The Actor’s Charitable Theater will debut their production of “The Color Purple” at the Bama Theatre on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
According to the cast, it will be well worth it to stay in Tuscaloosa during spring break to experience Tuscaloosa’s first all African-American cast in almost a decade.
“It’s going to be monumental because it’s something that has never been done in Tuscaloosa,” said Myiesha Duff, a third grade teacher at Tuscaloosa Central Elementary who plays the lead, Celie. “It’s something that’s usually done in larger cities.”
Director Joey Lay began the Actor’s Charitable Theater with his then-fiancé. It was started to give those not normally exposed to theatre a chance to perform and to give back to local charities in the community.
He has directed over 100 musicals and says this is the “biggest show [he] has tackled in a long time.” He fell in love with “The Color Purple” when he saw it on Broadway and bought the soundtrack.
“The Color Purple” was developed from the novel by Alice Walker and then transposed to film by Steven Spielberg. The action occurs over two sisters’ lives, following them from ages 14 to 60.
“I like the message of hope and love and the message of overcoming adversity,” said Erika Evans, who works in the UA College of Education and plays Sophia. “I think it will provide [the audience] with a night of entertainment. It will be thought-provoking, and they’ll leave with mixed emotions about the way that some of the characters were treated, but in the end, it’s a happy ending.”
The message even manages to have an affect on the younger cast members.
“It brings tears of joy to your eyes, that’s how great it is,” said Makyrah Starks, a seventh-grader at Riverside Middle School.
The show runs from Friday to Tuesday. Opening night is almost sold out, and the director recommends pre-ordering tickets. Seats are assigned and range from $12-$20. You can reserve tickets online at theactonline.com.
“I think everyone should take the time, even if they’ve never seen the movie or the Broadway play, just to see what it’s about,” Duff said.
