The Color Purple in Atlanta *SPOILERS*

[actorgaedu]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 10:40am

Ok, I saw "The Color Purple" yesterday at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta and first off I will say RUN to the theater and see this show!!! It is incredible for a world premiere and new work. I will say that it can use some work on the lyrics and working with the wordiness of the numbers. Also, it needs more dance numbers. Those in the show are great, but I think it would make the show even better with more dance numbers. Other than that, it will only get better with more focus and work. The cast is perfect and amazing in every number, the set is unique and interesting, the costumes are great, and the score is fun, beautiful, and vibrant.
Lachanze as Celie. Right up there with Whoopi on portrayal of this role. Plus, she sings the S&^% out of it!
Adriane Lenox as Shug is incredible. She plays the role how Alice Walker intended with a bisexual edge and a cut throat personality. Her singing is incredible, she has some of the best numbers in the show and her big number "Push the Button" is a highlight! She and LaChanze sing an amazing duet called "What About Love" which is WONDERFUL to close Act I. A beautiful ballad. Sofia, Harpo, and Mister (sorry I don't have my program in front of me for names) are great as well with some solid portrayals and musical numbers. Sacyon (Aida standby) as Nettie also really shines especially in the Africa sequence. The ensemble is bright and energized as well as solid in voice. The music is very Gospel, Jazz, Blues, and African in roots, and the change in times is highlighted through the change in musical styles. The highlight of the show for me is the use of three sisters as a black greek chorus of sorts to transition the time and add some nice humor to the piece. They also sing fierce! Overall, I would say that this is ready for Broadway and will be a huge hit if they remain consistant and work to improve the areas that are low points in the show (ie dancing, some lyrics). Finally, the title song is a wonderful close to this show and truly sums up the message and heritage of African Americans during this time in America. This is the best new musical I have seen in MANY years! See it immediately if you can!

[joeyjoe]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 11:02am

i hope this show comes to NY soon... i really do want to see it!

[Matt_G]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 11:16am

I am SO glad you liked this. I just can't wait for it to come to New York. Miss Lennox was in as Caroline the first time I saw the show and the woman is just incredible. I really have no words to describe her presence on stage.
Thank you for posting this!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 11:20am

I'm really excited for this! Thanks for posting.

[dancinfan]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 11:44am

Yay. we can only hope that they wil get some more of the kinks worked out and get a theatre in NY sooner rather than later.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 11:53am

It is refreshing to hear good news and good word of mouth for such a premiere. Thanks for passing this on, and as other have hoped, it gets to NYC soon!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 1:44pm

Wow, Matt_G, you weren't lying. You really ARE being a shill for this.

[musicalfandukie]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 1:58pm

than for the review!! i'm really looking forward to seeing this one.

[rockfenris2005]

Posted: 9/28/04 at 5:34am

This whole thing sounds good. I like the sound of it. I hope it succeeds. Certainly sounds better than anything on BWay right now (and I tremble at the even-thought of Wicked or Dracula...)