Playwright Christopher Durang has been named the recipient of The Dramatists Guild of America’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, joining a prestigious roster of such past awardees as John Guare, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Miller.
The Guild’s annual awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at New York City’s Sony Hall. No word yet on whether the celebrated Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike playwright, who has been out of the public eye since a diagnosis of progressive aphasia was disclosed two years ago, will attend.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate Christopher Durang with the Dramatists Guild’s highest honor, in recognition of his singular voice and his enduring impact on generations of other writers,” said Lloyd Suh, chair of the Dramatists Guild’s Awards Committee, in a statement. “His grace, wit, charm, and generosity are an example to all of us in the community of American dramatists.
The Guild’s annual awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at New York City’s Sony Hall. No word yet on whether the celebrated Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike playwright, who has been out of the public eye since a diagnosis of progressive aphasia was disclosed two years ago, will attend.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate Christopher Durang with the Dramatists Guild’s highest honor, in recognition of his singular voice and his enduring impact on generations of other writers,” said Lloyd Suh, chair of the Dramatists Guild’s Awards Committee, in a statement. “His grace, wit, charm, and generosity are an example to all of us in the community of American dramatists.
- 2/29/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a script by Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker’s novel comes to life on the big screen once again with this stage-to-screen adaptation of the classic coming-of-age story. Fantasia Barrino leads the cast in her feature film debut as Celie, who, despite a life of hardships (from personal to societal), finds strength and solace in sisterhood. Featuring an A-list ensemble including Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., and more, the Oscar-nominated “The Color Purple” makes its streaming debut on Max on Friday, Feb. 16. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.
How to Watch 'The Color Purple' When: Friday, February 16, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com About 'The Color Purple'
“The Color Purple” takes on a new hue as Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,...
How to Watch 'The Color Purple' When: Friday, February 16, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com About 'The Color Purple'
“The Color Purple” takes on a new hue as Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Warner Bros. PIctures’ The Color Purple will make its streaming debut on Max on February 16.
The Blitz Bazawule-directed musical adaptation stars Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Danielle Brooks.
Adapted from the novel and Broadway musical, the film takes on the classic story of love and resilience. Torn apart from her sister Nettie (Bailey) and her children, Celie (Barrino) faces many hardships in her life, including an abusive husband simply called Mister (Domingo). With the support of sultry singer Shug Avery (Henson) and stand-her-ground stepdaughter Sofia (Brooks), Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
Bazawule directs from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, whose script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray,...
The Blitz Bazawule-directed musical adaptation stars Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Danielle Brooks.
Adapted from the novel and Broadway musical, the film takes on the classic story of love and resilience. Torn apart from her sister Nettie (Bailey) and her children, Celie (Barrino) faces many hardships in her life, including an abusive husband simply called Mister (Domingo). With the support of sultry singer Shug Avery (Henson) and stand-her-ground stepdaughter Sofia (Brooks), Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
Bazawule directs from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, whose script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Hello and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast. I am Valerie Complex, an associate editor and film writer at Deadline.
Today, I am chatting with writer-actress-singer Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who stars as young Celie in the new musical film version of The Color Purple, and with Fatima Robinson, the famed choreographer who helped create the movie’s spectacular dance pieces.
The Color Purple is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker. It comes on the heels of a classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over the course of 40 years.
Prior to appearing in The Color Purple, Mpasi was a staff writer on the Paramount+ series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies,...
Today, I am chatting with writer-actress-singer Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who stars as young Celie in the new musical film version of The Color Purple, and with Fatima Robinson, the famed choreographer who helped create the movie’s spectacular dance pieces.
The Color Purple is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker. It comes on the heels of a classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over the course of 40 years.
Prior to appearing in The Color Purple, Mpasi was a staff writer on the Paramount+ series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
‘The Color Purple’: Read The Screenplay By Marcus Gardley That Finds A New Way In To An Iconic Story
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule and written by Marcus Gardley. The music-filled film boasts a stacked cast including Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins and more.
Alice Walker’s 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name was originally adapted into a feature by Steven Spielberg in 1985 in a film that starred Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. The story was then adapted into a musical created by Marsha Norman, which ran on Broadway from 2005-2008 and got a revival in 2015. That musical was then adapted for the screen by Gardley, whose credits included writing on The Chi and the Z: The Beginning of Everything, and the Warner Bros movie was born, with Winfrey and Steven Spielberg back from the original film as producers.
The story centers on...
Alice Walker’s 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name was originally adapted into a feature by Steven Spielberg in 1985 in a film that starred Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. The story was then adapted into a musical created by Marsha Norman, which ran on Broadway from 2005-2008 and got a revival in 2015. That musical was then adapted for the screen by Gardley, whose credits included writing on The Chi and the Z: The Beginning of Everything, and the Warner Bros movie was born, with Winfrey and Steven Spielberg back from the original film as producers.
The story centers on...
- 1/4/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
For a story so filled with trauma and sorrow — violence, suffering, racism, child abduction, spousal abuse — the second screen adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel, The Color Purple, is a surprisingly joyful experience. The prevailing takeaway is its resounding themes of spirituality, self-discovery, redemption and resilience. Based on the 2005 Broadway musical that was revived to great acclaim 10 years later, the production marks a confident move onto a much larger canvas for Ghanaian multimedia artist Blitz Bazawule. It nods graciously to the imprint of Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film while vigorously forging its own identity.
The connection to the earlier version is partly built in by having Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones back on board as producers (alongside stage producer Scott Sanders). It’s also evident in the color palette of those shimmering Amblin skies, in two songs from the movie incorporated into the Broadway score and in an unbilled cameo early on.
The connection to the earlier version is partly built in by having Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones back on board as producers (alongside stage producer Scott Sanders). It’s also evident in the color palette of those shimmering Amblin skies, in two songs from the movie incorporated into the Broadway score and in an unbilled cameo early on.
- 12/19/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Blitz Bazawule’s big-screen adaptation of Alice Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple and its 2005 musical theater production is basically echo-chamber karaoke. The film knows the words and tunes but, with rare exception, lacks the passion and the perspective to make them truly resonate.
Walker’s book charted the emotional, sexual, and implicitly political coming of age of an African-American girl named Celie, whose life in rural, early-20th-century Georgia is several tiers below hell. She’s borne two children by a man, Alphonso, who beats and rapes her, and whom she knows as her father. And then a barbaric farmer known as Mister comes calling. He has eyes for Celie’s sister, Nettie, but Alphonso pawns off Celie instead, women being, in the eyes of these men, chattel-like property with inarguable coital benefits.
The book is written in epistolary style, with Celie addressing an unseen God throughout.
