Click on the
icon in the picture to go to the next stop on the tour.
Hold the mouse down and move the cursor on the picture above to
see a 360 degree view.
The Opera House is the second-largest theater
in the Center, with 2,300 seats. It was designed for ballet,
opera, and musical theater. Over the years, the Opera House
has welcomed dozens of the world's great dance and opera companies
and has hosted some of the most important artistic events of
the last quarter century. With its distinctive red and gold
silk curtain, a gift from Japan, and the exquisite Lobmeyr crystal
chandelier, a gift from Austria, the Opera House makes an elegant
setting for the annual Kennedy Center Honors, the nations highest
award for lifetime achievement in the arts.
Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple The Musical about Love Starring Fantasia
"Fantasia is a hit! Her performance is a must-see…it's almost too beautiful for words!" --The Daily News
"A BIG HIT! A really stirring, inspiring show" --The Chicago Tribune
"SOARING AND JOYFUL" --Time Magazine
Adapted for the stage by Marsha Norman from the novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg Music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray Choreography by Donald Byrd Costume design by Paul Tazewell Set design by John Lee Beatty Directed by Gary Griffin
American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino made her Broadway debut in The Color Purple in 2007. Now she reprises her starring role of Celiein the National Tour of the Broadway smash hit. The New York Post exclaimed, "Four cheers for Fantasia! If you haven't seen The Color Purple, see it now; if you have seen it, see it again."
Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Color Purpleran on Broadway for more than two record-breaking years. From the classic Pulitzer Prize–winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark event. The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman named Celie who--through love--finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. Directed by Gary Griffin, The Color Purple is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. Performance Time: 2 hours, 43 minutes. Act I - 75 min.; Intermission - 18 min.; Act II - 70 min. Please Note: This performance is recommended for age 10 and up.
Casting Notice: Please note that Fantasia will not perform on the following dates: All Sunday matinee performances; Friday evening, Jul. 31; Saturday matinee, Aug. 1. In these performances, the role of Celie will be played by Phyre Hawkins or Brandi Massey.
Notice: There are a limited number of $25 tickets available for this engagement. They are available for purchase in-person only at the Kennedy Center Box Office with a limit of two (2) tickets per person. Prior to coming to the Kennedy Center, please call (202) 467-4600 to check availability.
![[Kennedy Center Virtual Tour.]](/images/about/virtual_tour/kc_tour.gif){kind=small}
icon in the picture to go to the next stop on the tour.![View the Opera House Gifts]](/images/about/virtual_tour/gifts_oh.jpg)
![[ ]](/images/about/virtual_tour/blue_line.gif){kind=small}
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts