By Amanda VanNostrand.
The extraordinary story, The Color Purple, is being told at The Kimmel Center’s Forrest Theatre now through December 17th. This show is based on Alice Walker’s novel and the 1985 movie starring Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. As the names of these prominent women suggest, this tale is nothing short of exceptional. The Color Purple reflects the strength and tenacity to be found in black women, and one can only yearn for more shows like it.
The Color Purple is a story from rural Georgia during the 1930s. Celie (Adrianna Hicks) navigates her 14-year-old self through the recovery period from being raped and impregnated by her father and then married off to a man called Mister (Gavin Gregory) and separated from her sister Nettie (N’Jameh Camara). All the while, we are left to wonder at her strength. The story moves through the lives of these Georgians as they struggle with the hands they have been dealt. Hope comes and goes, as do love interests and faith in God.
The Color Purple is an inspirational story. Though oppression through domestic abuse and rape are prevalent in the lives of these characters, the women join together to overcome power in seemingly hopeless situations. This story is timeless. In the end, the women, and the power of good, prevail. The women remind one another that, “when a man just don’t give a damn, hell no!” They are a breath of fresh air to one another in a trying time.
The cast of The Color Purple flows together effortlessly. They are at once lighthearted and serious, the perfect mixture for this heavy story. Included among actors of mention is Carrie Compere, playing Sofia. She is inspiring! As Sofia flatly refuses to submit to her husband Harpo (J. Daughtry), Compere’s spirit flows through her character and creates inspiration on the stage. Also of mention is Carla R. Stewart, playing Shug Avery. Her sensual performance is one that gives the impression that Shug is a desirable and enticing woman, and one to look up to, as unique as she may seem. Adrianna Hicks, playing the hero Celie, is impeccable as well. Her poise flows through Celie’s humble, persistent character. This production of The Color Purple has been graced with an exceptional cast.
Set design (John Doyle) gave the show a unique look and feel. The background was covered by broken planks of wood accented by removable chairs for the cast to take and return as needed. Both pleasing to the audience’s eye and versatile, these chairs turned the stage into settings ranging from church sanctuaries to jail cells.
The story revealed in The Color Purple is in itself significant. The inclusion of its particular music, however, places this musical in a whole new category of excellence. Music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, this aspect of the show is sure to be a favorite of many viewers. Paired with a cast well equipped to handle impeccable music, perfection is created.
The Color Purple highlights atrocities done to women and the consequences that result. Among the consequences are broken lives and hearts, but also uncovered strength, stamina, and faith. It is an important show with a valuable message to be heard by all.