Walker’s book charted the emotional, sexual, and implicitly political coming of age of an African-American girl named Celie, whose life in rural, early-20th-century Georgia is several tiers below hell. She’s borne two children by a man, Alphonso, who beats and rapes her, and whom she knows as her father. And then a barbaric farmer known as Mister comes calling. He has eyes for Celie’s sister, Nettie, but Alphonso pawns off Celie instead, women being, in the eyes of these men, chattel-like property with inarguable coital benefits.
The book is written in epistolary style, with Celie addressing an unseen God throughout.
- 12/19/2023
- by Keith Uhlich
- Slant Magazine
Alice Walker started the phenomenon with her Pulitzer-winning 1982 book, and three years later Steven Spielberg turned it into a movie that got 11 Oscar nominations. In 2005, it took on new life as a Broadway musical, and in 2015 that musical got a Tony- and Grammy-winning revival.
Along the way it made big film and stage stars out of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino, the latter now making her feature starring debut as Celie in the new film version of the musical she led 18 years ago on Broadway. The Color Purple is indestructible, and that is also a good word to describe director Blitz Bazawule’s and screenwriter Marcus Gardley’s take that breathes exciting life into the story for new and older generations but also, to quote an original song from this film, really finds a way to “Keep It Movin’.”
Musicals have gone through a tough time recently.
Along the way it made big film and stage stars out of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino, the latter now making her feature starring debut as Celie in the new film version of the musical she led 18 years ago on Broadway. The Color Purple is indestructible, and that is also a good word to describe director Blitz Bazawule’s and screenwriter Marcus Gardley’s take that breathes exciting life into the story for new and older generations but also, to quote an original song from this film, really finds a way to “Keep It Movin’.”
Musicals have gone through a tough time recently.
- 12/19/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. has debuted another new trailer for the reimagining of the classic movie ‘The Color Purple.’
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play by Marsha Norman, experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond
This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
Also in trailers – “It’s complicated…” Trailer drops for ‘Good Grief’
The film will be released across the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The post Third trailer lands for the reimagining of ‘The Color Purple’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play by Marsha Norman, experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond
This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
Also in trailers – “It’s complicated…” Trailer drops for ‘Good Grief’
The film will be released across the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The post Third trailer lands for the reimagining of ‘The Color Purple’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 12/12/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Max is nothing if not a goldmine of content, with basically something to watch for everyone, and today we are making a list of the best new movies coming to Max in December 2023 that you can watch in the upcoming month. The movies in this list are ranked according to their availability dates.
Paranormal Activity (December 1)
Synopsis: After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially while they sleep. Paranormal Activity builds suspense all the way to the shocking ending.
Skyfall (December 1)
Synopsis: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
Paranormal Activity (December 1)
Synopsis: After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially while they sleep. Paranormal Activity builds suspense all the way to the shocking ending.
Skyfall (December 1)
Synopsis: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
- 12/7/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Warner Bros. will be juggling several tunes in the Oscar race for best original song.
Along with the multiple tracks from “Barbie” by Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, the studio will also handle numbers from their two upcoming holiday movie musicals: “The Color Purple” and “Wonka.”
The upcoming adaptation of the musical “The Color Purple” will screen in front of its first official audience of industry voters and journalists next week. Two numbers have been submitted for awards consideration — “Keep It Movin'” and a yet-to-be-announced song.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
One of the film’s stars Halle Bailey, already having a breakout year with her starring role as Ariel in Walt Disney’s live adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” has co-written “Keep It Movin’.” The track is also penned by Grammy winners Denisia Andrews, Brittany Coney and Morten Ristorp,...
Along with the multiple tracks from “Barbie” by Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, the studio will also handle numbers from their two upcoming holiday movie musicals: “The Color Purple” and “Wonka.”
The upcoming adaptation of the musical “The Color Purple” will screen in front of its first official audience of industry voters and journalists next week. Two numbers have been submitted for awards consideration — “Keep It Movin'” and a yet-to-be-announced song.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
One of the film’s stars Halle Bailey, already having a breakout year with her starring role as Ariel in Walt Disney’s live adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” has co-written “Keep It Movin’.” The track is also penned by Grammy winners Denisia Andrews, Brittany Coney and Morten Ristorp,...
- 11/11/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
There has been a real trend for movies becoming musicals and then making the transition back to cinemas. For The Color Purple, it has some top-notch people attached both in front of and behind the camera. And you'd expect no less, given that Alice Walker won the Pulitzer for her 1982 novel, and that Steven Spielberg turned it into a movie in 1985 that went on to land 11 Oscar nominations. The musical adaptation itself took Tony nominations, so you'd be right in thinking that hopes are high for the new musical movie version. Check out the latest trailer…
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
- 10/10/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Taraji P. Henson is busting down doors and taking names as fan favorite character Shug in the upcoming movie musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” Based on the acclaimed Alice Walker novel, filmmaker Blitz Bazawule’s film follows Celie (Fantasia Barrino) as she finds solace and perhaps more with Henson’s dazzling jazz singer Shug.
Star Barrino reprises the role of Celie after previously portraying the character in the Broadway show from 2007 to 2008 before embarking on the national tour in 2010. The Broadway show began in 2005 and was later revived in 2015, with Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo among the actresses who played Celie onstage. “The Little Mermaid” breakout Halle Bailey plays the younger version of Celie in the film that spans decades.
“Maid” writer and playwright Marcus Gardley penned the script, based on Walker’s novel and the musical stage play book by Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell,...
Star Barrino reprises the role of Celie after previously portraying the character in the Broadway show from 2007 to 2008 before embarking on the national tour in 2010. The Broadway show began in 2005 and was later revived in 2015, with Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo among the actresses who played Celie onstage. “The Little Mermaid” breakout Halle Bailey plays the younger version of Celie in the film that spans decades.
“Maid” writer and playwright Marcus Gardley penned the script, based on Walker’s novel and the musical stage play book by Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In 1985, Steven Spielberg brought Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple, to the big screen and racked up Academy Award nominations for himself, for the film’s stars, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Avery, and the film’s composer, Quincy Jones. Warner Bros. now re-adapts the story based on the musical version from director Blitz Bazawule, a multi-medium artist whose breakout first feature is the highly acclaimed The Burial of Kojo.
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads,
“A story of love and resilience, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
This new incarnation of the classic story features an ensemble cast that includes Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks,...
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads,
“A story of love and resilience, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
This new incarnation of the classic story features an ensemble cast that includes Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks,...
- 10/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Warner Bros. has launched a brand new trailer for the reimagining of the classic movie ‘The Color Purple.’
