Quick TCP Review from AZ

[catstagestud]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 1:47am

So last week I was in the city for my spring break, doing my now routine break thang. I flew in to NYC stayed w/ my aunt and uncle, saw shows, went out w/ friends etc. Went to six things and let me simply say of the new pieces that I saw (three of them) my personal favorite was The Color Purple. I'm not sure what the general feeling for the production here on the board is but I was very moved by it.
What a powerful cast! Where do I start...how about with Felicia Fields, who's Sofia is so well-defined and brings such a beautiful character arch to the women with the will and courage that Sofia's got. Elisabeth Withers Mendes' Shug Avery is another wonderful performance. The depth and range that Mendes brings to Shug is very honest and what I felt like a breath-taking performance. Her voice is out of this world in addition to her acting ability. I could've watched her all night long.
Of course, LaChanze turns in a true star performance as Celie. The commitment to the physical life of this character was awe-inspiring. Her voice is beautiful and she knows when to not push it too hard which is an asset many women I feel these days in theatre aren't very aware of.
Kinsley Leggs, Brandon Victor Dixon, and Darlesia Cearcy were all wonderful as Mister, Harpo, and Nettie respectively. The lighting I felt fit the mood of the piece very well and I absolutely loved the set design by John Lee Beatty. This is a production that I could see over and over again. If you have a chance to see it I strongly recommend going to the Broadway Theatre to catch this moving and beautiful musical.

Cheers,

Christopher