They took me to church.

“The Color Purple” at Civic Theater of Allentown is one of the most astounding locally-produced musical theater performances I’ve seen in the Lehigh Valley.

The actors astound with their voices, acting and stage moves. When you think one can’t get any better, another actor steps forward and astounds you even more.

This is a jubilant, heart-felt and provocative production that will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands, laughing, crying and wanting the show to never end.

The performers sing to recorded tracks of the show’s songs that are a melange of gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz and Motown-Stax-Volt soul music.

“The Color Purple,” directed by Fredi Walker-Browne, with Assistant Director Nina Elias Ace, and produced by William Sanders, Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director, continues through March 13 in its Lehigh Valley premiere at the Nineteenth Street Theatre.

The musical, with book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, is based on the 1982 novel of the same title by Alice Walker and its 1985 film adaptation.

The story is about the life, family and friends of Celie, an African-American woman living in the south in the early to mid-20th century.

Walker-Browne keeps the production upbeat and fun, but doesn’t diminish the somber moments and serious subject matter. She has gotten consistently excellent performances from the 19-member cast.

The clever and impressive choreography by Ali Santos keeps the performers utilizing the entire stage plus the theater’s two main aisles. Musical Direction is by Veronica Cummings. Sound Designer is Randall Utsch.

The stage set is minimalist, with three large wooden arches by Scenic Designer Alex Sharkey and Scenic Artist Jan Joyce, and a scrim backdrop on which dramatic abstract multi-hued lighting is displayed and onto which the outlines of back-lit actors are projected by Lighting Designer Will Morris. Propmaster is Jason Daniel Sizemore.

The costumes are noteworthy for their variety and authenticity by Costume Designer Florence Taylor. Hair and Makeup is by Darlene Juhasz and Jaycee Ry.

The play has numerous terrific scenes, interactions, singing and dancing among the 19 song production numbers in Act I and 13 songs in Act II.

Juanita-Renay Gray is absolutely the most astounding of the show’s astounding performers as Celie, the much put-upon protagonist. Her frame seems to transform from as fragile as that of a child to as strong as that of a super hero. Her body language and facial expressions are winsome, tragic and triumphant.

Gray has several spotlight numbers, with “I’m Here” the clincher that she pours her heart, soul and phenomenal voice into.

Krystal Danielle is sassy and smart as Shug Avery, a nightclub singer. Danielle has a sly stage presence and belts out several showstoppers, including “Push Da Button,” with great vocal and dancing accompaniment by Harpo and the Ensemble.

Danielle shows the quieter side of her lovely voice with “Too Beautiful for Words” and in duets with Gray, “What About Love?,” and the title song, “The Color Purple.”

The title of the song and show references a belief in God as symbolized by the magnificence of the earth’s skies.

Ne’Lashee as Sofia has a voice of incredible depth, especially in “Dear God.” She evokes a humorous as well as a beguiling presence.

Veronica Cummings as Nettie is in robust voice, notably in “It’s Easter Sunday.” She has a charming stage persona.

Abigail Ariza as Squeak creates a voice to match her character’s name, specifically in “Brown Betty,” with Harpo (Justan Parker-Fields, who is fun and engaging in the role), Celie and the Male Ensemble.

Perhaps the most astounding “discovery” is Jaciel Cordoba as Mister, who has an impressive voice and range, including in “Mister’s Song.” Cordoba, WFMZ-TV anchor, could sing as well as read the news anytime.

The production has powerful ensemble singing with wonderful choral work by combinations of the women, the men, and the women and men, including “Our Prayer,” “Big Dog,” “Africa,” “We Walk Away,” “In Miss Celie’s Pants” and the finale, “The Color Purple.”

The cast includes Andrew Stewart (Adam), Christina Graham (Olivia), Keith Willis (Grady), Eric Thompson (Old Mister), Daniel Duch Sr. (Buster), Emmitt Harris (Preacher) and Alexis Cooper, Katie Graham and Janaya Morgan (Church Ladies).

The Ensemble includes Audrey Dendy-Hightower, Diego Subero and Florence Taylor.

The Civic Theatre of Allentown production of “The Color Purple” will be regarded as a landmark production in Lehigh Valley theater. It’s a must-see. Don’t miss it.

“The Color Purple,” 7:30 p.m. March 3-5, 10-12; 2 p.m. March 6, 13, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Nineteenth Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. Proof of immunization and face masks required. Tickets: box office; www.civictheatre.com; 610-433-8903