Once again, Birmingham Hippodrome is proud to be collaborating with Curve to bring audiences an unmissable musical theatre event. Following the success of its recent five-star production of Sunset Boulevard – at Home, Curve will stream The Color Purple online between tomorrow (Tuesday February 16) and Sunday March 7 in association with Birmingham Hippodrome.
Whilst a planned run of live performances at Curve in March has now sadly been cancelled due to the uncertainty around national restrictions, The Color Purple – at Home will see Curve film the production in its transformed auditorium for audiences to watch online. This reimagining will be fully costumed, filmed in HD and will feature original cast members of the 2019 production, co-produced by Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome.
The 2019 production of The Color Purple, the first-ever co-production between Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve, played to sold-out audiences in Birmingham and Leicester with standing-ovations and a wealth of critical acclaim.
The Color Purple – at Home will be led by T’Shan Williams as Celie, alongside company members KM Drew Boateng, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, Danielle Fiamanya, Danielle Kassarate, Anelisa Lamola, Karen Mavundukure, Ako Mitchell, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Landi Oshinowo, Simon Anthony Rhoden and Jo Servi. Also returning to Curve is Carly Mercedes Dyer, who played Anita in the acclaimed Made at Curve production of West Side Story. Carly will join the cast as Shug Avery.
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the musical will once again be directed by Tinuke Craig, alongside Musical Director Alex Parker, Designer Alex Lowde, Choreographer Mark Smith, Sound Designer Tom Marshall and Casting Director Kay Magson CDG. The production will be lit by Curve Associate Ben Cracknell.
Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Fiona Allan said: “We are delighted to be able to again partner with Curve, this time to film and stream a concert version of The Color Purple.
“The award-winning company is just incredible, and our audiences loved seeing the production live back in 2019. Whilst we wait until we are able to reopen our theatres to the public, I’m thrilled we can share this new imagining of The Color Purple with you at home.”
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “After the phenomenal response to Sunset Boulevard, we are thrilled to present a special streamed version of The Color Purple for audiences across the UK and Ireland to enjoy at home. Reuniting our incredible 2019 company, Tinuke Craig’s production filled with hope and resilience, is sure to lift the spirits of all of us in these challenging times.”
“Connecting with our communities has never felt more important and alongside this production, there will be a series of talks, educational events and interactive projects. We are also proud to make free tickets available to thank our astonishing NHS workers and their families.
“Theatre is all about collaboration and we have a wonderful group of partners who have made all this possible, in particular Theatrical Rights Worldwide and our associate producers Birmingham Hippodrome. The unwavering support of our sponsors PPL PRS and De Montfort University has been invaluable during this period. The combined efforts of these remarkable organisations have helped make all of this possible.
“We also extend sincere thanks to Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the Culture Recovery Fund for continuing to support Curve during this time.”
The Color Purple – at Home is supported by Leicester-based music licensing company PPL PRS and De Montfort University whose sponsorship will enable Curve to offer free tickets to specific local community groups and young people.
As part of the run of streamed performances, Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome will offer 2,000 free tickets for NHS workers to enjoy the production at home, with tickets distributed through an NHS provider
