OXFORD, Miss. – 
First, it was a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, then a moving motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg. Now, “The Color Purple” is a soul-stirring stage musical, and it’s coming to the University of Mississippi.
“The Color Purple: The Musical about Love,” hits the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 12) at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $33 to $45 for various seating and are available by calling the UM Box Office in the Student Union at 662-915-7411 or online at http://www.fordcenter.org/tickets.html.
This production, produced by Phoenix Entertainment/Joyful Noisemakers LLC and helmed by Stephen Kane and Michael McFadden, is the next phase in the life of the groundbreaking hit musical produced by Scott Sanders. The original Broadway production opened Dec. 1, 2005, and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“We are thrilled that we were able to bring ‘The Color Purple’ to Oxford,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director. “The story is moving and this production is exceptional.”
Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press described the musical as “a roof-raising story of triumph.” And Richard Corliss of Time magazine said, “[it is] a soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart.”
“The Color Purple: The Musical about Love” is based both on Alice Walker’s classic novel and Spielberg’s film. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous, Grammy-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, “The Color Purple” is about hope and the healing power of love.
Directed by Gary Griffin, “The Color Purple: The Musical about Love,” features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning composer-lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. Rounding out the creative team are Tony Award-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Craig Cassidy (sound design), Steven M. Bishop (orchestrations/arrangements), and Jasper Grant (music director).
Kane and McFadden have long been principal partners of Phoenix Entertainment and collectively share theatrical touring credits spanning nearly three decades on four continents. Their production repertoire includes “Grease” starring Frankie Avalon, “The Will Rogers Follies” starring Larry Gatlin, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Gypsy,” “Man of La Mancha,” “The Pajama Game,” “Fame,” “Godspell,” “The Vagina Monologues,” “The King and I,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Buddy” and ” Ring of Fire.”
For a complete list of events at the Ford Center visit, http://www.fordcenter.org.