The Color Purple

If you’re not familiar with The Color Purple, you will be soon enough. Red Mountain Theatre is gearing up to put on an incredible performance of this soulful, joyous and emotional journey, and you’re going to want a front-row seat.

We sat down with three cast members to talk about their roles and what it means to share this story—keep reading to see what we learned and how you can get your tickets now.

Know before you go: The Color Purple at Red Mountain Theatre

• What: The Color Purple (recommended for ages 13+)
• When: Friday, February 9-Sunday, March 3
  • Showtimes: 7:30PM Tuesday-Saturday | 2PM matinee Saturdays + Sundays | Accessible performance Saturday, February 17, 7:30PM
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Tickets: Starting at $39 | Discounts for children ages 2-12
  • Use discount code NOWINSIDER to save $7 on each Price Level 1, 2, 3 or Table seat

See this epic story for yourself—Get your tickets to The Color Purple now.

The Color Purple tells a story of triumph

The Color Purple musical emerges from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and follows the journey of Celie. From a childhood of abuse and neglect, Celie discovers the power of kindness, love and sisterhood.

Celie’s story is told over forty years and allows the audience to experience hardships, heartbreak and hope alongside the entire cast.

We had the exciting opportunity to speak with cast members Abijah Cunningham, Deztonie Cunningham and Kennedy Hawthorne to learn more about their roles and how they all bring the story of The Color Purple to life.

Here’s what they said when I asked how they believe their characters add to the production:

• Deztonie Cunningham, Nettie: “Nettie is so important to the story because she is a bright light for Celie. She’s kind of this beam of hope in all of this dark stuff going on in Celie’s life.”
• Abijah Cunningham, Church Lady Darlene: “The church ladies are sort of the narrators; we push the show forward and we have a little comedic timing, too. Where the show is heavy at times, the church ladies make you laugh a little bit.”
• Kennedy Hawthorne, Ensemble: “The ensemble is an essential part—you have to have it to tell the story. The music is just so good. It keeps you on the edge and there is always something going on.”

Come see The Color Purple at Red Mountain Theatre starting February 9

The Color Purple has been told through a book, movies and musicals. What makes Red Mountain Theatre’s production make the story so compelling?

“The journey. I feel like so many people connect to the story through different characters. There is always a connection that someone in the audience can have to the show.”

Kennedy Hawthorne, Ensemble

Abijah echoed Kennedy’s thoughts by saying,

“So many people can relate to it, and that says a lot because Celie is going through so much at an early age. To overcome that and still have love in her heart is an amazing story of triumph—I think that’s why people continue to watch all the plays and the movies.”

Abijah Cunningham, Church Lady Darlene

Laugh, cry and sing along with the amazing cast of The Color Purple at Red Mountain Theatre. Get your tickets now!