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play by Marsha Norman, experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond
This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
Also in trailers – Teaser trailer drops for 6th & final season of ‘The Crown’
The film will be released across the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The post New trailer drops for ‘The Color Purple’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play by Marsha Norman, experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond
This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
Also in trailers – Teaser trailer drops for 6th & final season of ‘The Crown’
The film will be released across the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The post New trailer drops for ‘The Color Purple’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 10/10/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The “A Bold New Take” behind the scenes featurette from The Color Purple begins with producer Oprah Winfrey saying, “There’s nothing that’s been more vital to me culturally, artistically, than The Color Purple.” Interviews with the cast , including Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, and Taraji P. Henson, and director Blitz Bazawule describe the importance of the story and why it’s still incredibly relatable.
Fantasia Barrino stars as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi playing the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks plays Sofia, Taraji P. Henson stars as Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Taraji P Henson, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks in ‘The Color Purple’ (Photo © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)
Blitz Bazawule (The Burial of Kojo) directed and Marcus Gardley (The Chi) wrote the screenplay...
Fantasia Barrino stars as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi playing the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks plays Sofia, Taraji P. Henson stars as Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Taraji P Henson, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks in ‘The Color Purple’ (Photo © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)
Blitz Bazawule (The Burial of Kojo) directed and Marcus Gardley (The Chi) wrote the screenplay...
- 9/15/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Warner Bros. has debuted the first trailer for the reimaging of the classic movie ‘The Color Purple.’
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond
This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
Also in trailers – Trailer lands for Gareth Edwards’ sci-fi action thriller ‘The Creator’
The film will be released across the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The post Trailer debuts for the reimagining of ‘The Color Purple’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond
This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
Also in trailers – Trailer lands for Gareth Edwards’ sci-fi action thriller ‘The Creator’
The film will be released across the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
The post Trailer debuts for the reimagining of ‘The Color Purple’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 5/23/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Color Purple has always attracted awards, from the Pulitzer Prize Alice Walker won for the original 1982 novel to the 11 Oscar nominations earned by Steven Spielberg's 1985 film adaptation. Since then, it has gone on to Tony nominations thanks to the musical version, which is now headed to screens itself. Check out the first full trailer…
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
With Blitz Bazawule in the director's chair and original film star Oprah Winfrey this time among the producers, the cast also features Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey,...
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
With Blitz Bazawule in the director's chair and original film star Oprah Winfrey this time among the producers, the cast also features Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey,...
- 5/22/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
The first The Color Purple trailer has arrived with American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino reprising her Broadway role. The epic musical reunites Steven Spielberg, the director of the 1985 film, with Oprah Winfrey, who made her feature film debut playing Sofia. Quincy Jones, a producer on the original film, is also back as an executive producer along with Spielberg and Winfrey.
Fantasia Barrino’s picked the perfect project as her movie debut, starring as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks is Sofia, Taraji P. Henson is Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Blitz Bazawule directed the musical and Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman,...
Fantasia Barrino’s picked the perfect project as her movie debut, starring as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks is Sofia, Taraji P. Henson is Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Blitz Bazawule directed the musical and Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
‘The Color Purple’ Musical Showcases Halle Bailey and Fantasia Barrino in Bold First Trailer (Video)
Oprah Winfrey said at this year’s CinemaCon that director Blitz Bazawule’s musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel is “not your Mama’s ‘Color Purple’,” and based on the first trailer, she’s right. Warner Bros. released the first trailer today, and between cinematographer Dan Laustsen’s cinematography and Fantasia Barrino’s soaring vocals, there’s enough packed into two minutes to bring out all the emotions.
Like Walker’s groundbreaking 1982 novel on which the musical is based, this feature follows Celie (Barrino as an adult and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as a child), a Black woman struggling to survive in the South during the 1900s.
We see several sequences similar to what director Steven Spielberg had in his own adaptation of Walker’s book, released to theaters in 1985, including scenes of young Celie and her sister, Nettie (played by “Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey as a teen) sitting in a tree,...
Like Walker’s groundbreaking 1982 novel on which the musical is based, this feature follows Celie (Barrino as an adult and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as a child), a Black woman struggling to survive in the South during the 1900s.
We see several sequences similar to what director Steven Spielberg had in his own adaptation of Walker’s book, released to theaters in 1985, including scenes of young Celie and her sister, Nettie (played by “Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey as a teen) sitting in a tree,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
The trailer for Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg’s musical remake of The Color Purple has arrived. American Idol winner Fantasia stars as Celie, reprising her Broadway role. Watch it below.
In the preview, a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) after being married off to an older man known only as Mister (Colman Domingo). As time goes on, Celie finds strength in the sisterhood of women she meets, like jazz singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Squeak (H.E.R.), and Sofia (Danielle Brooks).
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple also features Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama, and Ciara as Nettie. Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Tamala J. Mann, Stephen Hill, Jon Batiste, and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple...
In the preview, a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) after being married off to an older man known only as Mister (Colman Domingo). As time goes on, Celie finds strength in the sisterhood of women she meets, like jazz singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Squeak (H.E.R.), and Sofia (Danielle Brooks).
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple also features Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama, and Ciara as Nettie. Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Tamala J. Mann, Stephen Hill, Jon Batiste, and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple...
- 5/22/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
A bold new take on the beloved classic, here’s a first look at the brand new trailer for The Color Purple.
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley, based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs,...
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley, based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg have reunited to revive “The Color Purple” into a movie musical, directed by Blitz Bazawule.
After debuting footage for distributors at CinemaCon last month, Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for the new adaptation, which is set to premiere in North America on Dec. 25. The film will open internationally beginning Jan. 18, 2024.
The trailer features visually bold motifs as it takes audiences inside Celie’s headspace with “American Idol” winner Fantasia reprising her Broadway role, in her major motion picture debut. It also gives an insight into the sisterhood of the women at the heart of the story. Elevated by grandeur, the highlights are the musical clips and jaw-dropping production set against the backdrop of Mister’s Farm.
Starring alongside Fantasia are Danielle Brooks as Sofia, who earned a Tony nomination for the role in the 2016 Broadway revival, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Mister,...
After debuting footage for distributors at CinemaCon last month, Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for the new adaptation, which is set to premiere in North America on Dec. 25. The film will open internationally beginning Jan. 18, 2024.
The trailer features visually bold motifs as it takes audiences inside Celie’s headspace with “American Idol” winner Fantasia reprising her Broadway role, in her major motion picture debut. It also gives an insight into the sisterhood of the women at the heart of the story. Elevated by grandeur, the highlights are the musical clips and jaw-dropping production set against the backdrop of Mister’s Farm.
