Nova Y. Payton will lead the cast of Signature Theatre’s The Color Purple. Performances are set to run August 16–October 9 at Signature’s MAX Theatre in Arlington, Virginia.

Timothy Douglas, who previously helmed Signature’s Spunk and the Portland Center Stage production of The Color Purple, will direct.

Payton is slated to portray Celie with Danielle J. Summons as Shug Avery, Frenchie Davis as Sofia, Kaiyla Gross as Nettie, Stephawn P. Stephens as Ol’ Mister/Preacher, Solomon Parker III as Harpo, Tẹmídayọ Amay as Squeak, and Torrey Linder as Mister, with ensemble members Ian Anthony Coleman, Jalisa Williams, Keenan McCarter, Nia Savoy-Dock, Raquel Jennings, Sean-Maurice Lynch, Tobias A. Young, and Yewande Odetoyinbo. Swings include Catrina Brenae, Gabrielle Rice, and Jay Frisby are swings.

Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Steven Spielberg-directed movie of the same name, The Color Purple features a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray.

The production will also have scenic design by Tony Cisek, costume design by Kara Harmon, lighting design by Peter Maradudin, sound design by Ryan Hickey, and hair, wig, and make-up design by J. Jared Janas. 

“As anyone who has read Alice Walker’s book can attest, the experience of Celie—in conversation with her God—radiates the vibratory effect of music that stirs in the reader’s soul with each and every one of her prayers,” said director Douglas. “With this presentation of the musical stage play, the inspired music is real, and will stir all the senses! The spirit, essence and appearance of this Signature theatrical communion is The Color Purple.”

Chelsea Pace and Greg Geffrard are co-intimacy choreographers with fight choreography by Casey Kaleba. Casting is by JZ Casting, Kelly Crandall D’Amboise, and Jorge Acevedo. Kerry Epstein is the production stage manager, Taryn Friend is the assistant stage manager, Kelsey Jenkins is the production assistant, Ezinne Elele is the assistant director, Angie Benson is the associate music director, Channing Tucker is the assistant costume designer, Tony Lauro is the associate hair, wig, and make-up designer, and Alexander Greenberg is the keyboard programmer.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and was revived a decade later. The revival received Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Cynthia Erivo’s performance as Celie, as well as nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best Direction. The Color Purple also won the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. 

Warner Bros.’ feature film adaptation of the The Color Purple musical is slated to hit theatres December 20, 2023.

The Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors will host a Skid Row Block Party July 23 from 4-6 PM in honor of the 40th anniversary of the musical’s premiere in 1982. Presented in partnership with the Times Square Alliance and the Westside Theatre, the free block party will follow a matinee performance of the hit revival. The block party also celebrates the revival passing 500 performances. The event was originally planned for May 6 but was postponed due to inclement weather.

The block party will feature live cast performances; a DJ booth by S.N.O.B.; face painting; Carvel, Mister Softee, and Van Leeuwen ice cream trucks; popcorn and cotton candy machines; Schmackarys, Sticky’s, and Baked By Melissa tables; and a 360º camera for fans and friends alike to virtually join in the celebration. There will also be a free raffle with prizes that include tickets to Little Shop of Horrors, a copy of the cast album, and a poster and Playbill signed by the cast. Neighboring eateries Bea and Little Pie Company will offer exclusive discounts with proof of a ticket from July 23’s performances.

Flip Through the 1982 Original Little Shop of Horrors Playbills

Little Shop of Horrors features a book and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), and music by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Aladdin, Newsies). 

The current cast of includes Tony nominee Rob McClure (Mrs. Doubtfire, Beetlejuice), Emmy winner Tammy Blanchard (Life with Judy Garland, Gypsy) as Audrey, two-time Tony winner Christian Borle (Something Rotten!, Peter and the Starcatcher) as Orin Scrivello, Aaron Arnell Harrington (Rent) as Audrey II, Stuart Zagnit  (Caroline, Or Change, Newsies) as Mushnik, Khalifa White (Caroline or Change, School of Rock) as Ronnette, Cristina Raé as Crystal, and Khadija Sankoh as Chiffon. Rounding out the cast is Teddy Yudain, Michael Iannucci, Josh Daniel, Camryn Hampton, and Chelsea Turbin. Weston Long joins the cast as the puppeteer of Audrey II beginning July 19.

The Off-Broadway revival resumed its run September 21, 2021, after temporarily closing in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

The revival, directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer, opened in October 2019. The creative team for the Ashman-Menken musical also includes choreographer Ellenore Scott, scenic designer Julian Crouch, lighting designer Bradley King, costume designer Tom Broecker, sound designer Jessica Paz, puppet designer Nicholas Mahon, original puppet designer Martin P. Robinson, hair and makeup designer Tommy Kurzman, music supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger Will Van Dyke, and casting director Jim Carnahan. Puppets are by Monkey Boys Productions.

General management is by Live Wire Theatrical/Chris Aniello, and production stage management is by Howard Tilkin. Tom Kirdahy, Robert Ahrens, and Hunter Arnold produce the revival.

Little Shop of Horrors is based on the 1960 cult movie of the same name. The musical version debuted Off-Broadway at WPA Theatre in 1982 (subsequently transferring to the Orpheum) starring Lee Wilkoff and Ellen Greene in a role that would become her signature. A Broadway production was mounted in 2003 co-starring Hunter Foster and Kerry Butler.

Explore Rare Photos, Letters and Memories in Ellen Greene’s Little Shop of Horrors Scrapbook 

Richard III, presented as part of The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park season at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, completes its run July 17 after beginning previews June 22 and opening June 30. Read reviews for the production here.

Danai Gurira stars as Richard III, joined by Wyatt Cirbus as Prince of Wales, Sanjit De Silva as Buckingham, Sam Duncan as Duke of York, Monique Holt as Duchess of York, Gregg Mozgala as King Edward IV and as Richmond, Paul Niebanck as George, Michael Potts as Lord Stanley, Ariel Shafir as Lord Hastings, Heather Alicia Simmsas Queen Elizabeth, Ali Stroker as Anne, Sharon Washington as Queen Margaret, and Daniel J. Watts as Catesby Ratcliffe.

Included in the ensemble are Maleni Chaitoo, Thaddeus Fitzpatrick, Skyler Gallun, Sarah Nina Hayon, Matthew Jeffers, Matt Monaco, Xavier Pacheco, Marcus Raye Pérez, Grace Porter, and N’yomi Stewart.

READ: 127 New Yorkers to Star in Free Shakespeare in the Park’s As You Like It

Tony nominee Robert O’Hara (Slave Play) directs the production. The creative team also features scenic designer Myung Hee Cho, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Alex Jainchill, hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, fight directors Teniece Divya Johnson and Jeremy Sample, and movement director Byron Easley. Johnson also serves as intimacy director, Bryan Bauer as production stage manager, and Heather Englander as stage manager. Sound design and composition are by Elisheba Ittoop.

“Richard III speaks to the dangerous machinations that we have witnessed by leaders throughout history, but most acutely in recent years in our own government,” shared director O’Hara in an earlier statement.

Richard III was last seen on The Delacorte stage in 1990 with Denzel Washington in the title role. Free Shakespeare in the Park’s second summer production, Public Works’ As You Like It, will begin its run August 10.

For more information, visit PublicTheater.org.