THE COLOR PURPLE Closes Theatre Charlotte's 98th Season

Theatre Charlotte has announced its final production of Season 98, The Color Purple, running May 8-24. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, this deeply moving musical brings an unforgettable story of resilience, healing, and self-discovery to the stage.

Directed by Corey Mitchell, with music direction by Charlene Miranda Corbett and choreography by Stacy Dagge, The Color Purple features a cast of 23 local artists in a production that promises both emotional depth and musical brilliance.

Set in the American South in the early 20th century, the story follows Celie, a young Black woman whose life is shaped by hardship, separation, and injustice. Through it all, she embarks on a transformative journey-discovering her voice, reclaiming her identity, and finding strength in the power of love. With a soul-stirring score rooted in jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues, the musical brings new life to a beloved story.

The cast is led by Keston Gary as Celie, alongside Chanel Abreu as Nettie, Arnold Grevious as Pa, Rahman Williams as Mister, Nehemiah Lawson as Harpo, Germôna Sharp as Sofia, and K. Alana Jones as Shug Avery.

Director Corey Mitchell is the Founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Gap Initiative and the inaugural recipient of the Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education. He also spent 20 years as a Theatre Arts Educator at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte.

When asked what audiences should expect, Mitchell shared, "You are in for a beautiful story about perseverance and fortitude." He adds that above all, this is a "show about love."