Starring alongside Fantasia are Danielle Brooks as Sofia, who earned a Tony nomination for the role in the 2016 Broadway revival, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Mister,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Charna Flam, Jazz Tangcay and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Alice Walker’s timeless novel “The Color Purple” is returning to the big screen for the first time in four decades.
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 1985 adaptation followed a young Black woman named Celie (then played by Whoopi Goldberg) trying to find her identity in rural Georgia while coping with her abusive father and the prejudices of the post-Antebellum South and forming a close connection with jazz singer Shug. A stage musical adaptation of Walker’s book debuted on Broadway in 2005, with Celie played by the likes of Lachanze and Cynthia Erivo throughout its run and revival. Now, in director Blitz Bazawule’s Warner Bros. film version of the musical (out Christmas Day), R&b star Fantasia Barrino, who appeared on Broadway in the show from 2007 to 2008 and then in the national tour two years later, takes on the role of Celie, with Taraji P. Henson as Shug. Watch the first...
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 1985 adaptation followed a young Black woman named Celie (then played by Whoopi Goldberg) trying to find her identity in rural Georgia while coping with her abusive father and the prejudices of the post-Antebellum South and forming a close connection with jazz singer Shug. A stage musical adaptation of Walker’s book debuted on Broadway in 2005, with Celie played by the likes of Lachanze and Cynthia Erivo throughout its run and revival. Now, in director Blitz Bazawule’s Warner Bros. film version of the musical (out Christmas Day), R&b star Fantasia Barrino, who appeared on Broadway in the show from 2007 to 2008 and then in the national tour two years later, takes on the role of Celie, with Taraji P. Henson as Shug. Watch the first...
- 5/22/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Without giving away a single favorite thing, Oprah Winfrey brought the house down with a surprise appearance at CinemaCon 2023.
Revelers at the annual convention of movie theater owners were delighted by the mogul’s cameo at Tuesday’s presentation from Warner Bros. Pictures. Winfrey is a producer on the studio’s upcoming movie musical “The Color Purple,” based on the 1985 Steven Spielberg classic in which the former daytime host starred.
“‘The Color Purple’ in 1985 was the biggest and most important thing that happened to me. This is a full circle moment to be part of this film. It holds great personal meaning,” Winfrey told the crowd.
Appearing with director Blitz Bazawule, the pair showed the first footage ever screened from the project — a rousing and lush production that particularly showcased femme fatale Taraji P. Henson.
The film will open this coming Christmas Day, and boasts serious musical and Hollywood star power.
Revelers at the annual convention of movie theater owners were delighted by the mogul’s cameo at Tuesday’s presentation from Warner Bros. Pictures. Winfrey is a producer on the studio’s upcoming movie musical “The Color Purple,” based on the 1985 Steven Spielberg classic in which the former daytime host starred.
“‘The Color Purple’ in 1985 was the biggest and most important thing that happened to me. This is a full circle moment to be part of this film. It holds great personal meaning,” Winfrey told the crowd.
Appearing with director Blitz Bazawule, the pair showed the first footage ever screened from the project — a rousing and lush production that particularly showcased femme fatale Taraji P. Henson.
The film will open this coming Christmas Day, and boasts serious musical and Hollywood star power.
- 4/25/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s Tonys will be held on June 11, so the American Theatre Wing will likely be announcing their lifetime achievement award recipient in the near future. Who do you think should be taking home this prestigious trophy? Scroll down to let us know in our poll which behind-the-scenes creative deserves the honor this year.
The Tony for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre honors an individual’s body of work, and in some years we’ve gotten multiple recipients. Last year legendary five-time Tony winner Angela Lansbury received this honor about four months before her death on October 11 at the age of 96. The following living creatives have already received this award so they’re not eligible to be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Jane Greenwood, Sheldon Harnick, Marshall W. Mason, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harold Wheeler, and Graciela Daniele.
Here are 10 possibilities, all of them creatives over the...
The Tony for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre honors an individual’s body of work, and in some years we’ve gotten multiple recipients. Last year legendary five-time Tony winner Angela Lansbury received this honor about four months before her death on October 11 at the age of 96. The following living creatives have already received this award so they’re not eligible to be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Jane Greenwood, Sheldon Harnick, Marshall W. Mason, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harold Wheeler, and Graciela Daniele.
Here are 10 possibilities, all of them creatives over the...
- 3/21/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Jesús I. Valles’ play Bathhouse.pptx has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Yale Drama Series Prize, with the honor’s judge Jeremy O. Harris calling the new work an exploration of “a queer history that is quickly being erased.”
The prize for emerging playwrights, now in its 16th year, was selected from more than 1,500 entries. As is the prize’s custom, Harris, the author of Slave Play and a Yale alum, was the selection process’ presiding playwright, or sole judge. Previous judges have included Edward Albee, David Hare, John Guare, Marsha Norman, Nicholas Wright, Ayad Akhtar and Paula Vogel.
“This is one of the most exciting speculative fictions I’ve encountered in years,” Harris said, “using a unique dramaturgy to explore a queer history that is quickly being erased. It brought to mind the works of many heroes like Samuel Delaney, Martin Crimp, and Kathy Acker.”
Winning playwright Velles said,...
The prize for emerging playwrights, now in its 16th year, was selected from more than 1,500 entries. As is the prize’s custom, Harris, the author of Slave Play and a Yale alum, was the selection process’ presiding playwright, or sole judge. Previous judges have included Edward Albee, David Hare, John Guare, Marsha Norman, Nicholas Wright, Ayad Akhtar and Paula Vogel.
“This is one of the most exciting speculative fictions I’ve encountered in years,” Harris said, “using a unique dramaturgy to explore a queer history that is quickly being erased. It brought to mind the works of many heroes like Samuel Delaney, Martin Crimp, and Kathy Acker.”
Winning playwright Velles said,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A five-part video and podcast series celebrating the life and career of Broadway composer Lucy Simon – one of the final projects the sister of Carly Simon worked on prior to her death last week – launches today on YouTube and the Broadway Podcast Network.
Celebrating Lucy Simon was announced and released today by Broadway Podcast Network Co-Founders Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. The series will feature never-before-heard stories from The Secret Garden composer Simon herself, as well as from such collaborators as Judy Collins, Marshall Brickman, Marsha Norman, Victoria Clark, and others.
The series will also include new performances by Broadway stars Sierra Boggess, Funny Girl‘s Ramin Karimloo, The Secret Garden original stars Daisy Eagan and John Cameron Mitchell, and others. Eagan, Boggess and Karimloo performed in two New York concert versions of The Secret Garden in 2016. Songs to be performed on the new series will include the musical’s “Wick,...
