A Sisterhood of Strength: The Color Purple at Kalita Humphreys

A Story That Spans Generations

Some stories are so powerful, they demand to be told again and again. Urban Arts Collective’s The Color Purple, now running at the Kalita Humphreys Theater through August 31, 2025, is one of those rare productions that speaks directly to the heart. This staging invites you to bring your mother, sister, grandmother—even great-grandmother—on a journey that celebrates love, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, this production whisks audiences back to rural Georgia to witness the bonds of sisterhood, the trials of womanhood in the 20th century, and the joy of finding grace amid hardship. Under the leadership of an all-female creative team, the show is a stirring reminder of the strength women build together when telling their own stories.

A Stage Alive With Music and Movement

Director and choreographer JuNune K. makes ingenious use of Kalita Humphreys’ historic Turtle Creek stage, employing a rotating lazy susan set piece to seamlessly move between scenes. Her choreography is alive—vivid, expressive, and tailored to every beat of the story.

The musical score remains one of the production’s greatest strengths, weaving together jazz, ragtime, blues, gospel, and African musical traditions. The ensemble’s vocal power is undeniable: each chorus line felt like a wave of sound and emotion, never missing a note. The cohesion of the cast radiates beyond harmonies; their chemistry adds an intimacy and depth that pulls the audience further into Celie’s world.

Standout Performances

The cast is stacked with talent, but three performances stand above the rest:

• Tamya Simmons as Celie: Simmons’ take on Celie is nothing short of revelatory. She blends vulnerability with strength, capturing the full arc of a woman finding her voice and her power. Her portrayal drew tears, laughter, and spontaneous exclamations from the audience—a testament to her ability to make Celie feel both timeless and brand new.
• Kris Black Jasper as Shug Avery: Jasper brings elegance and velvet-toned vocals to Shug Avery, embodying both the allure and compassion of the character. Her performance feels like a bridge between tradition and reinvention, honoring the role’s legacy while adding her own refinement.
• Miceala Workman as Sofia: Workman steals the show with her commanding stage presence and vocal brilliance. Her performance is filled with warmth, fire, and humor—lighting up every scene she touches.

Behind Celie’s Voice

In a conversation with Dallas Weekly, Simmons revealed the depth of her preparation for Celie. She studied Alice Walker’s motivations, drew inspiration from previous portrayals by icons like Whoopi Goldberg and Cynthia Erivo, and balanced that history with her own interpretation.

Her biggest takeaway from the process? “Community,” she said. “The most important thing in theater is community. We need each other to tell good stories.” That spirit resonates throughout the production, especially as cast members stepped into roles on short notice yet blended seamlessly into the ensemble.

Why You Should See It

The Color Purple at Kalita Humphreys is not just another revival—it’s a reimagined story told through a distinctly female lens, brimming with vocal power, heartfelt performances, and stagecraft that makes every moment feel alive. It’s theater at its best: emotional, communal, and deeply human.

If you’ve never seen The Color Purple on stage, this production is the perfect entry point. If you have, this version will remind you why the story endures.

This is a production to be experienced, shared, and remembered.

The Color Purple runs until August 31, 2025, at Kalita Humphreys Theater. Tickets available here.