Soup 'N Salad for the Soul

03/06/2025

Our Director, Kahrynn Aaliyah will be performing at this wonderful event. If you are free on Friday and looking to support our children near and far, this event is a great place to be. Come enjoy some music with a heartfelt mission!

02/15/2025

Congratulations to two of our actors, Kaylah and Njuguna, AND our choreographer Jai'la! There is some serious talent in Grand Rapids everyone! 💚❤️🖤

“Rising… like the sun” is the cast of The Color Purple, which includes sixteen newcomers to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre! Congratulations to this glorious group!

Celie: JA’LEEYNA DOOLEY
Nettie: KAYLA FRITHO*
Mister: BRIAN FREEMAN*
Shug Avery: LAFOYA PEARSON*
Harpo: KEO FOSTER*
Sofia: REETE THORNS
Squeak: TALIA PEARSON*
Church Soloist: KIMBERLY JARNEGAN*
Darleen: DR. TIARA HINTON*
Doris: JAI’LA HALL*
Jarene: JAYDA PERKINS-BOLES*
Prison Guard: MICHAEL STODDARD
Buddy/Ensemble: STARSHAWN COOK
Buster/Ensemble: NJUGUNA GATHUNGU*
Grady/Ensemble: LANDEN COOLEY*
Harpo's Sister/Ensemble: TAYLOR MCGHEE #
Young Adam/Young Harpo/Ensemble: JORDAN ALLEN*

Ensemble:
JOSEPH BARNES*
CHERNETTA BYL*
LAYLA GRICE
LAUREN GUYTON
IMELDA HAY
EMMA KOPEN BYERS
ALLAYAH LAUCHIE*
RUTH ANN MOLENAR++
ZAHARA MURIITHI*

*New to the Civic Stage
++School of Theatre Arts Faculty
Artist Studio Cohort Member

ABOUT THE SHOW: THE COLOR PURPLE
The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. With a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of The Color Purple is a West Michigan community theatre premiere.RATED: PG-13 due to some violence including domestic abuse, adult language, use of alcohol, and sexual situations.

🗓: April 18 – May 4, 2025 (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, Saturday May 3 at 2:00pm. No Matinee on Easter Sunday, April 20.)
⭐️: Warner Norcross + Judd
🍻: Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3
🎟: https://www.grct.org/colorpurple/

01/23/2025

01/23/2025

One of our visionary team members Kina King is Assistant Stage Managing for this project. Stay involved in the arts and audition or share with a friend!

AUDITION FOR: THE COLOR PURPLE
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is holding auditions for The Color Purple on Friday, February 7th from 6-9pm, and Saturday, February 8th from 4-8pm. Auditions are open to the public.

The production staff of The Color Purple is seeking a volunteer cast of passionate, talented people willing to embody this heartfelt, tough, and meaningful story of self-discovery and power. Movement is an integral part of this story and as such we are looking for actors (especially in the ensemble) who can personify that part of the story. Movers, dancers, and acrobats are highly encouraged. We encourage performers of all gender identities and body types to audition. This production will feature a cast size of 25+ adults (18+) with a few roles for younger actors (13+). You do not have to be an experienced theatre performer to audition! All levels of experience are welcome.

Important Dates and Info:
AUDITIONS: February 7 and 8, 2025
CALLBACKS: By request only on February 10, 2025
REHEARSALS BEGIN: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
PERFORMANCES: April 18 – May 4, 2025 (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, Saturday May 3 at 2:00pm. No Matinee on Easter Sunday, April 20.)

PRODUCTION STAFF: Director: WILL GEARRING, Choreographer: TORREY THOMAS, Music Director: VANESSA ALLEN, Stage Manager: SHANELL HAIGH

HOW TO AUDITION: Register for an appointment, read the audition guide, learn about the characters, and more at https://www.grct.org/audition/.

01/21/2025

This week’s deep freeze reminded us of the harsh reality for those without shelter. At Lifeline Ministries, we don’t just see the need—we feel it, and we act on it. We might not make the news or trend on social media, but our mission is clear: to show up and serve where it matters most.

Last year, Pastor spent a single night outside when the temperature plunged below 30 degrees. That night changed everything. 'How does anyone survive this?' he asked.

This winter, we’re honoring that question with action. On January 3rd, we made a commitment: Lifeline Ministries will open its doors as a warming center during freezing weather. Whether it’s at a church or our ministry space, we’ll provide warmth and safety for those who need it most.

The work we do might go unseen, but it’s never unnoticed by the people we serve. Thank you for believing in this mission. Together, we’re keeping hope alive on even the coldest nights.

01/21/2025

Community steps up for eachother. Let's make sure everyone has a place to be warm this January. 💚

01/21/2025

WARMING CENTER UPDATE 1/18/25-1/22/25: Our friends at First United Methodist Church of Holland are holding their warming center again this Saturday-Wednesday, opening their doors from 6pm-9am for anyone living outdoors with no other place to stay. As our team connects with guests to help them find places to stay and build a plan to keep safe, we’re grateful for partners like FUMC, who are stepping up to ensure everyone who needs it has a warm and safe space.

If you're looking for ways to support their efforts, you can learn more at https://loom.ly/gpFhvg8

01/21/2025

Stay safe and warm West Michigan. 💚

10/18/2024

Our show is just one day away, so get your tickets now! Enjoy a Spotlight ✨️🎭 on our talented director and cowriter Kahrynn Aaliyah!

Kahrynn has been performing for the last 15 years playing roles such Anna-Mae/Afua, in Hope College's 2024 production of By The Way Meet Vera Stark, Cynthia, in Holland Community Theatre's 2023 production of SWEAT, both by Lynn Nottage, As well as Helena, in Kellogg Community College's 2022 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This is their Directorial debut after Assistant Directing for multiple productions including Master Arts’ 2024 production of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park under Colleen Thompson. They are very proud of and grateful for each member of the cast and crew. When they're not working on a show, they love to be with friends and out in nature. They enjoy spending free time volunteering, painting, making music, studying Anthropology and various other topics.

As a writer for this production they are very much writing what they know. “Writing this work was very much a healing and cathartic experience for me. To be able to learn from some of my own similar experiences and use that knowledge for good is a true honor. I feel it is a part of my mission in life to help facilitate healing, connection, and awareness through the arts, I am very glad to be part of this show that allows me to do just that. I am so excited to share this collaborative work in an effort to touch audiences' hearts and bring healing to our community as a whole.”

Get your tickets: https://m.bpt.me/event/6420804

10/14/2024

Our ticket sales will be CLOSING SOON don't forget yours! ❤️💚🖤

https://m.bpt.me/event/6420804