Celebrating Lucy Simon was announced and released today by Broadway Podcast Network Co-Founders Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. The series will feature never-before-heard stories from The Secret Garden composer Simon herself, as well as from such collaborators as Judy Collins, Marshall Brickman, Marsha Norman, Victoria Clark, and others.
The series will also include new performances by Broadway stars Sierra Boggess, Funny Girl‘s Ramin Karimloo, The Secret Garden original stars Daisy Eagan and John Cameron Mitchell, and others. Eagan, Boggess and Karimloo performed in two New York concert versions of The Secret Garden in 2016. Songs to be performed on the new series will include the musical’s “Wick,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lucy Simon, a Tony-nominated Broadway composer best known for “The Secret Garden” and the older sister of pop singer Carly Simon, died Thursday following a long battle with breast cancer. She was 82.
Her family said she died at her home in Piedmont, New York.
Simon was only the third female composer to have a production on Broadway with “The Secret Garden,” a musical based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She composed the music with the book and lyrics by Marsha Norman.
In 1991 “The Secret Garden” was nominated for six Tony Awards, including nominations for Best Original Score for Simon and Norman, winning two. The musical ran for 709 performances on Broadway.
Simon also composed the music for the 2011 musical “Doctor Zhivago.”
Also Read:
‘Topdog/Underdog’ Broadway Review: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Corey Hawkins Create Sparks
Born in 1940 in New York City, Simon began performing as a folk duo with her younger sister,...
Her family said she died at her home in Piedmont, New York.
Simon was only the third female composer to have a production on Broadway with “The Secret Garden,” a musical based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She composed the music with the book and lyrics by Marsha Norman.
In 1991 “The Secret Garden” was nominated for six Tony Awards, including nominations for Best Original Score for Simon and Norman, winning two. The musical ran for 709 performances on Broadway.
Simon also composed the music for the 2011 musical “Doctor Zhivago.”
Also Read:
‘Topdog/Underdog’ Broadway Review: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Corey Hawkins Create Sparks
Born in 1940 in New York City, Simon began performing as a folk duo with her younger sister,...
- 10/21/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Lucy Simon, the composer and sister of pop superstar Carly Simon who received a Tony nomination in 1991 for her work on the long-running Broadway musical The Secret Garden, has died. She was 82.
Simon died Thursday at her home in Piedmont, New York, after a long battle with breast cancer, a family spokesperson announced.
She and Carly began their careers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as The Simon Sisters, and their folk act opened for the likes of The Tarriers in Greenwich Village nightclubs. Their recording of “Wynken, Blynken & Nod” reached No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
Lucy Simon became the rare female composer to have a show on Broadway when The Secret Garden debuted in April 1991. Starring Rebecca Luker, Mandy Patinkin, Alison Fraser and Daisy Eagan and based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s novel, the musical ran for 709 performances on Broadway, won...
Lucy Simon, the composer and sister of pop superstar Carly Simon who received a Tony nomination in 1991 for her work on the long-running Broadway musical The Secret Garden, has died. She was 82.
Simon died Thursday at her home in Piedmont, New York, after a long battle with breast cancer, a family spokesperson announced.
She and Carly began their careers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as The Simon Sisters, and their folk act opened for the likes of The Tarriers in Greenwich Village nightclubs. Their recording of “Wynken, Blynken & Nod” reached No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
Lucy Simon became the rare female composer to have a show on Broadway when The Secret Garden debuted in April 1991. Starring Rebecca Luker, Mandy Patinkin, Alison Fraser and Daisy Eagan and based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s novel, the musical ran for 709 performances on Broadway, won...
- 10/21/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Jeremy O. Harris, the Tony-nominated author of Slave Play, has been named the presiding playwright for the 2023 Yale Drama Series Prize, one of the theater world’s most prestigious playwriting prizes. As the presiding playwright, Harris, a Yale alum, becomes a judging panel of one to select an emerging playwright to receive the annual prize.
Harris joins the ranks of such previous presiding playwrights as Edward Albee, David Hare, John Guare, Marsha Norman, Nicholas Wright, Ayad Akhtar and, most recently, Paula Vogel.
“If only the entire theater world was as democratic, meritocratic, and pluralistic as the Yale Drama Prize,” said Harris in a statement. “There is an entire generation of playwrights who have been fighting to be heard – especially in light of the pause button pushed by the pandemic, and this is our opportunity to thrust a chosen few directly into the global cultural conversation. These are the next...
Harris joins the ranks of such previous presiding playwrights as Edward Albee, David Hare, John Guare, Marsha Norman, Nicholas Wright, Ayad Akhtar and, most recently, Paula Vogel.
“If only the entire theater world was as democratic, meritocratic, and pluralistic as the Yale Drama Prize,” said Harris in a statement. “There is an entire generation of playwrights who have been fighting to be heard – especially in light of the pause button pushed by the pandemic, and this is our opportunity to thrust a chosen few directly into the global cultural conversation. These are the next...
- 5/10/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Multiple Grammy winner Jon Batiste is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming big-screen musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” directed by Blitz Bazawule and set at Warner Bros., an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Batiste will play the role of Grady. Grady is Shug Avery’s husband and described as a debonair, sweet-talking piano man, who is the epitome of charm and eloquence. Taraji P. Henson is set to star as Shug Avery. The rest of the cast includes Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis, Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Ciara, Louis Gosset Jr., David Alan Grier and H.E.R. in what will also be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023. Production is currently underway in Georgia.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from...
Batiste will play the role of Grady. Grady is Shug Avery’s husband and described as a debonair, sweet-talking piano man, who is the epitome of charm and eloquence. Taraji P. Henson is set to star as Shug Avery. The rest of the cast includes Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis, Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Ciara, Louis Gosset Jr., David Alan Grier and H.E.R. in what will also be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023. Production is currently underway in Georgia.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from...
- 4/15/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Grammy winner Jon Batiste is set to make his acting debut in Warner Bros.’ upcoming adaptation of The Color Purple.
The film, which is being directed by Blitz Bazawule (Black Is King), is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, which was itself adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker.
Joining a cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis, H.E.R., Corey Hawkins, and Taraji P. Henson, Batiste will play Grady, a marijuana-loving womanizer married to jazz and blues singer Shug Avery (who...
The film, which is being directed by Blitz Bazawule (Black Is King), is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, which was itself adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker.
Joining a cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis, H.E.R., Corey Hawkins, and Taraji P. Henson, Batiste will play Grady, a marijuana-loving womanizer married to jazz and blues singer Shug Avery (who...
- 4/15/2022
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Rollingstone.com
Ciara is the latest music icon to join the cast of the Warner Bros. movie musical remake of “The Color Purple,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Ciara will portray the adult version of Nettie, which already has Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”) portraying the younger version of the character. She joins a cast that already includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Louis Gosset Jr. H.E.R., David Alan Grier and Fantasia Barrino.
