So, I saw The Color Purple Tour awhile ago, so here are my thoughts:
Even though the tour just started, the show is in great shape. I first saw TPC on Broadway last years with Cynthia Erivo, Heather Headley, Danielle Brooks, Isaiah Johnson, and Joaquina Kalukango.
Adrianna Hicks gave a very solid performance as Celie. Her acting wasn’t quite as strong as Cynthia (especially in Act 1), but her voice makes up for it. She has a very powerful voice and sang the role similarly to Cynthia, but Cynthia has a more soulful voice. Her new riffs sounded really good, especially in “Miss Celie’s Pants.” I’m sure she will grow a lot in the role.
I’m still torn on Carla Stewart’s performance as Shug Avery. I definitely prefer Heather’s Shug, but I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to top Heather. I liked Heather in the role because she was elegant but also fiery, and I didn’t get that from Carla. Carla is quite young, which didn’t make her Shug as believable to me. Comparisons aside, Carla has a lovely voice and her “Push Da Button” probably got the biggest audience reaction. Her “The Color Purple” was also quite good.
Carrie Compere was an absolute standout as Sofia. I actually enjoyed her take on the role much better than Danielle Brooks. Carrie has a stunning voice and she brought a level of comedy to the character. “Hell No” was one of the best performances of the night. I’m so glad I got to see her as Sofia after seeing her as a Church Lady on Broadway.
Gavin Gregory was solid as Mister, but he wasn’t quite as intimidating as Isaiah. He didn’t have the same stage presence as Isaiah either. I also felt like he Isaiah made me start to feel sorry for Mister, but I didn’t really get that from Gregory’s take. On the role.
N’Jameh Camara was very good as Nettie. Despite the tour just starting, her connection with Adrianna was palpable. Also, she was very kind at the Stage Door :)
Angela Birchett was also a standout as the main Church Lady. She has a lovely voice and I noticed that she sang some of the parts Rema Webb sang on Broadway.
If you’ve never seen the show before, I would recommend seeing this tour.
