ArtsCentric’s The Color Purple Extends Run After Electrifying Debut

Baltimore audiences have been blessed with a production that feels both timeless and urgent. ArtsCentric’s staging of The Color Purple, adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, has extended its run through September 7 after opening to packed houses and enthusiastic word of mouth.

The story of Celie, brought to life by Jade Madden, has long held a treasured place in American culture. From the 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, to the Broadway musical led by Fantasia, to Cynthia Erivo’s Tony-winning revival, and most recently the film adaptation starring Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson, The Color Purple has proven its power to move audiences across generations. So why return to a story so familiar? ArtsCentric provides the answer. This Black-led Baltimore theater company offers a production that is both faithful to Walker’s narrative and fresh in its approach. With immersive staging, soaring voices, and magnetic performances, the company proves that The Color Purple remains as relevant today as it was when first published.

The production opens with “Mysterious Ways,” a high-energy ensemble number that set the tone, despite some minor sound difficulties. From that point forward, the cast lifted the intimate black-box theater to astonishing heights. Harpo, played by Quincy Vicks, was a revelation. His comedic timing, dancing, and physicality brought welcome levity to a story heavy with trauma. His duet with Sofia, “Any Little Thing,” delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments, balancing sensual humor with joy. Sofia, portrayed by Brittany Johnson, delivered powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence, anchoring the production with strength and authenticity. Shug Avery, played by TAMEKAHARRISLIVE, captivated the audience with sultry charisma in “Push the Button” and “Shug Avery Is Coming to Town.” Her heartfelt ballad, “Too Beautiful for Words,” was among the evening’s most moving highlights. Celie, as embodied by Jade Madden, grew from quiet endurance to triumphant self-assertion, her voice shining brightest in “Miss Celie’s Pants” and the showstopper “I’m Here.” The Church Ladies, played by Deana Cruz-Conner, Tierra Strickland, and Asia-Lige’ Arnold, provided not only comic relief but also spiritual grounding. Their vocal power and sharp acting nearly stole the show each time they appeared.

One of ArtsCentric’s greatest achievements is its ability to turn its small black-box theater into an expansive, emotionally charged space. Singers and dancers frequently moved among audience members, surrounding them with sound and movement. The booming voices from behind and beside gave theatergoers no choice but to be part of the story. Minimalist sets were elevated by striking costumes and atmospheric lighting. The result was a production that felt rich and layered without ever losing intimacy.

Too often, Baltimore’s arts and cultural scene is overlooked. Productions like this remind us of the extraordinary talent and creativity within our city. ArtsCentric’s The Color Purple does not merely replicate Broadway. It rivals it, while offering the intimacy and immediacy only community-centered Black theater can achieve.

ArtsCentric has announced an extended run of The Color Purple through September 7. Tickets and information are available at artscentric.org. The production does include strobe lighting and explores sensitive themes such as domestic abuse and teenage pregnancy, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

The cast includes Jade Madden as Celie, Neal Grace Burks as Mister, TAMEKAHARRISLIVE as Shug Avery, Quincy Vicks as Harpo, Fela Langston as Nettie, Brittany Johnson as Sofia, and Deana Cruz-Conner, Tierra Strickland, and Asia-Lige’ Arnold as the Church Ladies.

ArtsCentric’s The Color Purple is a triumph of talent, vision, and community. It is not only a must-see production but also a powerful reminder that Baltimore’s cultural scene is one of the city’s greatest and too often overlooked assets.