The Color Purple

I’m Isa Goldberg reporting on THE COLOR PURPLE at The Broadway Theatre.

Oprah Winfrey’s producing debut on Broadway also heralds a new frisson, that of love between women on the Great White Way. Maybe someone should Google that – Oprah, lesbianism, Great White Way, because as a triumvirate it’s the recipe for success. Not that every aspect of THE COLOR PURPLE is so probing, but the whole is certainly greater than the sum of its parts.

To begin with, there’s Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, the story of a young black woman Celie who’s too ugly to be loved, and the father and husband who ruin her life. But when Shug, the notorious village harlot returns to town, Celie’s life is transformed. Their first kiss brings down the 1st act curtain and the beginning of Celie’s self-actualization and her ability to achieve a life of her own. Hers is a love that has no name, on many levels.

LaChanze brings a sense of wonder to Celie, as if the story were always a step ahead of her, just a leap of faith away. Or just over the next note, the one she’s just sent soaring through the rafters. Singing both gospel style and jazz infused songs with such vigor, we feel like we’re at a Motown reunion.

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes as Shug brings simplicity and directness to her role and Felicia P. Fields as Sofia, the role Oprah Winfrey created in the movie, proves how a woman can really stand up to things no matter what anybody says.

It goes without saying that the material is righteous at heart, and often it’s righteousness more than intense emotion that drives the production. This is especially true in the African tribal dances which are mostly just shtick. Similarly, the gospel songs and lyrics that express the idea of faith are repetitive. Still the lead song “When We Share Love” is a classic. Its memorable lyrics, “It takes a grain of love, to make a mighty tree/ Even the smallest voice can make a harmony” are rife for recording artists everywhere.

“The Color Purple” is revealed quite literally in the naturalistic sets with the sun and sky in a rainbow of colors. It alone will light your heart. Certainly, there is ample pandering to pop culture in Oprah Winfrey’s newest venture, but as with everything Oprah touches, it’s right on target. Truly uplifting.

That’s This Week on Broadway. I’m Isa Goldberg.