#1
Posted: 11/15/05 at 9:42pm
Well, I've been lurking on this board for over 2 years and have just recently become a member. I think that it's appropriate that my first review is of a show that has been talked about quite a lot. I saw the Sat. evening show (11-12)and have just returned home, so that is why this is late.
First of all, my "credentials." I've been in love with the theater since my family and I saw Lorna Luft in Promises, Promises when I was a young lad (my first Broadway show). Since then, I've had the pleasure of seeing Stephanie Mills in The Wiz, Yul Brynner in the 70's revival of The King and I, Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera in the original Chicago, Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, Idina in Wicked, Tonya Pinkins in Caroline or Change, among many others.
I was very excited to see this show, although some of the criticisms on this and other boards had me a little worried. Well, let me first say that I was more than pleased that I got to see this. It is an absolutely beautiful production. The cast is first rate, with amazing voices that shook the rafters. LaChanze is an incredible talent and a STAR. Her acting and singing were impeccable. Felicia P. Fields was delightful as Sofia, Kingsley Leggs was powerful as Mister, and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes was sultry/sexy as Shug. Everyone in the cast deserves a special mention, but I don't want this to go on too long.
This show grabs you from the first scene and doesn't let go. It's the first time that I can remember ever being near tears at the end of the FIRST ACT. It is that emotional. Obviously, the finale is even more moving. It is such a cathartic experience. I just can't believe that it's only in its second week of previews, as I see very little that needs to be tinkered with.
I wanted to bring up a couple of criticisms of the show that I have seen on this board. I think that those of you that had concerns will be pleasantly surprised that the creators are paying attention and making adjustments. First of all, I had read here that the scene when Mister kicks out Nettie had been played in the background, with other things going on and taking away from the emotion of that moment. Well, now this key moment happens "front and center," with nothing else happening on the stage, and it is very powerful and heartbreaking. You know that nothing could have been worse for Celie and Nettie.
Also, the opening scene of Act II (in Africa) did not seem too long to me at all. I thought it perfectly explained what Celie's fantasies of Nettie's life in Africa must be like, as well as providing a glimpse of Nettie's point of view. Also, it injected much needed pageantry and color into a show that is sometimes a little dark (scenery-wise, I mean). The dancing was great in this scene.
Most important of all is that Celie now has an "11 o'clock number." It is "I'm Here," and it totally brought the house down. I still get chills thinking about LaChanze's performance of this. I can't wait for the OCR so that I can experience this song again and again.
I didn't think that this show, at just over 2 hours 40 minutes, was too long at all. Let's face it, it's an epic story spanning several decades (the transitions between decades was done quite well, IMO). If Les Miz deserves over 3 hours, The Color Purple deserves over 2.5.
To summarize, this show has something for everyone. Great singing, dancing, acting, and a story that is timeless. It has great comedic moments (loved the church ladies) and great dramatic moments. There is no question that this will be a huge hit, no matter what the critics say. The theater was packed on Saturday and everyone was completely involved with the story. All were on their feet at the end. There is nothing like this show currently on Broadway and it is long overdue. I highly recommend The Color Purple.
First of all, my "credentials." I've been in love with the theater since my family and I saw Lorna Luft in Promises, Promises when I was a young lad (my first Broadway show). Since then, I've had the pleasure of seeing Stephanie Mills in The Wiz, Yul Brynner in the 70's revival of The King and I, Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera in the original Chicago, Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, Idina in Wicked, Tonya Pinkins in Caroline or Change, among many others.
I was very excited to see this show, although some of the criticisms on this and other boards had me a little worried. Well, let me first say that I was more than pleased that I got to see this. It is an absolutely beautiful production. The cast is first rate, with amazing voices that shook the rafters. LaChanze is an incredible talent and a STAR. Her acting and singing were impeccable. Felicia P. Fields was delightful as Sofia, Kingsley Leggs was powerful as Mister, and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes was sultry/sexy as Shug. Everyone in the cast deserves a special mention, but I don't want this to go on too long.
This show grabs you from the first scene and doesn't let go. It's the first time that I can remember ever being near tears at the end of the FIRST ACT. It is that emotional. Obviously, the finale is even more moving. It is such a cathartic experience. I just can't believe that it's only in its second week of previews, as I see very little that needs to be tinkered with.
I wanted to bring up a couple of criticisms of the show that I have seen on this board. I think that those of you that had concerns will be pleasantly surprised that the creators are paying attention and making adjustments. First of all, I had read here that the scene when Mister kicks out Nettie had been played in the background, with other things going on and taking away from the emotion of that moment. Well, now this key moment happens "front and center," with nothing else happening on the stage, and it is very powerful and heartbreaking. You know that nothing could have been worse for Celie and Nettie.
Also, the opening scene of Act II (in Africa) did not seem too long to me at all. I thought it perfectly explained what Celie's fantasies of Nettie's life in Africa must be like, as well as providing a glimpse of Nettie's point of view. Also, it injected much needed pageantry and color into a show that is sometimes a little dark (scenery-wise, I mean). The dancing was great in this scene.
Most important of all is that Celie now has an "11 o'clock number." It is "I'm Here," and it totally brought the house down. I still get chills thinking about LaChanze's performance of this. I can't wait for the OCR so that I can experience this song again and again.
I didn't think that this show, at just over 2 hours 40 minutes, was too long at all. Let's face it, it's an epic story spanning several decades (the transitions between decades was done quite well, IMO). If Les Miz deserves over 3 hours, The Color Purple deserves over 2.5.
To summarize, this show has something for everyone. Great singing, dancing, acting, and a story that is timeless. It has great comedic moments (loved the church ladies) and great dramatic moments. There is no question that this will be a huge hit, no matter what the critics say. The theater was packed on Saturday and everyone was completely involved with the story. All were on their feet at the end. There is nothing like this show currently on Broadway and it is long overdue. I highly recommend The Color Purple.
