Munk's THE COLOR PURPLE review

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 2:41am

Being an enormous fan of the novel and the film, I obviously couldn't wait to see this brilliant story told in a third medium -(and one that I obviously love)- theatre.

Well, that blessed day has finally come for me...and here are my thoughts.

The score ranges from funk and rock to southern blues, and even a few Broadway-style ballads in there. Overall, the score is generally good, if not trite at some points. Many of the songs begin to sound like repeats - whether they are or aren't, I have no idea. The lyrics are your general run of the mill decent theatre lyrics. They're not Sondheim (or even Guettel,) but they're not like LITTLE WOMEN either.

The book is generally okay as well, capturing enough of the spirit of the original novel.

Before I get to the individual actors, I really need to say that this show just really doesn't work. There are some brilliant attempts made all around, but it just doesn't add up to much.

The show starts off with this bizzare, frazzled, pointless opening number - the lyrics are unintelligible, and people are just running around amuck onstage - it needs to go.

After the not-so-good opening, the show begins to take off - but never really quite reaches the level it needs to be at. Yes, it's only the second performance and yes, they have a month. But quite honestly, the show needs too much to be brilliant by the time it opens. This show would have worked better as a straight play.

From the beginning, Celie appears more independant and sure of herself than she should - certainly more confident than the Celie of the novel and the film. If Celie starts off too independant, she has no where to grow. Shug has nothing to teach her. When Mr. ___ tells her that she's ugly, and no one wants her, it is delivered (and received) as a joke. Is Celie really ugly, or are you just kidding around? It's obvious to anyone that knows the material that it is no joke. We are supposed to feel so deeply for this poor woman that by the time she makes her grand departure, we weep for her. The stakes aren't high enough from the very beginning - and if they're not - the entire story is a failure.

Mr. ___ is never quite as mean as he needs to be. None of the characters express pure fear of him, like they need to. From the very first time they meet, Celie looks like she could kick his ass.

One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Mr. ___ seperates Nettie from Celie and kicks her off his land. In the film, it is a monumentally difficult scene to watch - which it needs to be. The girls are violently weeping - not caring about the pain he's inflicting on them - all they care about is that they're together. In the musical, if you blink - you could miss it. It's executed in such a non-chalant "whatever, you guys saw the movie" way that the audience never quite sees the urgency and and utter love these girls have for each other. When Celie finds the letters at the end of act one, we almost have to remind ourselves that the point of the story is that she hasn't heard from her sister in all these years.

The love between Celie and Nettie is very apparant - and well executed- in the earlier scenes. But, as soon as they're forceably separated, it seems like a non-issue.

I could go through the show scene by scene, but really, the entire thing needs to be taken to the next level. My other favorite scene is when Celie decides to go to Memphis with Shug, leaving Mr. __ behind. When Celie finally tells him off, we're supposed to want to stand up, and cheer her on. In the film, I cry tears of absolute joy when she delivers those famous lines from the back of the car. Mr. ___ believes that Celie HAS put a curse on him - and it's apparant to the audience and him - maybe for the first time - that he NEEDS her in his life.

In the play, the scene is as flat as flat can be. I can't express enough disappointment.

Okay, enough blabber.
Bottom line: The stakes are not high enough. Nothing in this show seems important to anyone. It's quite evident that the director is making his Broadway debut here. The show is also about 30 minutes too long. The opening of Act 2 is an Africa sequence that - while entertaining for about 2 minutes - it's completely pointless and just wastes time.

I think everyone was hoping that La Chanze would make a triumphant Broadway return in this brilliant role - and I regret to inform you all that that is not happening. She is quite good - YES. Amazing, even - but this production is so misguided and scattered that the show's weaknesses outshine even the greatest performances.

Renee Elise Goldsberry is truly fantastic as Nettie, and succeeds in every way possible. Kinglsey Leggs does not do the role of Mr. ___ justice. Not at all. Completely lacking. Brandon Victor Dixon is serviceable as Harpo, and Felicia P. Fields is entertaining, but not quite rock-solid enough as Sofia. Elisabeth Withers-Mendes is positively enchanting as Shug - and succeeds brilliantly in bringing this bigger-than-life character to the stage.

John Lee Beatty's scenic design is absolutely gorgeous and Award-worthy, as are the costumes by Paul Tazewell and Brian MacDevitt's always reliable lighting. The show has an amazing look to it.

All in all, this show is in trouble. They have a month to get their act together - and I have my fingers crossed that they will do so - but I highly doubt that they will re-work everything that needs to be re-worked.

[andyf]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 2:53am

OK, conceited. Way to start your own thread!


I hate to say it, but I agree.
Not that I hate to agree with you, but I hate that what you're saying is, sadly, true: the stakes aren't high enough, the show isn't what it could be and LaChanze is not making the spectular return to Broadway she is more than capable of making and more than deserves to make.

The show does have a great and stylized look to it.

