THE COLOR PURPLE

BASED UPON THE NOVEL WRITTEN BY ALICE WALKER AND THE WARNER BROS./AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT MOTION PICTURE

Book by MARCHA NORMAN

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Music and Lyrics by BRENDA RUSSELL ALLEE WILLIS STEPHEN BRAY

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“THE COLOR PURPLE was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia.”

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Director: D'Nadre Bell

Assistant Director: by Pre-Ah Hill

Musical Director: Dr. Brandon Banks

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New Bern Audition Dates:

Sunday September 24th 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday September 30th 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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*Invited callbacks are scheduled for October 1st*

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Please arrive 10 minutes before scheduled audition slot.

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New Bern Audition Location:

Masonic Theater

514 Hancock St.

New Bern, NC 28560

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Preparation:

Please prepare 60 seconds of a gospel song

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If you are interested in a group vocal warm-up, please arrive on time to begin promptly at 10:00 AM on Saturday the 23rd or at 6:00 PM on Sunday the 24th.

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Signups for New Bern Auditions:

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Havelock Audition Information:

Monday September 25th

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Liberty Church

81 Shepard St.

Havelock, NC 28532

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Jacksonville Audition Information:

!!CANCELED!!

Please email a video audition to nbrtp01@gmail.com

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Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple spans 35 years in the life of Celie, a teenage African-American girl living in Georgia who is given by her abusive stepfather to an even more abusive husband. Though Celie spends most of her days as a servant in her own household, she, cut off by her husband from those she loves, tries to remain hopeful that she will ultimately be reunited with her sister Nettie and her children by way of her stepfather, Adam and Olivia. Over the years, Celie, increasingly jaded by her lot, finds ways to cope with life--a potential lover in the fabulous Shug Avery, a friend in her stepson’s wife Sofia, a love of making stretchable pants that turns into a booming business. Through her string of unfortunate events, Celie learns that the most important thing is that she is a survivor, and that no matter what happens to her, she is still here.

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Performance Dates:

January 26, 27 & February 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:30 PM

January 28 & February 4, 11 at 3:00 PM

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CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

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**Auditions for Celie are by appointment only. Please send a resume, headshot, and 60 second video of yourself singing a gospel song, and 60 second dramatic monologue to be considered. Please send to nbrtp01@gmail.com**

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Celie: (African-American, 20s-early 30s): Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but really not, has a deep, hard soul, believes that she is ugly, has a sense of humor which is sometimes wicked. She is an observer. Needs a great belt singing voice with lots of soul.

 

Shug: (African-American, 30s-40s): A popular singer, we meet her at death’s door. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Her vulnerability is shocking later on. She is loved by both Celie and Mister. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.

 

Mister: (African-American, 30s-40s. Also known as ALBERT): Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in love with Shug. He transforms into a kind man by the end of the story. Needs a great singing voice.

 

Sofia: (African-American, 30s): Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger but beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Needs comic chops. Needs a great belt singing voice.

 

Harpo: (African-American, 20s): Mister’s vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia. He spends much time trying to get Sofia to obey him the way Celie obeys his father, but he is unsuccessful, as Sofia is considerably stronger than he is. Harpo eventually establishes a jukejoint in his first house and becomes Squeak’s lover. Later, he and Sofia reconcile. Through his love of Sofia, he learns how to love a woman. Needs a great tenor singing voice.

 

Nettie: (African-American, 20s): Celie’s younger sister. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, more educated and knowledgeable than Celie. She has a powerful bond with Celie. Forced by Mister to leave Celie, she starts a new life in Africa. Needs a great belt singing voice with African influence.

 

Squeak: (African-American, 20s): Harpo’s lover after Sofia leaves him. Although she is mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. She is of mixed ancestry. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart. Needs comic chops. Needs a great singing voice with belt and soprano capability.

 

Ensemble Adult Singers: Males and females, 20s – 50s, African-American. All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities. To play various roles in the ensemble The ensemble includes a trio known as Church Ladies, busybody types who are featured throughout the show.

 

Young Celie & Young Nettie: Girl Age 10-17 African American. Must have great singing voice.

 

Young Harpo: African American Boy age 10-16

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