Just got out of the matinee today and Rema's last performance until Heather returns and there is nothing but amazing things to say about Rema!
I have only seen JHud in the role and did not notice how much I was missing of Shug until today with Rema in the role, she delivers every line with conviction and actual underlying meaning, fully creating a character from her first line "you suuuuure is ugly", with a big laugh before the line, it was a great delivery that somehow (perhaps it's similar to the movie) got the audience to say it with her! I was pleasantly surprised.
During Shug's down-time and no-line responses which showed JHud's weaknesses in the acting department, Rema shined and made it a point to be in character and truly act the part. Her kiss with Celie was very heartfelt; her Push Da Button was incredible, she truly OWNED that stage from the beginning to the end of the song, although her final notes were not as high as JHud's, but she was in great voice as well.
Interestingly, her scene before "The Color Purple" and the song itself was the highlight of the show for me (second to Cynthia), I'd never cared for that scene or song, but Rema delivered it so beautiful that it got me tearing. Leading up to the Easter Scene and after, she commanded the stage with her one liners and the audience loved her.
Cynthia is better than ever, so there are no words to describe her. I am so glad I got so see Rema, who btw looked GORGEOUS in costume (potato quality photo attached)

Updated On: 5/15/16 at 05:46 PM