What About Love?

The Color Purple – Broadway in Chicago

 

Experiencing love’s transformation and healing power can redirect a person’s life. Understanding a sense of self-worth can bring an individual full circle, from subservience and hopelessness to independence and confidence. Alice Walker’s beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, tells the story of Celie, a downtrodden young African-American girl, living in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. Her story is inspiring because she rose from an abusive, married life to become a strong, independent woman, able to stand on her two feet.

 The novel was adapted for the screen in 1985 by Steven Spielberg, and more recently by Marsha Norman (“The Secret Garden,” “The Bridges of Madison County”), who scripted a theatrical version, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Brey. The original New York production, directed by Chicago’s Gary Griffin, opened on Broadway in 2005, earning eleven Tony nominations and playing three years, eventually spawning several national touring companies. One of the tours played in Chicago for several months. 

Award-winning British director John Doyle’s scaled down version of the musical played to great acclaim in the West End. It then opened two years later on Broadway, taking home the 2016 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The show has since become a popular addition to the seasons of many regional and educational theatres.

John Doyle’s gorgeous, soulful, powerfully directed National Tour production of his New York hit remains a heartfelt, uplifting story of redemption and love. His production pays homage both to Ms. Walker’s novel as well as the popular film, while trimming away all the excess of Griffin’s original, more traditionally staged production. It features a cast of exciting, talented performers. Mr. Doyle’s directing prowess and creative vision has been proven in other productions, most notably his trimmed-back versions of “Sweeney Todd” and “Company.” He’s ably assisted here by Matt DiCarlo, with Darryl Archibald providing fervent orchestral accompaniment and musical direction. 

The entire Equity cast is first-rate. Their passion, energy and musical talent carry the show. Featured among the ensemble are three hilarious, gossipy church ladies who act as a kind of Greek chorus and provide much of the show’s humor. They’re played respectively by the incomparable Angela Birchett, Bianca Horn and Brit West. Together they form the backbone of this production’s choral ensemble, joined, off and on, by most of the other 14 cast members.

Perhaps one of the most exciting elements of this musical is that it primarily features the talents of some pretty exceptional, fantastically talented women. Adrianna Hicks returns to familiar territory in the leading role of Celie. She was a swing in the revival on Broadway, but now she deservedly stars in the National Tour production. This actress is one incredible singer, overflowing with honesty, personality and a smile that lights up Chicago. Mister may call Celie “ugly,” but the audience only sees a beautiful, heartbreaking woman who steers this production to its heartfelt conclusion. Nettie, Celie’s younger sister, who runs away to escape abuse and becomes an African missionary, is played with grace and heart by the lovely N’Jameh Camara. The sibling relationship forged by these two actresses is warm and sincere and constitutes the heart of this story. These two actresses break the audience’s heart with the poignant journey they travel.

Another veteran of the Broadway revival, mega-talented Carrie Compere returns to the role of Sofia. As one of Celie’s role models, Ms. Compere, who can easily belt a song to the rear balcony, plays a no-nonsense woman who refuses to be beaten down or taken advantage of by anyone, least of all by any man. Her theme song, “Hell No!” is only one of the actress’ standout numbers. Celie’s other role model and, besides her sister, the one person who truly loves her, is Shug Avery. She’s played here with sass and sensual independence by Carla R. Stewart. Her character’s devil-may-care attitude, her affection and mentorship is what enables Celie to survive and realize her own potential. Ms. Stewart brings down the house with her contagious number, “Push Da Button;” her beautiful duet with Celie, “What About Love?” becomes the show’ anthem.

Other noteworthy performances are turned in by Erica Durham’s humorously annoying Squeak; Gavin Gregory, as Celie’s sadistic, chauvinistic bully of a husband, Mister, who eventually finds his own change of heart; and J. Daughtry, as a delightfully charming and comical Harpo. Mr. C.E. Smith is powerful as an energetic, life-affirming Preacher, doubling as memorable Ol’ Mister, the man who was the model for Mister’s hatred and unpleasantness.

Charles G. LaPointe and Ann Hould-Ward’s beautiful period wigs and costumes provide much of the color and style for this show. John Doyle’s simple, modest, scaled-back scenic design, consisting of a platform and backed by three towers of lumber scraps and hung with a harvest of usable wooden chairs, is artistically illuminated by Jane Cox.

In a production that rewards audiences with exciting performances, beautiful music, sassy choreography and dramatic spectacle, there’s an abundance of wonder and joy emanating from the theatre. Chicago has a stellar, professional Broadway production, in town for only a limited time. Alice Walker would be proud to see how her novel has sprung to life, thanks to the vision and artistry of John Doyle and his multitalented cast and production team. What about love? Well, it can be found in basketfuls, now playing at the Auditorium Theatre.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

 

Presented July 18-29 by Broadway in Chicago at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, by calling the Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.