And the Africa thing was cool for a minute or two, but is ENTIRELY too long. Like the freak show in Side Show. And yet they still couldn't squeeze in "She's Gone." Still bitter? Oh yes.

Anyway, sad but true.
Spot on review.


F*CK, I hate it when I rhyme!

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 02:53 AM

[kidmanboy]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 7:10am

I was there last night also. I went in to the show not knowing the story at all and I still agree with everything that's been posted. Although, I have to say, I do think the score for Little Women was better. While the music in Color Purple is pretty, songs don't go anywhere or really do anything. There were many numbers that I wanted to stick around for a couple of more minutes and see some sort of emotional journey, but that never happened. It also took me a really long time to realize the point of the story which, semmed to be, by the end, one of personal growth. As Celie is written, you don't particularly follow her journey as closely and personally as you should for you to really care about how she changes. To me, the Africa scene, while completely different than the rest of the show and sticking out like a sore thumb, was pretty much the only moment that actually used theatrical story telling, and for that I appreciated it. I hope writers soon realize that theater is a different medium than film or literature and if you're not going to use it to tell your story, than you might as well sit home and watch the movie.
Anyway, the audience absolutely ADORED every second of it. That's the first time I've ever seen a New York audience rise to its feet as soon as the curtain call started. I felt like I was definitely missing something.

[Kavana]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 8:12am

It sounds as if not much has changed since Atlanta which is why its keeping me from going back.

The actors overacted, songs were boring with that it makes you miss the couple of songs from the film.

[Brodybaby03]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 8:40am

MOre to EAAATTTTTTTT!
Way to go Munkity Munk Munk

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 8:52am

These are the first honest and intelligent reviews I've read of the show.

Vivian Darkbloom
Ramsdale, New England

[Glebb]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:21am

Can you tell us anything about Donald Byrd's choreography?
He is well respected in the ballet world and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll make a huge name for himself.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:24am

Munk, as always, a beautifully written review!

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:36am

Thanks for taking the time to share your review, Munk. And kidmanboy, too.

I wish the creative team had taken the time to workshop the show agressively (maybe for years) before charging into a full-scale production. The problem clearly begins with the writing (both libretto & score). If it doesn't work on paper, it's not going to work in a theatre. Many of the things you point out could have been (and should have been) ironed out and developed before a large production was ever mounted. Then, add in a director with limited vision or an indecisive stroke, and you have a giant mediocrity.

As I suspected a few months ago from the few songs that were previewed and introductory stories written... Sounds like this show will come and go very quickly on the boards. Oh... and the major critics aren't going to be nearly as forgiving as you have been.

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 09:36 AM

[twogaab2]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:43am

Set-excellent.
Score-servicable but better than "Little Women"
Cast-excellent
Singing-very good to outstanding
Book-good but somewhat choppy-too much story in too little time (even at 2'45").

Very good straight forward evening of theater. Overall I enjoyed it more than the current "Sweeny Todd"-sorry kids the emporor has no clothes- and less than "See What I Wanna See"-endlessly facinating.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:52am

Glebb: The choreography is actually fantastic.

I can't tell you all how disappointing this is for - I've been looking forward to this show for forever...

[Madame X]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:52am

I was there last night as well and have a slightly more optimistic view of the show.

Summary: I thought it was very good, but there are definitely book/score problems which are preventing me from flat-out loving the show.

The first 1/3 to 1/2 of the first act needs major work. I understand they're trying to establish the backstory but there is just too much exposition for my taste. I didn't feel the bond between the sisters right off the bat, despite the cute scene the curtain rises on. And I had a hard time figuring out who was who as well...couldn't they have some sort of different costuming (t-shirt undershirts perhaps instead of wife-beaters) for Mister and Harpo just so they could stand out a bit more (or no shirts perhaps - heh)? The score during the first part of Act 1 is also weak. I am not one who needs a score to be hummable in order to like it, but the only way I can describe the score during this part is "rinky-tink." There was a drum keeping a basic beat and piano playing some hapazard notes...and I want to say there was nothing else. It seemed like they didn't finish the orchestrations or something.

For most of the show, I really thought it was the Shug Avery story, b/c Elisabeth Whithers totally shines in her role. Granted, her character is supposed to shine, but I found LaChanze sadly under-utlized in her role. It almost seemed like Celie was the secondary character, not Shug. Only towards the end of the show does LaChanze really get to let go.

One scene that needs to be CUT is the Lion King scene at the top of the 2nd act (It's supposed to show Nettie in Africa w/ Celie's kids). I understand it's a big production number and it got great applause (only b/c it's a production number...not b/c it really contributed anything to the story), but it really is excessive and unnecessary given the time problems this show has had (btw, I don't know who these people are who keep saying the run time is 3 hrs. The show ran 2:40 last night. We got out at 10:45...and I believe we started about 5 min late). There are other vignettes after the African production number using the African costuming which communicate the fact that Nettie is in Africa much more effectively.

