The vibrant tapestry of musical theatre is unfurling a new thread with the Carnegie Theatre's latest production of "The Color Purple." Sophomore BFA Musical Theatre student Jordyn Jones stars as Celie, marking her professional debut. Jones joins a robust lineage of notable performers, no less than Tony Award-winning Cynthia Erivo, who dazzled audiences in the role. Carnegie's rendition of the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of Celie's journey of self-discovery and resilience, embroidered with the soulful rhythms of gospel, jazz, and blues, will run until July 6.
Amidst the set that materially conjures the early 20th-century American South, 15 students and alumni from the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati are to really flesh out the world of "The Color Purple." CCM alumna Torie Wiggins (BFA Acting, ’02) helms the direction, and Julia Schick (BFA Musical Theatre, '24) orchestrates the movement. According to UC's news, tickets for the production are being ushered through The Carnegie's Box Office.
The ensemble cast and crew hailing from CCM includes Maria F. Ortiz Lopez (MFA Costume Design and Technology, '22) as the costume designer and Tiara M. Jones (MFA Make-Up & Wig Design, '24) taking charge of wigs and hair. Also entrenched in the production are Deborah Heyl (MFA Stage Management, '25), undertaking production stage management, with the show's technical facets under the direction of Doug Stock (BFA Technical Production, '13).
The Carnegie Theatre is in the throes of a celebratory phase with this production, underscored by five best-selling shows in the past two years. CCM Musical Theatre instructor Eric Byrd has become a key figure in funneling talent to The Carnegie's stage. In an effort to expand performance chances for students beyond CCM, Byrd has reached out to include hopefuls from NKU, Xavier, Wright State, and even Otterbein. "These kids that are coming to do these shows are super hungry, and they want to be there, and they want to be on stage, and the industry demands they pick things up quickly," Byrd told UC's news. Byrd is set to direct "Grease" in August 2025 and "Anything Goes" in March 2026, both spotlighting further collaboration with CCM.
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