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Playhouse on the Square to Present THE COLOR PURPLE, 6/21-7/14

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This musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is the story of Celie, a downtrodden young woman who, through love, finds strength and her own unique voice despite a lifetime of abuse and adversity. With a score filled with jazz, ragtime, blues and gospel, The Color Purple is a celebration of the healing power of love and the human will to persevere. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2006 including Best Musical and Best Original Score.

The Color Purple is directed by Tony Horne (No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs; Crumbs from the Table of Joy; Purlie) and choreographed by Emma Crystal (Sophisticated Ladies). Resident Company Member Claire D. Kolheim (Ragtime; In the Next Room) stars as Celie with visiting artist Crystin Gilmore (Black Pearl Sings; It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues) as Shug. AJ Bernard (Hairspray; Ragtime) is featured as Harpo. Jerry Rogers (Mister), Dominique Duarte (Nettie) and Valerie Houston (Sophia) make their Playhouse on the Square debuts.

The Color Purple runs June 21 - July 14 at Playhouse on the Square Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. The Pay What You Can performance is Thursday, June 27th at 8pm. There is no performance on July 4th. Playhouse on the Square is located at 66 S. Cooper Street. For more information or to make reservations, please call 901-726-4656 or purchase tickets online at playhouseonthesquare.org.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Sound Design - Top 3
1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys
36.2% of votes
2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
10.7% of votes
3. Kai Harada - Ragtime
7.2% of votes

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