Photos by Aaron Sutten
Illustration by Robert Meganck
Archive: The Color Purple
June 20 – August 10, 2014
The Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre
Marjorie Arenstein Stage
at Virginia Rep Center New Free Parking
Based upon the novel written by Alice Walker
And the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Directed by Chase Kniffen
Rave Reviews!
Review: "Virginia Rep’s The Color Purple proves that Richmond can produce Broadway-caliber theater."
"Each of the 32 cast members deserves accolades for the heart, soul and sheer talent poured into this flawless production."
A "soulful and stunning musical
A powerful production
Do not pass by The Color Purple"
"Uplifting and Mesmerizing!"
Read at Richmond Family Magazine, or listen at WCVE
"Extraordinary!
Emotional Journey of Self Discovery."
"This glorious, rousing, moving musical is theatre at its best. DO NOT MISS IT!"
"Works on every level
The singing, the dancing, the acting and the music are all spot on, and each performer is perfectly cast in this technically breathtaking production."
"Must-see musical!
Truly an uplifting experience."
"I cannot recommend this highly enough."
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel
An inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world, this musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.
Read more in the Press Release...
The performance lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes (including intermission.)
Felicia Curry as Celie
Curry is one of the regions most sought after musical theatre performers. She
has performed on stage at many of the nation’s leading regional theatres, including Arena Stage,
Signature Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Studio Theatre and has been seen in multiple productions on The
Kennedy Center stage. She is a Helen Hayes Award recipient for her work in Signature Theatre’s
groundbreaking production of Les Miserables and a Helen Hayes nominee for her work in Godspell and Aida at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. She has toured nationally with the Capital Steps and Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.
Desirée Roots Centeio as Sofia
Desirée has been showcasing her triple-threat talent for over 30 years locally and regionally. Richmond audiences last saw her as Alma Hix in Virginia Rep’s The Music Man. Since 13, she has held leading roles in numerous productions, including her favorite, narrator, Aretha Franklin & Diana Ross in Beehive. In 2004, Desiree received the Theresa Pollack Prize for Excellence in the Arts as Best Vocalist in Virginia. A graduate of Virginia Union University, she has been the opening act for such internationally known performers as B. B. King, Kenny Garrett, Bobby Watson, Art Porter, Gerald Albright, Leslie Uggams, and Bill Cosby.
