Reviews of "The Color Purple"
What Critics are Saying:
"When Celie (portrayed by Felicia Boswell) sings, 'I'm Here,' the thundering solo capping her brutal and buoyant journey through The Color Purple, you're rattled joyously to your marrow — and elevated to an uncharted level of hope. This is much more than a showstopping number. It's a moment of shared grace." - The Oregonian
"When that last burst of energy from Boswell, timed perfectly with Celie’s own transformation, washes over the audience, for a moment we forget we are watching a show. Instead it feels like she’s leading us — the audience, the other actors, the musicians — in a moment of transcendence. And that moment, that rare moment, is what we all chase when we go to theater." - Oregon ArtsWatch
"If a musical can heal the world, that musical is The Color Purple — specifically, the production now playing at Portland Center Stage. You should go see The Color Purple. Even if you haven't read the book and even if you think you don't like musicals. It will challenge you and uplift you and give you hope." - BroadwayWorld.com
"I'd go see the show again just to track the visuals so expertly designed and executed by scenic designer Tony Cisek and lighting designer Peter Maradudin." - Gigi Little
"Timothy Douglas directs an extraordinary cast, each blessed with great talent and each giving 150 percent. This show is the season opener you don’t want to miss! " - Judy Nedry
What Audiences are Saying:
"This will stay with me forever."
"Came home last night after the show and bought two tickets for next week's show! It was absolutely beautiful! The voices were so amazing that my heart couldn’t handle it!"
"ABSOLUTE BEST live theater version I have seen to date!! Barring none. Don't miss it!"
"May well have been one of the very best plays I have ever seen anywhere. MUST SEE."
"Sweet baby Jesus... I ugly cried and had a spiritual experience. Y’all should go."
"I didn't want it to end!"
More about The Color Purple:
Beyond the Production: "The Color Purple"
Explore additional reading materials and get a behind-the-scenes look at the design elements of The Color Purple.
From Page to Stage: "The Color Purple"
Explore Alice Walker's The Color Purple and the transformation from page to stage.
"The Color Purple" in Rehearsal
Check out photos of The Color Purple cast rehearsing the first number of Act II, "African Homeland."
A Snapshot Look at Alice Walker's "The Color Purple"
From a bestselling novel to the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation, explore Alice Walker's The Color Purple.
"The Color Purple" Cast and Creative Team
Meet the incredible cast and creative team behind The Color Purple.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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