Blitz Bazawule is directing “The Color Purple,” which is currently set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023. Production is set to begin this month in Georgia.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from a script by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). “The Color Purple” also has a book by Marsha Norman and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray,...
Ciara will portray the adult version of Nettie, which already has Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”) portraying the younger version of the character. She joins a cast that already includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Louis Gosset Jr. H.E.R., David Alan Grier and Fantasia Barrino.
Blitz Bazawule is directing “The Color Purple,” which is currently set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023. Production is set to begin this month in Georgia.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from a script by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). “The Color Purple” also has a book by Marsha Norman and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray,...
- 3/22/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The prestigious Yale Drama Series Prize for emerging playwrights has announced eight contenders selected for its first-ever short list.
Prize organizers opted this year to announce the short list, rather than the traditional announcement of the winning play only, to “better reflect the pluralism of its applicant pool, and to provide a broader context about the state of the American Theater at the emerging level.”
Also for the first time, the play selections were chosen by a six-member judging panel rather than one playwright. Past winners were chosen by such playwrights as Edward Albee, David Hare, Marsha Norman and Paula Vogel.
Each of this year’s six judges are all past winners of the Yale prize, and each read more than 250 playwriting contenders.
The eight plays selected for the short list are:
Jordan Ramirez Puckett’s A Driving Beat Lilly Camp’s All Eight Matthew Paul Olmos’ a home...
Prize organizers opted this year to announce the short list, rather than the traditional announcement of the winning play only, to “better reflect the pluralism of its applicant pool, and to provide a broader context about the state of the American Theater at the emerging level.”
Also for the first time, the play selections were chosen by a six-member judging panel rather than one playwright. Past winners were chosen by such playwrights as Edward Albee, David Hare, Marsha Norman and Paula Vogel.
Each of this year’s six judges are all past winners of the Yale prize, and each read more than 250 playwriting contenders.
The eight plays selected for the short list are:
Jordan Ramirez Puckett’s A Driving Beat Lilly Camp’s All Eight Matthew Paul Olmos’ a home...
- 2/25/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple” movie musical has found its Celie and Sofia in Fantasia Taylor and Danielle Brooks.
Both actors reprise their respective roles from the stage musical, where Taylor made her Broadway debut as Celie in 2007 following her “American Idol” win, and Brooks earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the 2015 revival.
Taylor and Brooks’ casting was announced on Thursday as part of the ABC News special “Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising.” During the broadcast, “ABC News Live Prime” anchor Linsey Davis interviewed the women about reviving their roles for the film and following the Oscar-nominated big screen performances by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey.
Brooks relived the emotional moment when Winfrey, who is producing the new movie under her Harpo Films banner, revealed that she was chosen for the role during a Zoom call.
“I am here representing all...
Both actors reprise their respective roles from the stage musical, where Taylor made her Broadway debut as Celie in 2007 following her “American Idol” win, and Brooks earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the 2015 revival.
Taylor and Brooks’ casting was announced on Thursday as part of the ABC News special “Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising.” During the broadcast, “ABC News Live Prime” anchor Linsey Davis interviewed the women about reviving their roles for the film and following the Oscar-nominated big screen performances by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey.
Brooks relived the emotional moment when Winfrey, who is producing the new movie under her Harpo Films banner, revealed that she was chosen for the role during a Zoom call.
“I am here representing all...
- 2/4/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has signed on to star alongside H.E.R. and Corey Hawkins in Blitz Bazawule’s (Black Is King) adaptation of The Color Purple for Warner Bros., Deadline has confirmed.
The upcoming film is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. It comes on the heels of a classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over the course of four decades.
Henson will play Shug Avery, a jazz and blues singer played in Spielberg’s adaptation by Margaret Avery, and by icons including Jennifer Hudson in various adaptations for the stage.
The Chi‘s Marcus Gardley handled the screenplay adaptation. Oprah Winfrey, who played Sofia in the 1985 film,...
The upcoming film is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. It comes on the heels of a classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over the course of four decades.
Henson will play Shug Avery, a jazz and blues singer played in Spielberg’s adaptation by Margaret Avery, and by icons including Jennifer Hudson in various adaptations for the stage.
The Chi‘s Marcus Gardley handled the screenplay adaptation. Oprah Winfrey, who played Sofia in the 1985 film,...
- 2/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has joined the cast of the upcoming big screen musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” directed by Blitz Bazawule and set at Warner Bros., an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Henson will portray Shug Avery in the film, and she joins a cast that already includes Corey Hawkins and H.E.R. in what will be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is currently set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from a script by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). “The Color Purple” also has a book by Marsha Norman and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and the musical was a hit for its joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms.
“The Color Purple” originated as Alice Walker’s Pulitzer...
Henson will portray Shug Avery in the film, and she joins a cast that already includes Corey Hawkins and H.E.R. in what will be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is currently set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from a script by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). “The Color Purple” also has a book by Marsha Norman and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and the musical was a hit for its joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms.
“The Color Purple” originated as Alice Walker’s Pulitzer...
- 2/1/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Oscar- and Emmy-nominee Taraji P. Henson will star as Shug Avery in Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple.”
The forthcoming Warner Bros. movie is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is itself an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The production is directed by Bazawule, best known for his work on Beyoncé’s “Black is King,” “The Burial of Kojo” and “Cherish the Day.”
Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”) wrote the screenplay, based on Alice Walker’s novel, the 1985 Warner Bros. Pictures film, and the stage musical.
In Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film version, Margaret Avery played Shug Avery — the jazz and blues singer introduced as Mister’s long-time mistress before becoming Celie’s confidant — while such talents as Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Williams, Heather Headley, Elisabeth Withers, Angela Robinson and Nicola Hughes took on the role in productions of the stage musical.
Oprah Winfrey, who made her feature...
The forthcoming Warner Bros. movie is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is itself an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The production is directed by Bazawule, best known for his work on Beyoncé’s “Black is King,” “The Burial of Kojo” and “Cherish the Day.”
Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”) wrote the screenplay, based on Alice Walker’s novel, the 1985 Warner Bros. Pictures film, and the stage musical.
In Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film version, Margaret Avery played Shug Avery — the jazz and blues singer introduced as Mister’s long-time mistress before becoming Celie’s confidant — while such talents as Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Williams, Heather Headley, Elisabeth Withers, Angela Robinson and Nicola Hughes took on the role in productions of the stage musical.
Oprah Winfrey, who made her feature...
- 2/1/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
H.E.R. has signed on for her first acting role, landing the part of Squeak in Blitz Bazawule’s forthcoming adaptation of “The Color Purple” for Warner Bros.
