phone at (512) 477-6060 or online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Groups of 20 or more, call 1 -877-275-3804 or e-mail Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.

CALENDAR LISTING:
January 12-17 - H-E-B Broadway Across America - Austin presents THE COLOR PURPLE at Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin's Bass Concert Hall. Performances are Tuesday - Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Starting at $19.50, tickets are available at the following authorized outlets: Texas Box Office Outlets, including HEB at (512) 477-6060 or online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Groups of 20 or more, call 1-877-275-3804 or e-mail Austin.Groups@BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Broadway Across America is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced the Broadway productions of HAIR, WEST SIDE STORY and Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS. Upcoming productions include MINSKY'S, PROMISES, PROMISES, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and the West End production of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. Touring productions include Nickelodeon's STORYTIME ADVENTURES featuring Dora the Explorer and DREAMGIRLS. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.