Book by Marsha Norman
Based on the Novel by Alice Walker
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Directed by Daniel Bryant
Music Direction by Pamela Watson
Choreography by Heather Himes Beal
KCRep is seeking union and non-union actors/singers/dancers for
The Color Purple
9-5 PM, lunch 12-1 PM Friday, April 18th
Callbacks: BOTH April 21 and 22
Indulge in a world of soul-stirring music and unyielding hope with The Color Purple, the award-winning stage musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. With a rich score blending gospel, jazz, and blues, The Color Purple is a celebration of the human spirit that will move your heart and lift your soul. Weaving a story of love, redemption, and triumph over adversity, following the extraordinary journey of Celie, a young woman who discovers her voice and strength against all odds. Don’t miss the chance to witness this breathtaking tale of courage and transformation, where every note and every moment remind us of the beauty and power of love.
- Auditions are by appointment only.
- To schedule an audition, please fill out this form no later than April 16th, 5:00 PM.
- We will take appointments until all slots are filled.
- No phone calls, please.
- An accompanist will be provided
The Color Purple
| DIRECTOR | Daniel Bryant |
| MUSIC DIRECTOR | Pamela Baskin Watson |
| STAGE | Spencer |
| CONTRACT | LORT B |
| IMPORTANT DATES | |
| 1ST REHEARSAL | July 29, 2025 |
| DESIGNER RUN | August 22, 2025 |
| TECH | August 29, 2025 |
| 1ST PREVIEW | September 2, 2025 |
| OPENING | September 5, 2025 |
| U/S REHEARSAL | September 10, 2025 |
| CLOSING | September 21, 2025 |
The role of Celie is cast. All other roles, including swing or understudy, are open for local casting.
CELIE (understudy) / young and adult / Ensemble–African American, 20s-early 30s.
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto.
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 singing voice with lots of soul.
NETTIE / young and adult / Ensemble–African American, 20s-early 30s. Alto, nice voice.
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.
SOFIA / Ensemble–African American, 30s. Alto.
Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger and beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Needs comic chops. Character must be a very strong blues-gospel-influenced singer.
HARPO / Ensemble – African-American, 20s. Tenor
Mister’s vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. He is of the new generation. He understands the wrongs of his father and grandfather, and wants to do better. 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.
MISTER / Ensemble – African American, 30s-40s. Baritone, Bass
Also known as Albert. Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in
love with Shug. He transforms to a kind man by the end of the story. Needs a great singing voice.
SHUG / Ensemble – African American, 30s-40s. Knockout Alto Blues voice.
A popular singer, we meet her at death’s door. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. She is loved by both Celie and Mister. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.
SQUEAK / Ensemble–African American, 20s. Belt / soprano.
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. Has comic chops. Has a great singing voice with belt and soprano capability.
PA / Ol’ Mister / Ensemble–African American, 40s – 70) Baritone.
An abuser and embittered man. He is father to Celie & Nettie, as well as father to Celie’s two children, whom he abducts from Celie and gives away at birth.
GUARD / ENSEMBLE – African American
PREACHER / GRADY / ENSEMBLE –African American
THREE CHURCH LADIES / ENSEMBLE –African American, various ages