H.E.R. is already an Oscar winner, earning the best original song trophy in April for her song “Fight For You,” from Warner Bros.’ “Judas and the Black Messiah.” The singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist also has won four Grammys.
In her Variety cover story, the 23-year-old songstress expressed her desire to become a top musician and a top actor.
“There is so much I want to do. People don’t really get to see my comedic and fun side, except for when I’m impersonating my aunt,” she said, with a laugh. “But I definitely want to do a lot more voice-overs, and comedy, but also some serious roles.”
Catching herself, she continued: “I’m trying to do it all, I know.
H.E.R. is already an Oscar winner, earning the best original song trophy in April for her song “Fight For You,” from Warner Bros.’ “Judas and the Black Messiah.” The singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist also has won four Grammys.
In her Variety cover story, the 23-year-old songstress expressed her desire to become a top musician and a top actor.
“There is so much I want to do. People don’t really get to see my comedic and fun side, except for when I’m impersonating my aunt,” she said, with a laugh. “But I definitely want to do a lot more voice-overs, and comedy, but also some serious roles.”
Catching herself, she continued: “I’m trying to do it all, I know.
- 8/27/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
H.E.R. is set to make her film acting debut in Warner Bros.’ adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
The musical, of course, is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker, and Steven Spielberg directed the 1985 adaptation, starring Whoop Goldberg. It received 11 Oscar nominations, including best actress for Goldberg, but was shut out.
The story centers on a black woman named Celie, who grows up in intense poverty in the American South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life, which tests her faith in God and humankind. Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, becoming the first black woman to do so. H.E.R. will play a character named Squeak, a woman who goes from waitress to singer.
Blitz Bazawule, who most recently directed Beyoncé’s Disney+ visual album “Black Is King, is directing. Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay.
The musical, of course, is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker, and Steven Spielberg directed the 1985 adaptation, starring Whoop Goldberg. It received 11 Oscar nominations, including best actress for Goldberg, but was shut out.
The story centers on a black woman named Celie, who grows up in intense poverty in the American South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life, which tests her faith in God and humankind. Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, becoming the first black woman to do so. H.E.R. will play a character named Squeak, a woman who goes from waitress to singer.
Blitz Bazawule, who most recently directed Beyoncé’s Disney+ visual album “Black Is King, is directing. Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay.
- 8/27/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Corey Hawkins, who was -- in my humble opinion -- the best part of the "In the Heights" movie, has landed himself another musical role. Hawkins has joined the cast of "The Color Purple," which will be helmed by "Black Is King" filmmaker Blitz Bazawle for Warner Bros. Based on the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker, its 1985 film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg, and the Broadway adaptation with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, the film follows a Black woman growing up in poverty in the American South.
According to The...
The post The Color Purple Musical Will Star In the Heights Stand-Out Corey Hawkins appeared first on /Film.
According to The...
The post The Color Purple Musical Will Star In the Heights Stand-Out Corey Hawkins appeared first on /Film.
- 8/27/2021
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
“In the Heights” star Corey Hawkins is reuniting with Warner Bros. for another movie musical, this time for the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.”
“Black Is King” filmmaker Blitz Bazawle is directing at the studio. Hawkins is expected to play the role of Harpo in the film adaptation.
“The Color Purple” originated as Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel from 1982, which was later adapted into Steven Spielberg’s Best Picture-nominated film from 1985 and then again into a musical on Broadway from 2005. Spielberg’s film was the feature-debut for Whoopi Goldberg and also featured Oprah Winfrey in a breakout role. The musical from 2005 likewise earned 11 Tony nominations and was revived again in 2016, which netted two Tonys and grossed $350 million.
The story centers on a black woman named Celie, who grows up in intense poverty in the American South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life,...
“Black Is King” filmmaker Blitz Bazawle is directing at the studio. Hawkins is expected to play the role of Harpo in the film adaptation.
“The Color Purple” originated as Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel from 1982, which was later adapted into Steven Spielberg’s Best Picture-nominated film from 1985 and then again into a musical on Broadway from 2005. Spielberg’s film was the feature-debut for Whoopi Goldberg and also featured Oprah Winfrey in a breakout role. The musical from 2005 likewise earned 11 Tony nominations and was revived again in 2016, which netted two Tonys and grossed $350 million.
The story centers on a black woman named Celie, who grows up in intense poverty in the American South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life,...
- 8/26/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: We hear that In the Heights star Corey Hawkins is getting back into business with Warner Bros for its feature adaptation of the Broadway musical The Color Purple, based on Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 1995 movie. The role Hawkins is being buzzed to play is Harpo.
We’ve been hearing for some time about Hawkins circling Color Purple and that the studio was even testing actresses opposite him. As Deadline first told you, Ghana-born Black Is King filmmaker Blitz Bazawule is set to direct.
The Color Purple has a December 21, 2023 release date.
Marcus Gardley is writing the screenplay based on the Broadway reimagining of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel. The story depicts the lives of African American families and relationships in early 20th century Georgia. The musical, featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms, has a book by Marsha Norman with music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
We’ve been hearing for some time about Hawkins circling Color Purple and that the studio was even testing actresses opposite him. As Deadline first told you, Ghana-born Black Is King filmmaker Blitz Bazawule is set to direct.
The Color Purple has a December 21, 2023 release date.
Marcus Gardley is writing the screenplay based on the Broadway reimagining of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel. The story depicts the lives of African American families and relationships in early 20th century Georgia. The musical, featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms, has a book by Marsha Norman with music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
- 8/26/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
James C. Nicola, whose tenure as artistic director of Off Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop included the development of such prominent stage works as Rent, Once, Hadestown, What the Constitution Means to Me, Slave Play and David Bowie’s Lazarus, will leave the post next year, the company announced today.
“In July of 2022, I will reach the age of 72,” Nicola said in a statement. “In my mind, that has always been the moment to interrupt whatever patterns there might be in my life, and to leap off a cliff into reinvention. So that is my plan.”
Nicola will depart Nytw on June 30, 2022. He has been the artistic director since 1988.
Under his stewardship, Nytw has cemented a reputation as an important force in the production and development of new theater work, many of which have gone on to Broadway runs. A partial list of important works developed at the Nytw includes Jonathan Larson’s Rent,...
“In July of 2022, I will reach the age of 72,” Nicola said in a statement. “In my mind, that has always been the moment to interrupt whatever patterns there might be in my life, and to leap off a cliff into reinvention. So that is my plan.”
Nicola will depart Nytw on June 30, 2022. He has been the artistic director since 1988.