Also, someone please contact Oprah and have her write another check ASAP! I do not need to see the dancers breasts and nips (covered only by some see-through gossamer-type material) during the time they're showing Nettie in Africa. PLEASE let the dancers cover up those boobies! I was just cringing the whole time when they were dancing in front of the little kids on stage (and possibly in the audience) like that.

And only b/c I love the comic relief written into shows, I thought the use of the 3 ladies for humor was great.

The tech folks were still working out some kinks last night as there were some lighting glitches and mics cutting out too early last night, but I'm sure that'll be fixed as time goes on (for those complaining about not being able to hear). I was sitting on the side so I'm not sure if it was just my positioning in the theatre, but I thought the show was SO over-amplified [/my new pet peeve], and the sound design needed more balance (but again, this could just be due to where I was sitting in the theatre - almost directly in front of a speaker).

So in summary (again)...I thought it started off slow, but ended on an emotional high note. However, I do fear that there isn't enough time during previews to fix all the problems in the first act.

As a side note, before the show and during intermission I was looking around and thought it was wonderful how diverse the audience was. There was a high percentage of African-Americans in the audience, which was great to see.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:01am

I found nothing about the show emotional at all.

For this story to work, there needs to be a line of tension running throughout the entire thing. If we don't see how scared Celie is of Mister, it doesn't work. If we don't see how incomplete Celie is without Nettie, it doesn't work. It we don't see how down Celie really is of herself, it doesn't work.

I was with a friend who had never been exposed to this story before, and she was a little bit lost, so I had to explain everything to her. There are definitely some plotholes here as well.

And yes, "The Lion King" number was like watching paint dry.

And when Sofia punches the mayor and gets thrown into jail, that is one of the most terrible staged scenes I've ever seen. Harbo "tells" the story to Celie, as we watch Sofia pantomime a fight with a creepy tribal African man. Why? This makes no sense. It doesn't work.

Someone needs to go in there and scare the **** out of the cast.

The end of the show is supposed to be this amazing moment. Other than Celie hugging Nettie and her kids, I felt nothing for them. And ever if that moment had been okay, the score constantly hinders the dramatic action. Like when Celie leaves Mr. ____ - she doesn't deliver her "I may be a woman, I may be black, I may even be ugly - but dear God, I'm here" lines powerfully. she sings them slowly, in a lullabye type manner. WHAT THE HELL?

This show is going to get butchered by critics as it stands now...someone needs to do something about this.

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 10:01 AM

[midtowngym]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:05am

I attended last nights show, and what i've continued to notice is that Black audiences DRESS for Broadway. As opposed to fat middle-american slob tourists who attend theater in jogging suits and t-shirts.

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 10:05 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:09am

Irrelevant, but yea, I noticed that too.

[midtowngym]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:22am

When sitting next to underdressed slobs, it downgrades the theater-going experience.

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 10:22 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:26am

I don't let the people around me affect my opinion of the show...I never really pay attention to who's around me, anyway.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:32am

Dressing for theatre shows a sign of respect for what you're attending, it's not merely a fashion show for an individual or group.

Some people get that, and some people don't. The majority of "average white folks" that go to shows don't get it.

People just aren't taught by their parents how to behave in public anymore.

I'm glad to hear that some African American audiences are taking pride in this experience and the show they're seeing. I'm glad to hear some people still have class.

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 10:32 AM

[EverythingIsRENT]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:33am

::wince:: midtown, I see your point, but really, skinny people can dress just as sloppily as heavy people. Sorry, that comment really bothered me, I HATE generalizing people like that.

Anyway, I still want to see this show as I am totally unframiliar wit hthe book and movie.

[sanda]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:35am

I should explain that my sometimes casual dress (T-shirt and jeans, but I try my best to wear a nice T-shirt) is due to my one-day-only trip to NYC. It is not always easy to change dress as a traveller.

[Glebb]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:37am

As long as people are clean, quiet and respectful to the performers and fellow audience members I don't give a damn if they are in jeans or dressed up. To each his own.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:40am

I agree.. I will take classy behavior over attire any day of the week.

There are other ways of showing respect for theatre.

I'm just glad to hear some people are dressing up.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:43am

Munk: How does the show fit inside the Broadway Theatre? When it was announced that it would occupy that, I thought it would cavernous to house something that seems as if it should be more intimate.

[lildogs]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:44am

Great review, munk...hope you're feeling better..

Side Note: TheEnchantedHunter's name, Vivian Darkbloom is maybe the fanciest one I've EVAH heard! I'm stealing it!

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:53am

>>I attended last nights show, and what i've continued to notice is that Black audiences DRESS for Broadway.<<

That's a fascinating observation, midtowngym. Perhaps black audiences still consider the theater a temple and dress accordingly.

>>Side Note: TheEnchantedHunter's name, Vivian Darkbloom is maybe the fanciest one I've EVAH heard! I'm stealing it!<<

It's already been stolen--by me! But here's an alternate:

Mayella Ewell
Maycomb, Alabama


Updated On: 11/3/05 at 10:53 AM