Color Purple

The Color Purple

By Michall Jeffers
If God ever listened to a poor colored woman, the world would be a
different place, Celie declares. Theres no doubt that everyone in the
audience hears and appreciates the heroine of The Color Purple. Cheers
ring through the house, and a standing ovation is given to her final,
powerful song Im Here. Cynthia Erivo may have gone on stage as a
Broadway unknown, but shes now a bona fide star.

Cynthia Erivo and Joaquin Kalukango

Photos: Matthew Murphy

The setting is rural Georgia, between 1909 and 1949. Celie and her sister
Nettie (Joaquina Kalukango) are very close, and enjoy nothing more than
being together. Celie is 14, Nettie even younger. It comes as a great
shock to learn that Celie has had two children by her father (Kevyn
Morrow), a fact she acknowledges in a matter of fact tone of voice. They
have been taken from her, and possibly killed. The whip cracking Mister
(Isaiah Johnson) has his eye on Nettie, but settles for taking Celie to be
his wife, though she actually becomes his slave. He belittles her at every
turn, and never hesitates to remind her that shes ugly, black, and a
woman. When Mister tries but fails to rape Nettie, who runs away, he
takes out his frustration on Celie. Shes forbidden to have anything to do
with her beloved sister; this includes Mister withholding Netties letters to
her. Celie starts to worry that Nettie has died.

Danialle Brooks and Kyle Scatliffe

Misters son Harpo (Kyle Scatliffe) adores his outspoken wife, Sophia, but
cant control her. Mister insists that Harpo beat her into submission. Celie
reluctantly agrees. Sophia storms in, and reads Celie the riot act. Danielle
Brooks delivers Sophias anthem, Hell No! with such power and
conviction, the action on stage ceases while the audience roars approval.
This spirit later gets Sophia in trouble with the white sheriff and his wife;
Sophia can be beaten, but not broken.

Cynthia Erivo with Jennifer Hudson

Mister feels his true love is the gorgeous entertainer Shug Avery. Jennifer
Hudson is well worth waiting for as the glamorous chanteuse. She enters
fall down drunk, and laughs at Celie. Soon, however, the women form a
bond. Hudson is overtly sexy in her chemise, and in her spangled fuchsia
dress, red hot when sings Push da Button at Harpos juke joint. Her
voice, of course, is what we expect it to be- splendid. But Hudsons real
gift is in revealing Shugs softer side. In her own way, shes as much a
victim as Celie is, and their bond evolves into a true love story. Their
tender duet What About Love? highlights their desires and needs.
This love empowers Celie in a way she could never have imagined; she
turns her life around, and is able to control her destiny. Its finally her
turn to have good fortune, and the second act finds her not only running
a successful clothing business, but also discovering that Nettie is alive.
Shes been working with missionaries in Africa, and with her are Celies
two children. Celie finds out that the man she called Pa wasnt really her
father. Mister has sought to change his evil ways, and its come to light

thats hes helped bring Adam, Olivia, and Nettie back to Celie. Celies
made-to-order pants business has caught on with both women and men,
and the future looks bright at last.

To say that this cast is brilliantly talented is a vast understatement. Not

only are the principals awe inspiring, but every member of the ensemble
brings a divine voice and total conviction to the show. Director John Doyle
has stayed faithful to Alice Walkers 1982 Pulitzer Prize winning novel, but
has showcased the essential heart of the story with very little
embellishment onstage. The backdrop of ascending straight back chairs
emphasizes Doyles vision of presenting the work as a folk tale, complete
with hero, villains, and the ultimate happy ending.
The title song The Color Purple reminds us of the many things for which
we should be grateful. Even in our darkest hour, were not alone. Theres
much to cherish in the simple gifts of our world, as well as in the life
changing moments. Add The Color Purple to the list of wonderful things
for which we can give thanks.
The Color Purple, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45 St., 212-2396200, colorpurple.com

2 hours, 35 minutes
Cast: Cynthia Erivo (Celie), Jennifer Hudson (Shug), Danielle Brooks
(Sofia), Isaiah Johnson ( Mister), Joaquina Kalukango (Nettie), Kyle
Scatliffe (Harpo) Director, set design: John Doyle Music: Brenda Russell,
Allee Willis, Stephen Bray; Book: Marsha Norman Costume design: Ann
Hould-Ward; Lighting design: Jane Cox