24-25 Season, Mainstage
In Rehearsal: “Mysterious Ways”
You’ll make a joyful noise when you hear The Color Purple in rehearsal!
This Grammy Award-winning score is infused with jazz, gospel, ragtime and the blues. Celebrate life and gospel music with this soul-raising first listen to our company sing “Opening/Mysterious Ways” in rehearsal.
Video by Nyhuis Creative featuring the cast of The Color Purple
MELANY BELL, she/they (Church Lady) is a published author, and multi-disciplinary, installation artist. They have a passion for training in decarceral learning and have historically worked with: Julie Taymor on Disney’s The Lion King and Lloyd Richards on The Piano Lesson (Broadway). T.V.: Michael Crichton, CCH Pounder, George Clooney, Omar Epps, Debbie Morgan, and Joe Napolitano. Theatre: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Globe Theatre, The Ahmanson Theatre.
CRYSTAL HAIRSTON, she/her (Church Lady) is making her debut with Village Theatre in this production of The Color Purple. She counts it a dream come true to join this incredible cast in honoring this timeless work. When not on stage, Crystal pours her passion for the arts into her community as an artist, art director, teacher, mentor and founder of Lifted! Youth Gospel Choir. She’s eternally grateful to her husband Tali, their crew of six, and her village for always seeing and believing in her greatness. She rests on your loving shoulders.
KATAKA J. MACKENZIE, she/they (Church Lady). Select credits: Erzulie in Once on This Island (Village Theatre), Lil Mama in STEW (ACT Theatre), Kameeka in The Hula Hoopin’ Queen (Seattle Children’s Theatre), Marian Anderson in My Lord, What A Night (Taproot Theatre), and Dorothy in The Wiz (The 5th Avenue Theatre). Much love.
Originally published May 13, 2025
The Color Purple
ISSAQUAH MAY 27—JUN 29, 2025
EVERETT JUL 5—27, 2025