For immediate release: Feb. 3, 2012

BLOOMSBURG — The national Broadway tour of the musical, “The Color Purple,” will make a stop at Bloomsburg University's Haas Center for the Arts, Mitrani Hall, Saturday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. The show, which honors Women’s History and Black History months, is part of BU’s Celebrity Artist Series.

Tickets are $34.50 for adults and $19.50 for children.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, “The Color Purple” follows the experiences of Celie, a young black girl living in the southern United States during the early 20th century. Celie suffers years of abuse at the hands of her father, who then sends her away to marry a cruel man only known as Mister.

By telling her story, Celie shares the struggles of her sister and other strong women close to her. Each woman faces adversities while fighting to earn freedom and respect, working together and supporting each other.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, who played Sofia in the 1985 film adaptation, transformed this tale into a stage musical which opened in 2005. The soundtrack, written by Grammy winners Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell and Allee Willis, features several genres including blues, gospel, jazz and ragtime. The stage performance has received a Tony award and a Grammy nomination.

Upcoming events in the 2011–2012 season of the Celebrity Artist Series, both in Haas Center for the Arts, Mitrani Hall, are:

• Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Saturday, March 31, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $34.50.
• Jazz musicians Grace Kelly and Phil Woods, Friday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $34.50.

For additional information, visit www.bloomu.edu/CAS or call (570) 389-4409.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. BU serves approximately 10,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.