Casting Performers for "The Color Purple" Play

(Mezzo Belter) Range: E3 to B5. Strong and soulful. Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but not, has a deep, hard soul, believes that she is ugly, and has a sense of humor that is sometimes wicked. She is an observer. Suggested Audition Song 16-32 bars | "I'm Here"

(Mezzo Belter) Range: E3 to B4. Tessitura sits low. Needs a good "growl" in her voice. Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger but beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Suggested Audition Song 16-32 bars | "Hell No"

(Mezzo Belter) Range: E3 to E flat 5. Strong blues belter. A popular singer, we meet her at death's door. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Her vulnerability is shocking later on. Both Celie and Mister love her. Suggested Audition Song 16-32 bars | "Push Da Button"

(African-American, Female, 20s) (Mezzo Soprano) Affected "squeaky" voice. Top sustained note E flat 5 Harpo's lover after Sofia leaves him. Although mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. She is of mixed ancestry. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart.

(Mister) (High Baritone) Needs a solid A flat 4 (AL above middle C) Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in love with Shug. He transforms throughout the play.

(Mezzo Soprano) Range: F3 to E5. Solid vocalist with wide range. Celie's younger sister and her rock. Smart, adventurous, driven, and a devoted sister. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, more educated and knowledgeable than Celie.

(High Baritone) Needs solid G4 (G above middle C) with falsetto range to B4 Mister's vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia.

Busybody characters serve as a Greek Chorus. Must be strong singers with sharp ears for tight harmonies.

Busybody characters serve as a Greek Chorus. Must be strong singers with sharp ears for tight harmonies.

Busybody characters serve as a Greek Chorus. Must be strong singers with sharp ears for tight harmonies.

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities. (Celie & Nettie's Father)

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities.

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities.

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities.

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities.

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities.

ENSEMBLE All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities.

Dynamic Mezzo

Strong, versatile movers with the ability to embody both African and African American dance traditions.