Under his stewardship, Nytw has cemented a reputation as an important force in the production and development of new theater work, many of which have gone on to Broadway runs. A partial list of important works developed at the Nytw includes Jonathan Larson’s Rent,...
- 4/16/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mulan and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star Rosalind Chao chats about a few of her favorite movies with Josh & Joe.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Mulan (2020)
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Gremlins (1984)
Explorers (1985)
Funny Girl (1968)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
The Graduate (1967)
Midnight Run (1988)
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The Lonely Guy (1984)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
Best In Show (2000)
Hamilton (2020)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Misery (1990)
Paris, Texas (1984)
Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
sex, lies and videotape (1989)
The Shining (1980)
Matewan (1987)
Thousand Pieces of Gold (1990)
Lost In Translation (2003)
Mean Streets (1973)
On The Rocks (2020)
Somewhere (2010)
Adaptation (2002)
Mandy (2018)
Possessor (2020)
Midsommar (2019)
The Wicker Man (1973)
Hereditary (2018)
The Lighthouse (2019)
Other Notable Items
The Scott Alexander podcast episodes
Tfh Guru Larry Karaszewski
Star Trek franchise
The It’s A Small World ride
Disneyland
University of the Arts
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Mulan (2020)
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Gremlins (1984)
Explorers (1985)
Funny Girl (1968)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
The Graduate (1967)
Midnight Run (1988)
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The Lonely Guy (1984)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
Best In Show (2000)
Hamilton (2020)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Misery (1990)
Paris, Texas (1984)
Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
sex, lies and videotape (1989)
The Shining (1980)
Matewan (1987)
Thousand Pieces of Gold (1990)
Lost In Translation (2003)
Mean Streets (1973)
On The Rocks (2020)
Somewhere (2010)
Adaptation (2002)
Mandy (2018)
Possessor (2020)
Midsommar (2019)
The Wicker Man (1973)
Hereditary (2018)
The Lighthouse (2019)
Other Notable Items
The Scott Alexander podcast episodes
Tfh Guru Larry Karaszewski
Star Trek franchise
The It’s A Small World ride
Disneyland
University of the Arts
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine...
- 2/9/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
More than 200 theater writers – playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists – have joined a nationwide letter writing campaign urging the incoming Biden-Harris Administration to prioritize its commitment to an arts community ravaged by Covid-19. Among other goals, many of the letters urge the administration to create a Department and Secretary of Arts & Culture.
Organized by the non-partisan grassroots coalition Be An #ArtsHero in partnership with The Dramatists Guild of America, the “Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President” campaign asserts that “the Arts are vital to our nation’s soul and our collective humanity, as well as being an essential driver of the economy.”
Among those writing letters: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Heidi Schreck (What The Constitution Means To Me) as well as V (formerly Eve Ensler), Craig Lucas, Theresa Rebeck, Sarah Ruhl, Marsha Norman, Lynn Ahrens, Zakiyyah Alexander, Jaclyn Backhaus, Bekah Brunstetter, Carla Ching, Vichet Chum, Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
Organized by the non-partisan grassroots coalition Be An #ArtsHero in partnership with The Dramatists Guild of America, the “Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President” campaign asserts that “the Arts are vital to our nation’s soul and our collective humanity, as well as being an essential driver of the economy.”
Among those writing letters: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Heidi Schreck (What The Constitution Means To Me) as well as V (formerly Eve Ensler), Craig Lucas, Theresa Rebeck, Sarah Ruhl, Marsha Norman, Lynn Ahrens, Zakiyyah Alexander, Jaclyn Backhaus, Bekah Brunstetter, Carla Ching, Vichet Chum, Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ghana-born filmmaker Blitz Bazawule who most recently directed Beyoncé’s Disney+ visual album “Black Is King,” is set to direct Warner Bros. movie-musical “The Color Purple,” according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel, the story centers on a black woman named Celie, who grows up in intense poverty in the American South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life, which tests her faith in God and humankind. Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, becoming the first black woman to do so.
Also Read: 'The Color Purple' Broadway Musical to Get Movie Adaptation
Scott Sanders, who produced the Tony-winning Broadway version, will produce the big-screen musical with Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones. Steven Spielberg is back as well, as producer.
The book was previously adapted as a 1985 feature film...
Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel, the story centers on a black woman named Celie, who grows up in intense poverty in the American South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life, which tests her faith in God and humankind. Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, becoming the first black woman to do so.
Also Read: 'The Color Purple' Broadway Musical to Get Movie Adaptation
Scott Sanders, who produced the Tony-winning Broadway version, will produce the big-screen musical with Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones. Steven Spielberg is back as well, as producer.
The book was previously adapted as a 1985 feature film...
- 8/24/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Hot off of co-directing Beyoncé’s Disney+ visual album feature Black Is King, Ghana-born filmmaker Blitz Bazawule is set to direct Warner Bros. musical film The Color Purple, based on the Tony-winning Broadway musical.
I hear that the feature’s producers Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones caught Bazawule’s movie The Burial Of Kojo on Netflix, and were wowed by his vibrant visual style.
“We, were all blown away by Blitz’s unique vision as a director and look forward to seeing how he brings the next evolution of this beloved story to life,” Winfrey tells Deadline.
Bazawule is a composer and musician of four studio albums: Stereotype (2009), Native Sun (2011), Afropolitan Dreams (2014) and Diasporadical (2016), and his musical sensibility, and what he could bring to The Color Purple, also impressed the producers as well. Bazawule co-directed Black Is King with Beyoncé and Emmanuel Adjei, helming the South African shoot.
I hear that the feature’s producers Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones caught Bazawule’s movie The Burial Of Kojo on Netflix, and were wowed by his vibrant visual style.
“We, were all blown away by Blitz’s unique vision as a director and look forward to seeing how he brings the next evolution of this beloved story to life,” Winfrey tells Deadline.
Bazawule is a composer and musician of four studio albums: Stereotype (2009), Native Sun (2011), Afropolitan Dreams (2014) and Diasporadical (2016), and his musical sensibility, and what he could bring to The Color Purple, also impressed the producers as well. Bazawule co-directed Black Is King with Beyoncé and Emmanuel Adjei, helming the South African shoot.
- 8/24/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier this week was the 13th Annual Yale Drama Series Prize ceremony, which honored playwright Liliana Padilla for her play How To Defend Yourself, and was selected by playwright-judge Ayad Akhtar. This was held at the Claire Tow Theater at Lincoln Center, and culminated in a reading of the play directed by Rachel Chavkin. Also in attendance were previous Yale Drama Series Prize judges including John Guare and Marsha Norman previous Yds Prize recipients including Barbara Seyda and Neil Wechsler and Francine Horn, President of the David Charles Horn Foundation.
- 3/6/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
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