Heather Headley in The Color Purple

[BrockMButler]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 8:22pm

I don't know if there is already a thread for this. I don't believe there is & I wondered if anyone was seeing tonight's performance. If so, how was Heather?

Updated On: 5/10/16 at 08:22 PM

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 8:27pm

It's intermission right now and I'm loving her so far.

[BroadwayBrat]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 9:07pm

I'm seeing the show Saturday and I am glad to hear this.  I have high expectations after seeing her in Aida many years ago on Broadway.  

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 9:54pm

She really was absolutely fantastic.

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 9:55pm

How was her "Push Da Button"?

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 10:41pm

https://www.facebook.com/ColorPurpleMusical/videos/1547120128917552/

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:08pm

Tonight was a bit of an overwhelming experience. As I got to my seat right before curtain I heard everyone buzzing and people running up and down the aisles taking pictures. My neighbor told Oprah and Gayle were sitting right there across from us. The insanity of people swarming around her (and two security guys) was intense.

I won't get into how much deeper Danielle and Cynthia are into their performances but will just say they are still KILLING IT.

Heather got a HUGE entrance applause and had me from her first line. Her delivery of the iconic "you sure is ugly" was so unique it caught me off guard. Her Shug is stronger, a tigress and she does not hold back anything. She seemed truly connected to Cynthia in "What About Love?" and sang the heck outta "Push Da Button." Oprah herself LEPT to her feel in a mini standing ovation (about 1/4 of the audience stood up as welll).

Heather is much more natural and stronger actress in the part and her post Easter dinner scene was miles and away an acting highlight for me. She radiates so much strength and love throughout the entire show you really get why everybody is in love with Shug.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:13pm

She completely owned "Push Da Button." Her belt was strong, and she oozed confidence and sensuality. The number got a partial standing ovation (Oprah was in the audience and was standing). I haven't seen the show before so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I was impressed. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:21pm

great to hear this. You have to wonder if Headley started with the show (as Shug), if she'd get a Tony nom.

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:28pm

I may need to make a return visit to this show.

[NYCblurb]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:29pm

The show somehow, because this trio is now together on the stage, floating higher. I will say this - there is no better ensemble on Broadway in a musical. Period.

Cynthia. Heather. Danielle. Brava.

Heather Headley was rich. She got huge applause on entrance and her line readings were so intentional I just couldn't believe how nuanced the show has become. Heather is now a peer in the acting departing across from Cynthia's Celie. For the first time I saw conflict and witnessed FALLING IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER. Headley's "you sure is ugly" was with a cadence I'd not seen before.

The show is so winning now. I am blown away.

Headley's Shug is much, much stronger than Hudson's was; her voice in superb shape. This Shug is a damaged wild-eyed survivor who commands the stage with power and a touch of madness (or is that the cocaine?).

Headley was differently connected to Cynthia in "What About Love?" and delivered a truly F#CKAB*E "Push Da Button."

Cynthia was even better I thought tonight with a masterful actor playing across her.

Divine. A unique theatrical experience. 

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:39pm

I'm so excited that these early reports are so good. I'm definitely going back. I just need some time, both because of scheduling and because I know I will cry during the entire show again and I need to prepare myself.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:45pm

Should we have the replacement tony award for Heather too?

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/10/16 at 11:54pm

yes. Headley could win for supporting actress.

[mtchairs]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 12:05am

Is the Color Purple likely to extend past it current booking period of October do you think? My trip to NY is not until the week of Thanksgiving and I would love to see this production. I did see it at the Menier in London with Cynthia Erivo, but haven't seen Heather Headley in anything since Aida - she wasn't on the night I saw the Bodyguard.

[sparepart973]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 1:33am

How long is she in it? I have a feeling it's only a summer gig and that she's in it for about three months before schools start and she heads back to Chicago. 

[BroadwayPeasent]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 6:36am

I know she got the tony for Aida. I wanted to see Hudson on her last day. I know Heather will be amazing though

[rebeccmam31]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 6:52am

sparepart973 said: "How long is she in it? I have a feeling it's only a summer gig and that she's in it for about three months before schools start and she heads back to Chicago. "

 

I wonder if she'll still be in it Labor Day weekend?  I need a third show to take two teen girls to, and hearing these reviews this might be it.  I saw it in January and just loved it, and now I really want to see Heather.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 6:58am

So glad to hear this!  Hoping we'll be treated to some recordings in due course...

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 7:13am

Renee would have to kiss her Tony goodbye if Heather originated the part in this production. 

 

Shes unbelievable. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 7:39am

Glad to hear all the reports.  Although I really like Heather, I am an original cast snob.  So when they announced Jennifer's departure I was somewhat disappointed and got a refund from Telecharge.  I then decided to rush the show on my last day instead of having a ticket in advance.  Although it will be a two show day, my only slot open is the evening.  So I plan to go early.

[brian1973]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 7:47am

hmmm, how long until she starts missing shows I wonder? 

[Broadwaystar2]

Posted: 5/11/16 at 7:50am

brian1973 said: "hmmm, how long until she starts missing shows I wonder? 

 

"

You are so lame. Get a life! How long until you leave this thread?

[little_sally]

Posted: 5/13/16 at 9:15am

Saw the show last night and Heather was incredible. Her voice is still superb, and I really believe if she had originated the role, she would've been nominated for a Tony.

Updated On: 5/13/16 at 09:15 AM

[AC126748]

Posted: 5/13/16 at 9:25am

sparepart973 said: "How long is she in it? I have a feeling it's only a summer gig and that she's in it for about three months before schools start and she heads back to Chicago. 

 

"

She's very responsive on Twitter. Why don't you just ask her how long she's in the show for?