The Color Purple musical has received a lot of buzz from many fans that remember the original 1985 Color Purple film featuring Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg, the latter two receiving Oscar nominations for their respective roles as Shug Avery and Celie. There are also countless fans ready to see the new 2023 movie after seeing the hit Broadway adaptation, which debuted in 2005.
Of course, we can't ignore the fact that there are numerous people who've yet to see either the classic film or the play, and are just ready to see The Color Purple reimagined based on its all-star cast.
So what should you know about The Color Purple musical? Keep reading to find out more.
The Color Purple musical release date
The Color Purple musical makes a Christmas debut, December 25, exclusively in movie theaters in the US. The movie premieres a little later in the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The Color Purple musical trailer
On October 10, Warner Bros released their second trailer and Taraji P. Henson's vocals appear to be on full display.
On May 22, Warner Bros released the official trailer, and the film looks nothing short of amazing. Check out the clip for yourself that features the powerful vocals of Fantasia.
The Color Purple musical plot
Before there was The Color Purple Broadway show or even Steven Spielberg's box office 1985 hit, there was The Color Purple novel written by legendary author Alice Walker. Published in 1983 and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, here is the official synopsis of the book:
"A powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literature, The Color Purple depicts the lives of African American women in early 20th-century rural Georgia. Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance and silence.
"Through a series of letters spanning 20 years, first from Celie to God, then the sisters to each other despite the unknown, the novel draws readers into its rich and memorable portrayals of Celie, Nettie, Shug Avery and Sofia and their experience. The Color Purple broke the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, narrating the lives of women through their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery. Deeply compassionate and beautifully imagined, Alice Walker's epic carries readers on a spirit-affirming journey towards redemption and love."
Would-be viewers of The Color Purple musical should expect this same story to be told with the addition of the amazing songs heard in the original 2005 Broadway show which are available to stream via the Oprah Winfrey Presents: The Color Purple, A New musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) album.
The Color Purple musical script was penned by The Chi writer Marcus Gardley.
The Color Purple musical cast
The cast for the new movie is full of award-winning talent. Reprising her Broadway role as the lead character Celie is Grammy-winning artist Fantasia Barrino. After shooting to stardom as the winner of American Idol season 3, Barrino became a chart-topping R&B artist with hit songs like "The Truth Is," "Free Yourself," "Bittersweet" and "When I See You."
Starring as Celie's ornery husband Mister is Colman Domingo. The Fear the Walking Dead actor has had some big roles in critically-acclaimed movies over the years. He's starred in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Selma, The Birth of a Nation and Lincoln. Domingo recently received an Emmy for his appearance in Euphoria.
Barrino and Domingo are'’t the only big names attached to the film. Check out The Color Purple musical cast below:
- Fantasia as Celie
- Danielle Brooks (Peacemaker) as Sofia
- Taraji P. Henson (Empire) as Shug Avery
- Corey Hawkins (BlacKkKlansman) as Harpo
- Colman Domingo (Candyman) as Mister
- H.E.R. (Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration) as Squeak
- Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) as Young Nettie
- Ciara as adult Nettie
- Louis Gossett Jr. (Watchmen) as Ol' Mister
- David Alan Grier (The Patient) as Reverend Avery
- Tamela J. Mann (Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming) as First Lady
- Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Young Celie
- Deon Cole (You People) as Alfonso
- Stephen Hill (Magnum P.I.) as Buster
- Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard) as Mama
- Jon Batiste as Grady, Shug Avery's husband
- Elizabeth Marvel (Mrs. Davis) as Miss Millie
The Color Purple musical director
Blitz Bazawule directed the movie. While his name may not prove to be instantly recognizable to many, he had the honor of co-directing Beyoncé’s Black Is King, for which he received a Grammy nomination. He also is credited with directing The Burial of Kojo.
