NEW YORK—More than a year into its run on Broadway, The Color Purple (book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray) has a comfortable self-assured aspect to it, and is nowhere near as unwieldy as when it first opened. (The show still has a rushed feel in some of the early scenes, as if the creative team is trying to shoehorn as much material in as possible, but it soon evens out to a strong and steady flow).
Based on the book by Alice Walker, and subsequent film, and set in Georgia between 1909 and 1949, the musical tells the story of "Celie," (Fantasia) who, after being repeatedly raped by her stepfather, is given at age 14 as a wife to a cruel man known only as "Mister" (Alton Fitzgerald White) and forced to raise his children and share his bed. If that weren't enough, she has almost no self-esteem, having been told for so long how ugly she is.
Making the musical much more appealing this time around is the casting of Fantasia in the lead role. Where LaChanze (who originated the role of "Celie" on Broadway and won a Tony for it) was very good with an excellent voice, Fantasia is more believable, literally blending into the role of this plain, browbeaten, but never stupid girl who eventually finds she has a remarkable inner strength deep down. She's helped in her struggle by Shug Avery (nicely played by Elisabeth Withers-Mendes). Considered a woman of "easy virtue" by the ever-gossiping (and often comical) townspeople, Shug helps Celie break out her of her shell, allowing her to find the self-respect and love she has long buried within her.
The score is wonderful, with some of the highlights being "Any Little Thing," a comic yet romantic number between a longtime married couple; "I'm Here" which showcases Celia's awakening; and the title tune, which never fails to hit home. Additionally, a sequence set in Africa, originally so ungainly and unnecessary, now seems to work better in the construction and narration of the story. In addition to these larger than life sequences, there are many smaller moments that are just as powerful, such as when Celie quietly says after she finds Mister has been hiding letters to her from her sister that she's going to kill him, you believe her. There's also the slow process of Mister's transformation from a purely evil man to one we eventually care about, as well a poignant final scene bringing the story full circle.
The sets (by John Lee Beatty) costumes (by Paul Tazewell) and direction (by Gary Griffin) are all quite good, as are the supporting cast; with special mention going to White, Chaz Lamar Shepherd (as Harpo) and NaTasha Yvette Williams (as Sophia).
Also in the cast are Ruby E. Crawford, Jenny Mollet, Carol Dennis, Yolanda Wyns, Rosena M. Hill, Leilani N. Bryant, Doug Eskew, JC Montgomery, Darlesia Cearcy, Jordan D. Bratton, Krisha Maracno, Elisabeth Withers-Medes, Larry Marshall, Gavin Gregory, Todrick D. Hall, Marla McReynolds, Levensky Smith, Shelby Braxton-Brooks, LaTrisa A. Coleman, Charles Gray, Chauncey Jenkins, Kenya Unique Massy, Angela Robinson, Jamal Story, Ashley Renee Jordan and Teresa Stanley.
The Color Purple
The Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway
Tickets: 212-239-6200, 800-432-7250 or www.telecharge.com
Open Run
Judd Hollander is the New York correspondent for the London publication The Stage.
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