| With the writing of Alice Walker, who won the Pulitzer for Fiction for her lesbian-themed novel, and with the music and lyrics of Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, the original Broadway production opened in December 2005 with the financial backing of the woman with the Midas touch, Oprah Winfrey on Broadway and was an instant success.
Now it's back in Atlanta for a limited run where trivia buffs might be interested to know that the show was actually workshopped by the Alliance in Atlanta in the summer of 2004, before its Broadway debut.
But enough trivia - Fantasia Barrino (Celie), Stu James (Harpo), Angela Robinson (Shug Avery) and Latoya London, who reprises her role as Celie's sister Nettie, are among a cast of outstanding thespians who bring the artistry of song, dance and dramatic presentation to the Alliance Theatre as part of its Theatre of the Stars presentations.
And while this is the show's second time in Hotlanta, opening night was sold out.
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| Push Da Button featuring Grasan Kingsberry and Sumayah McRae. |
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| Shug Avery Comin to Town |
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Fantasia is wonderful in her vocal delivery, but from this writer's perspective she still has some work to do in terms of becoming a full-fledged actress. Just take a look at the strong performances by London or this writer's favorite from the show, local boy who made it big
Stu James to see what acting is really all about.
Some have asked what could Fantasia bring to this reprisal that has not already been done by folks like LaChanze, who earned a Tony Award for her role in the original production? All this writer can say is go check it out for yourself. As the second half unfolds, she appears to become more comfortable with her own talents and the challenges as well as opportunities of live performance.
There are a few scenes that you should not miss including: Mister's song of redemption in the second half, which is truly beautiful.
Then there is the love scene between Sophia and Harpo, proving that while we cannot chose who
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we love that we can make sure they know how special they are to us.
And then, when Celie introduces her own uniquely-styled pants to the women and men in the community, the harmony of those singing sisters is nothing short of breathtaking. Also, when Nettie, through her letters, introduces Cellie to the beauty that is the continent of Africa, the dance and the scenery are something to behold. Finally, don't miss the periodic appearances of the three gossiping church sisters - they are not only hilarious, but the sisters can SANG!
In the final analysis, it is the music of this wonderful play that never loses its flavor and a heart-wrenching story that never grows old, no matter how many times I see or read it.
And what a better way to spend your evening than realizing that no matter what our circumstances may be in life - that the splendor of the color purple is a reminder that there is still a power greater than any of us that wants us to find peace and love - on this side of the "chilly Jordan."
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