Playwright: Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics: Brenda Russel, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, Danielle Brooks, Isaiah Johnson
Adapted from the Pulitzer prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman in rural Georgia trying desperately to hold on to her faith despite a hard and strife filled life. Holding on to faith is easier said than done as Celie’s patience and virtue is often tested. The story takes place in the early 20th century, a time notorious for its lack of gender and race equality. Celie as a poor black female is at a disadvantage from the moment of her birth but through it all maintains a quiet dignity. Celie maintains a hopeful outlook until the cruel hand of fate tosses her into the arms of an abusive husband who takes away the only person who gave her life purpose, her dear sister Nettie. Stripped from the only family she has ever known and forced to lay with a man who sees her as less than human, Celie struggles to find meaning in her suffering and the will to go on.
As Celie mourns the loss of her biological sister she is introduced to two women who help mold her into the woman she becomes. Strong-willed Sophia is a powerful woman who fights for what she believes in and Shug Avery a sexually charged Jazz singer who teaches Celie how to love again. As Celie learns from these women they also learn from her. Sophia and Shug barrel through life, loudly with boldness and brazen confidence, but through Celie they discover the strength in silence and quiet dignity.
Celie is portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, a British actress who has a stellar career in the UK. Erivo’s Celie is mesmerizing. She lights up the stage with her dazzling grin and breaks your heart with her tears. There is a warmth and sincerity to her portrayal that is reminiscent of Whoopi Goldberg’s in the Speilberg directed motion picture. Erivo sets the tone for the entire production as she starts the play with a soft almost childlike voice but by the show’s final number Erivo’s voice evolves into a strong soulful sound filled with passion and gusto. In addition, to Erivo’s powerful pipes Jennifer Hudson lends her voice to the production as the high-spirited Shug Avery. Though Shug is a unique character her mannerisms and attitude are familiar for Hudson as Avery comes across as an extension of Hudson herself mirroring most of the roles played by Hudson as an actress. Rounding out the trio of voices is Danielle Brooks as Sophia. Fans of the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black” will recognize Brooks as Taystee a sassy convict with a heart of gold. As fans of her work, we were impressed by her vocal range. We were pleasantly surprised and delighted with her powerful delivery and soul-stirring gospel sound.
The Color Purple has lived a long life first as a novel, then as a motion picture and now a bBroadwaymusical. It is one of the most enduring tales of the 20th century with familiar characters and memorable dialogue. The latest Broadway revival breathes new life into the story with a talented cast and brilliant music. Though the entire ensemble provided an entertaining experience, Erivo stands out as the star. Her acting prowess, incredible stage presence and comedic timing are unmatched. She is a gem and the living embodiment of Celie. If not for the story or the music see the Color Purple for the chance to witness the rise of Cynthia Erivo, Broadway’s next rising star.