In honor of 2018 World Spirit Day October 18, the cast and crew of Paper Mill Playhouse's production of The Color Purple released a video speaking out against bullying—and rocking the color purple. Watch them share their experiences (plus star Adrianna Hicks singing) in the video above.
Spirit Day is a united stand against bullying and show of support for LGBTQ young people, organized by GLAAD. According to a release, each year "hundreds of celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups, school districts, organizations, colleges and universities in what has become the most visible anti-LGBTQ bullying campaign and united show of support for LGBTQ youth. Purple symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag."
The Tony-winning revival of The Color Purple, directed by John Doyle, began performances at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse September 26. Adrianna Hicks, Carla R. Stewart, and Carrie Compere—all of whom appeared in the 2015 Broadway revival and led the traveling production that ended August 26 in Washington, D.C.—take the stage once more as Celie, Shug Avery, and Sofia, respectively.
Joining them at the Millburn venue are tour co-stars Gavin Gregory as Mister, N’Jameh Camara as Nettie, and Jay Donnell as Harpo, as well as Darnell Abraham, Amar Atkins, Kyle E. Baird, Angela Birchett, Erica Durham, Bianca Horn, Jamal James, Mekhai Lee, Gabrielle Reid, C.E. Smith, Will T. Travis, Nyla Watson, J.D. Webster, Brit West, and Nikisha Williams.
Performances will run through October 21.
The musical, which first premiered on Broadway in 2005, features a book by Marsha Norman and a score by Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell, and Allee Willis.
