Cast Announced Australasian Premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE

rom Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning bestselling novel and Stephen Spielberg's Oscar-nominated film comes the Australasian premiere of this breathtaking Tony Award winning stage musical at Chapel off Chapel, Thursday 13 October until Sunday 6 November 2016.

Spanning four decades and three continents, The Color Purple chronicles the life of Celie, a battered and downtrodden African-American woman.

The Color Purple will star an all-Australian cast with Melbourne's own Jayme-Lee Hanekom (Disney's The Lion King, In The Heights) headlining in the role of Celie.

She will be joined by Thando Sikwila (The Voice, Dreamgirls) as Shug Avery; Anna Francesca Armenia (In The Heights, Dreamgirls) as Nettie; Kendrew A. Heriveaux

(Requiem and Messiah New York) as Mister, Iopu Auva'a (Hair, Dreamgirls) as Harpo and Vanessa Menjivar (Dreamgirls) as Sofia, the role that propelled Oprah Winfrey to stardom.

Joining the cast will be Zenya Carmellotti - Squeak, Noelani Petero - Doris/Church Soloist, Anisha Senaratne - Jarene, Sasha Hennequin - Darlene, Joti Gore - Preacher, Augestine Tchantcho - Pa/Ole Mister, Guillaume Gentil - Grady, Gideon Wilonja - Adam, and Tsungirai Wachenuka - Olivia. Rounding out the cast will be off stage vocalists, Gina Mets, Casey Withoos, AaRon Taylor and Benjaman Samuel.

Directed by Robbie Carmellotti (Hair, Saturday Night Fever), this awe inspiring saga tells Celie's unforgettable story of overcoming adversity; a heartening tale that is a testament to the healing power of love and faith. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including: Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. The current Broadway production won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

StageArt, lead by Katherine Armstrong and Robbie Carmellotti, continues to produce groundbreaking musicals that are rarely seen on Australian stages. Presenting The Color Purple continues their passion for providing a platform for culturally diverse performers and works.

StageArt presents The Color Purple, Thursday 13 October until Sunday 6 November 2016 at Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran. Bookings: 8290 7000. www.chapeloffchapel.com.au