Tony Winner John Doyle Will Direct European Premiere of The Color Purple at Menier Chocolate Factory

By Andrew Gans
06 Mar 2013

John Doyle
John Doyle
Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN

The Menier Chocolate Factory will present the European premiere of The Color Purple, directed and designed by Tony winner John Doyle, currently represented Off-Broadway with the acclaimed revival of Passion.

Performances are scheduled for July 5-Sept. 14 with an official opening July 15 at 8 PM. Casting will be announced at a later time.

The Color Purple, based on the novel by Alice Walker, "follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life," according to press notes.

The musical was adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

Gary Griffin directed the Broadway premiere of Purple, which began previews Nov. 1, 2005, and officially opened at the Broadway Theatre Dec. 1, 2005. The musical played its final performance Feb. 24, 2008, following 30 previews and 910 regular performances.

The Color Purple is being produced by special arrangement with Scott Sanders and Roy Furman.

Tickets go on sale to Chocolate Factory priority bookers April 22 and to the general public May 1.

For more information visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com.