NOTE: Heather Headley will replace Jennifer Hudson May 10
Color
Purple Revival May Be Better Than the Original
By Lauren Yarger
Alice
Walker’s moving and haunting novel “The Color Purple” comes to life in a fresh
new way thanks to Director John Doyle’s vision for the revival currently
running on Broadway.
Originally
a best-selling novel by Alice Walker, then a motion picture (starring Oprah
Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg in memorable performances), The Color Purple got a musical stage adaption a little over 10
years ago, with a fine book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell,
Allee Willis, Stephen Bray. It was surprisingly good – one of those times a favorite
book or movie actually made the transition to the stage. This revival, however,
has been stripped back, tightened and made even more vibrant (Doyle also designs the set) in the telling of
a young African-American woman who finds herself after enduring years of
hardship and suffering.
One of the spotlights on why this version is so
exciting is the knock-your-socks-off Broadway debut of its star, Cynthia Erivo.
Erivo,
played the role of Celie in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of the
show in 2013 and commands the stage again
here – despite playing some other powerhouse performances by Jennifer Hudson (Shug
Avery) and Danielle Brooks (Sophia) – both of whom also are making their
Broadway debuts in the production.
The
story follows Celie from 1909 to 1949 in rural Georgia. Forced to give up
children she conceives when her father, Pa (Kevyn Morrow) has his way with her,
teen Celie’s only happiness comes from the love she shares with her sister,
Nettie (Joaquina Kalukango). Pa marries Celie off to a mean, older man with a
brood of children. She knows the man only as Mister (Isaiah Johnson) and if
forced to put up with his unkempt house and children, his abuse – and his mistress, an entertainer named Shug
Avery (Hudson).
But
instead of hating each other, the women form a friendship and help each other
cope. Meanwhile, Mister’s son Harpo (Kyle Scatliffe) marries an outspoken woman
named Sophia (Danielle Brooks) who is not to be messed with -- Brooks' version of the song "Hell, No!" is a tour de force.
As
the years go by, we see Celie develop and grow and eventually find a way out of
her circumstances. Erivoa's rendition of "I'm Here" brought a standing ovation mid-show. Sophia, however, is defeated by a white dominated society
making sure she is left with no hope or dignity -- well almost.
The
triumph of the human spirit is palpable, solidified by soaring ballads and
extraordinary performances. The faith of Celie and Nettie sees them through and
the love they have for each other is a lifeline through years of separation.
If
the original was good, this refined, re-envisioned version is even more exhilarating
and rewarding. Look for Erivo to get a best actress nod (and Hudson and Brooks
also might join her in the featured category.)
The Color Purple delights at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 West 45th St., NYC. Performances are Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2 pm; Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $75 - $145: colorpurple.com; (800) 432-7250
Additional Credits:
Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward, Lighting Design by Jane Cox, Hair Design by Charles G. LaPointe, Sound Design by Gregory Clarke, Musical Direction by Jason Michael Webb; Orchestrations by Joseph Joubert; Additional Orchestrations by Catherine Jayes.
Additional casting:
Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson and Rema Webb…. Ensemble
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FACTORS:
-- God's name taken in vain
-- Homosexuality
-- Mature language and themes
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