Amitria Fanae plays the lead role in the coming production of The Color Purple. Photo provided.
By Tony Sandrew
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | Lawrenceville Arts Center, home of Aurora Theatre, launches its 29th season by presenting The Color Purple. This poignant and uplifting musical runs August 15 to September 15 in the Clyde and Sandra Strickland Grand Stage.
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the film by Steven Spielberg, and nominated for 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, this musical adaptation has touched hearts worldwide with its unforgettable story and soul-stirring music.
Co-Founder Ann Carol Pence says of presenting this musical to open Aurora’s 29th season: “Alice Walker wrote an award winning piece of literature that shows one woman’s strength, resiliency, and hard-earned glory. It is a community of women who guide the show, Shug Avery, Sofia, Nettie, the Church Ladies – all different and wonderfully complex and worthy.”
Ann Carol adds: “I have spent my entire professional career amplifying the female artist. To get the opportunity to work alongside Director Candy McClellan and Choreographer Pytron Parker on a musical that I have loved since its inception is a triumph. In an era where representation and inclusive storytelling are more important than ever, we uphold the vision and values that Aurora leads by daily. We provide a space for all. The Color Purple will not only entertain, but the show will encourage greater empathy and understanding.”
The Color Purple brings to life the emotional journey of its characters, celebrating the bonds of sisterhood, the healing power of love, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Set in early 20th-century rural Georgia, the musical tells the story of Celie played by Amitria Fanae, a young woman who faces oppression and abuse, yet finds strength and resilience through her relationships with other women in her life. The narrative explores themes of identity, self-discovery, love, and empowerment as Celie navigates through hardship and ultimately discovers her own voice and worth.
Ann Carol Pence will oversee the music direction of a soulful and powerful score blending jazz, gospel, blues, and ragtime.
Rounding out the principal cast are Tiffany Denise Hobbs (Shug), Shena Renee (Sofia), Adam Washington (Mister), Lawrence Flowers (Harpo), Jasmine Renee Ellis (Nettie), BriAnne Knights (Church Lady Doris), Roline Delva (Church Lady Darlene), and Daja Rice (Church Lady Jarene).
The production team will be led by former Aurora Theatre Apprentice Company member Candy Nicole Davison, making her main stage directorial debut. Other members of the creative team include: Pytron Parker (Choreographer), Katie Chambers (Director of Production), Daniel Pope (Production Manager), Ashley Hogan (Technical Director), Rachael Blackwell (Lighting Designer), Chris Lane (Sound Designer), Nairobi L. Moss (Costume Designer), Alexander Whittenburg (Scenic Designer), Kristin Talley (Prop Designer), and Marshall Lee Smith Jr. (Stage manager).
The Color Purple show times are as follows:
- Thursday and Friday: 8 p.m.;
- Saturday: 2:30 and 8 p.m.; and
- Sunday: 2:30 p.m.
There will be a special matinee performance at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21. Tickets start from $31 and are on sale now. Visit www.auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222. The Color Purple contains mature content, adult themes, and may not be suitable for children under 12.
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