Broadway alum Felicia Boswell will take center stage as Celie in Portland Center Stage at The Armory's upcoming mounting of The Color Purple. The Timothy Douglas-helmed production kicks off the Oregon company's 2018–2019 season September 15 through October 28.
Opening night is set for September 21.
Joining Boswell (Shuffle Along, Motown, Memphis) will be Lana Gordon (Chicago, The Lion King) as Shug Avery, Maiesha McQueen (Waitress national tour) as Sofia, Danea C. Osseni (Ain't Misbehavin') as Nettie, Chaz Lamar Shepherd (the original Broadway production of The Color Purple) as Mister, Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd (Lyric Opera's Jesus Christ Superstar) as Harpo, and C. Mingo Long (Les Misérables national tour) as Pa.
Rounding out the company are Maritza Bostic, Gregory Brumfield, Nia Marché, Martavius Parrish, Lauren Du Pree, Shalanda Sims, Ithica Tell, Neil Totton, and Juson Williams.
The production will feature choreography by Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi, sets by Tony Cisek, costumes by Kara Harmon, lighting by Peter Maradudin, and sound design by Matthew M. Nielson. Darius Smith serves as music director.
The musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel first played Broadway in 2005; the recent John Doyle revival earned a Tony Award (for Best Revival of a Musical), as did Cynthia Erivo for her performance as Celie.