Color Purple or Cinderella

Bwayfan292 said: "Which National Tour would be the better option to attend with my mom and brother who have never seen a Live production before. I usually go with my dad to these things, but they want to go to one and told me to pick the show. I just want to make sure they like what they see and have a respect for theatre and dont want to make the wrong impression. Thanks in advance."



I can only personally speak for the “The Color Purple” National Tour which I saw in Pittsburgh this past November. I’m a huge fan of the movie. The musical uses a single, unchanging, large, wooden set piece, with the actors using chairs hung on the back “wall” of the set piece to mimic aspects and locations from the movie without added special effects or scenery. Ever. They do change clothes/costumes between certain scenes, but we’re talking a “period piece” where the clothes aren’t going to win awards. The musical numbers are over the top amazing, some were quite powerful. The cast was simply stunning.

I’ve only seen previews of the “Cinderella” National Tour, which is now non-Equity. There appear to be numerous set and scenery changes, costumes that look flashy at times, and the giant carriage and dry-ice fog scene looked cool enough.

I guess it depends on how young your brother is. How “serious” they both want this experience to be. Will they be bored with no set changes? I think this is also a case where having seen “The Color Purple” movie really helps since the set/scene locations are implied by the dialogue and song and you have to use your imagination.

Updated On: 4/21/18 at 03:27 PM

Neither! I haven't see either show but Hamilton is also touring now so just go and see that instead! It won so many Tony awards!

I saw both on Broadway.

"Cinderella" is accessible fare with pretty sets, a nice score (classic R&H so worth hearing, but also not at the level of the scores to "Carousel" or as catchy as "Sound of Music," IMHO), gorgeous costumes, a fairy godmother who belts while flying through the air, and a predictable romantic plot. I enjoyed it and the kids around me seemed to have a great time.

"The Color Purple" left me breathless and I returned two more times. [SPOILERS] It's a harrowing piece about a 14 year-old black girl who was impregnated twice by her own father then essentially sold into an abusive marriage, and how she claws her way out of the bad situation she's in over time and with the help of a female former drug addict with whom she falls in love. [END SPOILERS] It's a tough piece to watch compared to the family fare that "Cinderella" is, though entirely worth it if you are into drama. The score is stunning and I've listened to the cast album many times. I found it cathartic each time. As a previous poster noted, it has one simple set with minimalist props and costumes.

I haven't seen the tours of either, so I can't comment on the quality of the singing/performances, though I've heard great things about "The Color Purple" tour from friends who've seen it in my city.

If you think your family can handle the tough aspects of "The Color Purple," I'd say it's a no-brainer and go for that one. If you think your family would not respond well to a show that includes stark racial inequities, violence, sexual abuse, and a lesbian relationship, take them to see the safe, sweet "Cinderella."

Whatever you choose, I hope you all have a great time at the theater!

The Color Purple. Not a question about it.

As others have said - the two shows are very very different in tone. I had not intended to see the revival of The Color Purple. I think I played the OBCR maybe twice. But, I found myself in New York - Cynthia Erivo had won the Tony and Jennifer Holliday was in the cast as Shug Avery. I ventured in. And, it was just a stunning piece of theatre. It builds slowly - but is ultimately rewarding and has a great 11 O'Clock number. It you want a piece of theatre that is challenging, then The Color Purple is your choice. If you want something safe and nice - Cinderella is the pick.