Theatre Under the Stars: The Color Purple

When Alice Walker published The Color Purple in 1982, she could hardly have imagined that it would become a Broadway musical of all things. But as we in America know, all things are possible if you believe in Oprah, the woman who helped steer the Pulitzer Prize-winning book into its latest incarnation. Keeping the faith is what the book and the Theatre Under the Stars touring production are all about. Last September, Hurricane Ike forced the show to cancel its first week at the Hobby Center. But just as Miss Celie, the story's central character, overcomes hardship and disaster, the tour has found its way back to Houston. "All the people who were looking forward to seeing it last year now have an opportunity to see it," says Lauren Lovell, TUTS public relations manager. And despite all the sorrows in Walker's tale - including men who beat their wives and fathers who do unspeakable things with their daughters - "It's really an uplifting piece," says Lovell. She's watched from the lobby as audiences come out of the show and says it's pretty clear that "you feel the redemption and all the love in the family. You come out feeling really good." Revel in The Color Purple at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon and 5 p.m. Sunday. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For information call 713-558-8887, or visit www.tuts.com. $32 to $85.50.
Tue., Aug. 18, 8 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 19, 8 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 20, 8 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 21, 8 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 22, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 23, 12 & 5 p.m., 2009