Brief Thoughts on THE COLOR PURPLE and WOMAN IN WHITE

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/30/05 at 9:10pm

Saw these two musicals this weekend and they were interesting companion pieces: One a gothic operetta, the other a soulful "pop-sical." One the work of an incredibly experienced Broadway team, the other a "news-ical" by Great White Way neophytes.

The good news is that both are enjoyable pieces of theatre, though not without flaws.

I saw THE WOMAN IN WHITE in London and was completely taken by surprise at my enjoyment of it. I was instantly intrigued by the story and by Webber's score which many critics accurately have compared to Benjaman Britten. The show has transferred well to the Marquis Theatre -- in a slightly changed, though not necessarily improved production. On the plus side, the story is clearer, the score even more impressive on multiple listenings and the London originals -- Jill Paice, Angela Christian and especially Maria Friedman are even better then they were a year ago. Not enough praise can be lavished on Miss Friedman, an imminently special performer with an incredibly appealing stage presence and a spine tingling voice.

On the down side, the show is still about 10 minutes too long (mostly in the first act), and neither Michael Ball or especially Adam Brazier are as captivating as Michael Crawford and Martin Crewes were at the Palace theatre. The new ending doesn't really work either, despite the addition of a fabulous final verse for Friedman.

But in a Broadway filled with HAIRSPRAYS and MAMMA MIAS, THE WOMAN IN WHITE remains a refreshing Broadway outing. The only other thing on Broadway to challenge it for story is really SWEENEY.

And for the record, I think the set is ingenious, though clearly I wouldn't want to see if often copied. The costumes are rich and the entire evening feels caressed with professional, capable hands.

I had more complicated reactions to THE COLOR PURPLE. Yes, its a crowd pleaser. Yes, I smiled. Yes, I was moved. But there is something about the adaptation that hits me in a weird place.

Source material as rich and textured as THE COLOR PURPLE simply should make a better crafted musical. The show on Broadway is the work of a creative team largely new to musical theatre and it shows. From the sets to the song lyrics to the direction, the entire thing feels slightly amateurish and overblown. Call me crazy, but I'm not sure THE COLOR PURPLE should be so fun.

The intimacy of the book and the film are mostly completely gone in favor of choral gospel anthems that while joyous, take away from the quiet power of moments like the reunion of Celie with Nettie and her children.

The show works, but just as RAISIN was to RAISIN IN THE SUN, THE COLOR PURPLE is a mostly pedestrian adaptation of a great literary classic. Its so earnest you can't help liking it, but I wish it were a little more regal and dignified. (I kept wondering what it would have been like if Webber and Trevor Nunn had been at the helm.)

As others have said, however, the show is going to be a huge hit. The audience loved it, and the cast was fabulous. Brantley was apparently at my performance and La Chanze gave the performance of her life as Celie. If she can deliver that 8 times a week, I imagine she'll take the Tony even though the character is underwritten and the competition fierce.

All in all, both are worth seeing. I'd probably rate THE WOMAN IN WHITE a B+ and THE COLOR PURPLE a C+.

Updated On: 11/30/05 at 09:10 PM

[FriedmanFan]

Posted: 12/1/05 at 12:36am

Thanks for the reviews! I am glad to hear you enjoyed The Woman in White as much as I do! I saw it in London as well and think that the show has tightend up quite a bit. And I agree that Jill, Angela and the amazing Maria Friedman have gotten even better in these roles! I do however think the men in NYC are much stronger then the male cast in London. Especially Ron Bohmer and Michael Ball. Michael Crawford just doesn't do it for me at all. As for the Color Purple, I cannot wait to see this show. It is one of my favorite movies. But word of mouth has been very mixed. I hear it is a crowd pleaser but that the overall piece isn't nearly as good as it should be. No matter what it will have a nice healthy run. Thanks again for sharing your opinion with us!

[Myth8r]

Posted: 12/1/05 at 10:44am

I have not seen The color purple yet but hope to do so in the near future.
As for the Woman in White: I too saw the show in London and I loved this show. I found I really had to listen to follow the plot and when it worked it REALLY worked. I get chills think about moments in the story. I think the Broadway show is in almost every way better. Maria Friedman is as wonderful as always. I found Michael Ball much more human then Crawford and I felt more sympathy towards him at the end when he's rejected by Marian. Angela Christian is still as spooky as ever and Jill Paice delivers the same musical theatre female lover as always (great voice though). The biggest improvements for me are Adam Brazier and Ron Bohmer. Brazier is simply captivating and very natural on stage. His "Evermore..." brought me to tears. I feel he is a huge step up from the London Walter. Ron Bohmer (I must admit i'm a fan) has the weight and plays both sides of the character not just creepy evil guy, like in London.
Now what I don't like is that wedding at the end. The show was so brave to end on a quiet note and the had to go BROADWAY with it. Too bad the couldn't trust what they had and take the risk.