Portland Center Stage Kicks Off Season with 'The Color Purple'

Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s 2018-2019 season launches with the Tony Award-winning musical The Color Purple, adapted from Alice Walker’s classic novel about the sisterhood, resilience and self-empowerment found in a community of Black women living in rural Georgia in the early 20th century. The Color Purple opens this Friday, September 21, and runs through October 28, 2018. Timothy Douglas directs the production, joined by music director Darius Smith, who will bring the Grammy Award-winning score to life.

The cast includes Felicia Boswell (Broadway: Shuffle Along, Motown, Memphis) as Celie, whose journey toward love and self-worth forms the heart of the play; Lana Gordon (Broadway: Chicago the Musical, The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar) as jazz singer Shug Avery; and Danea C. Osseni (Off-Broadway: Death of a Salesman, Ain’t Misbehavin’) as Celie’s sister Nettie, all making their debuts at The Armory. Maiesha McQueen (First National Tour of Waitress) returns to The Armory after celebrated performances in His Eye is on the Sparrow and Ain’t Misbehavin’ to play Celie’s daughter-in-law, the fiercely brave Sofia.

Recalling the powerful impact of his first encounter with Alice Walker’s story, director Timothy Douglas said, “It was exactly as though my heart were being carefully, yet assuredly massaged by a spirit-covered hand. Guided by this indelible and visceral memory, I’ll strive to massage each moment of Miss Celie's transforming nature and journey. It will surely be through the joyful noise of song — by way of our authentically-inspired ensemble of actors and musicians —  that all who come to hear will, too, have their souls gloriously shaken and stirred."

For more information, visit www.pcs.org.