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