Set in the American South from the early 1900s through the 1940s, The Color Purple tells the powerful story of Celie, a young woman who has endured a life filled with hardship, abuse, and separation from the people she loves. Forced into a difficult marriage with Mister, Celie struggles to find her voice and believe in her own worth. Her world begins to change when she meets the glamorous and confident singer Shug Avery and the fiercely independent Sofia, two unforgettable women who show Celie that life can be lived with courage, strength, and joy. Through friendship, love, and self-discovery, Celie gradually finds the confidence to stand on her own and create a life she never imagined possible.
Featuring a vibrant score filled with gospel, blues, jazz, and African musical influences, The Color Purple is an emotional and uplifting celebration of resilience, hope, and the bonds that connect us. With unforgettable characters and extraordinary roles for women, the musical moves from moments of heartbreak to humor, joy, and triumph. At its heart, The Color Purple is the inspiring story of a woman who discovers her own strength, learns to love herself, and finds beauty and possibility in the world around her.
Music & Lyrics: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Book: Marsha Norman
Based on the novel by: Alice Walker
Based on the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture and its screenplay by Menno Meyjes
The Color Purple
November 6-22, 2026
Venue: Mesa Arts Center 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Understudy Shows:
Sunday, November 9th at 2:30
Saturday, November 15th at 2:30
Saturday, November 22nd at 7:30 PM
Cast
Addie Jensen: Nun, Sister Mary Patrick (u/s)
Cam Blackwell: Eddie (Red Cast)
Camryn Simone: Deloris Van Cartier (Red Cast), Michelle (Blue Cast)
Charlotte Strayhorne: Sister Mary Theresa
Cornell Reed: Ensemble, TJ (Swing)
Courtnei Carey: Deloris Van Cartier (Blue Cast), Michelle (Red Cast)
David Heap: Monsignor O'Hara
Dawn Gunderson: Mother Superior (Blue Cast)
Devin Baheshone: Eddie (Blue Cast)
Devyn Firestine: Sister Mary Robert (Red Cast)
Elizabeth Eastin: Nun, Ensemble
Hannah Bickerstaff: Nun, Ensemble
Hannah Hutchison: Nun, Ensemble
Jamie Graves: Sister Mary Patrick, Nun (u/s)
Jesus Diaz: Pablo
Jordan Applegate: Sister Mary Lazarus
Justin Fallon: Monsignor O'Hara (u/s), Ernie (Swing)
Lauren South: Nun, Ensemble, Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (swing)
Lee DeFord: Pope Paul VI, Newscaster
Makenzie Winans: Nun, Sister Mary Lazarus (Swing)
Marlene Gerstman: Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours
Melody Startzell: Nun
Mike Zollars: Joey
Neaja Thomas: Tina, Nun
Randi Jill Condit: Mother Superior (Red Cast)
Semaj Morgan: Ensemble, Joey (u/s)
Stephen Andrews: Ernie
Sydnie Navaho: Sister Mary Robert (Blue Cast)
Tyler Fleck: Curtis
Zane Dupuis: TJ
Crew
Brianna Fallon: Director & Artistic Director
Cheryl Briley: Technical Director
Lorelee Godden: Production Manager
Jacob Anderson: Stage Manager
Kayla Rydalch: Assistant Stage Manager
Ashley Bauer-Webb: Choreographer
Michael Samuel: Music Director
Zach Krenytzky:mScenic Design
Lauren Buzbee: Scenic Painter
Colin Patrick: Costume Design
Lewis Eckman: Properties Design
Brianna Fallon: Sound Design
Rob Littlefield: Lighting Design
Devon Christopher Adams: Photographer