Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Theater Review: The Color Purple

By John Garcia of John Garcia's The Column

During a visit to New York in November 2005 I was able to catch an early preview performance of the new musical, The Color Purple (TCP). Then in 2006 I once again caught TCP during its original New York run. My third viewing came when I saw the national tour kick off in Chicago (at the Cadillac Palace Theater) last year. Last night would be my fourth viewing of this musical based on Alice Walker's novel.

At the preview and original run performance I saw original stars LaChanze, Felicia P. Fields, and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes create their respective trio of leading roles. In the Chicago production it would only be Ms. Fields recreating her role of "Sofia" for the national tour. A role that earned her a Tony nomination. Meanwhile, the Broadway production was able to continue a healthy run thanks to the casting of American Idol winner Fantasia in the role of "Celie".

TCP opened at the Broadway Theater in December 2005 and would rack up a total of 910 performances. The musical would receive 11 Tony Award nominations, winning only one, which was Best Actress in a Musical for LaChanze. For Best musical it was nominated against The Wedding Singer, Drowsy Chaperon with The Jersey Boys taking home the big prize.

The musical tells the story of Celie, a poor black girl who is brutalized and treated with disgust first by her evil father, then later by her husband Mister. She loses her only happiness (her sister) at the anger of Mister. Nettie refuses his advances, thus he throws her out of his house, leaving poor Celie all alone. We see unfold on stage Celie's life of pain, loss, loneliness, but in the end true glory and rich love.

Leading the orchestra in the pit is Dallas native Sheila Walker, who musical directed several productions at Watertower, Lyric Stage, and other metroplex theater companies. I had the delightful joy of watching Ms. Walker lead the orchestra when the tour began in Chicago. Anyone who belongs to the DFW theater family will grin from ear to ear to know one of our very own is leading the orchestra of this national tour. She does yet again a superb job! She balances the lush strings and brass to sublime musical confection.

There are some dramatic changes physically from the Broadway version to this current tour. Gone now is the massive, towering tree in which Nettie & Celie played hand games as little girls. The tree had its center cut out for the girls to play inside. For the tour it is now a tiny contraption of wood and a backdrop. I miss the tree. Also in the original there was an actual General Store, Sophia's porch, and Celie's pants store. Now it has been scaled down to simple backdrops and small gliding units with props to signify these various locations.

Finally the Broadway version had Shug's actual car (given to her by her husband as a wedding present) drive on stage. For the tour it is now addressed off stage with a honk of its horn.

Costumes have also changed somewhat in regards to some characters. For example Shug's gold beaded gown for "Push Da Button". In New York the gown was heavily beaded in golds and reds. The tour gown now only has red beads at the bottom. Also several hats and the costumes of the women are not in the same shapes, hues, and patterns as they looked in New York.

As she did in the Chicago production, Jeanette Bayardelle carries the show marvelously as "Celie". Since seeing her a year ago, she has really fleshed out and brought more organic truthfulness to her characterization. It had a more grounded, realistic approach than before.

Plus she now has added a layer of fresh humor that works wonderfully here. Vocally she is a golden songbird that steals the audience's heart with that voice. She takes such command and strength from her big 11:00 o'clock number, "I'm Here" with such gusto and voice, it will leave you breathless. Ms. Bayardelle is yet again phenomenal in this tour.

Stealing the show once again for the fourth time is Felicia P. Fields as "Sofia". You would think having done the out of town tryout, the Broadway production for almost two years, and then a tour, she would be simply be "going through the motions". Not at all here! Ms. Fields devours her role like it was the first time she stepped into Sofia's shoes. She has found hilarious new comic moments and even more painful darker moments in the second act. Her big number "Hell No" still is one of the major showstoppers of the evening. Ms. Fields still earns the loudest laughs within this production. You will love her as countless audiences have already had.

As "Shug" Angela Robinson completes the trio of star making leading ladies. Covered in sex appeal and sensuality, Ms. Robinson slithers on stage like a Persian cat looking for a mink scratching post. She too finds new comedic overtones that I've never seen before in the character. Ms. Robinson also sings in a gorgeous soprano voice that generates thunderous applause within her various numbers.

Lynette Dupree, Kimberly Ann Harris, and Virginia Ann Woodruff still are hysterical and delightful as the trio of church ladies that serve as a Greek chorus. These three ladies originated these roles in New York, then the tour, and they still provide a trio of scene-stealing performances! From their facial expressions to their acting, they are hilarious and highly entertaining.

Photo by Paul Kolnik

Within in this talented cast there is sublime work also provided by American Idol star Latoya London as "Nettie"; Stu James as "Harpo"; and Rufus Bonds, Jr. as "Mister".

Even after four viewings I still cannot get enough of the gorgeous and exquisite score from this musical. It is gospel, pop, and even African music all mixed & interwoven to give the score authenticity.

The Color Purple will fill your heart with song and love. It's so nice to observe and enjoy a musical that uses its emotions and music to fill your heart. No need of special effects or gadgets here. Just a great cast and a beautiful score is what The Color Purple has, and that alone will dazzle your eyes and heart.

GRADE: B+

Dallas Summer Musicals' The Color Purple runs through October 19, 2008 and you can purchase tickets online or by calling 214-631-ARTS.

Pegasus News content partner - John Garcia's The Column

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• Theater review part deux: The Color Purple (Oct. 3, 2008)
• Pegasus News Week in View: Nostalgia Edition (Oct. 2, 2008)

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• Arts > Fine Arts > Theater > Musicals