Advertisement

Broadway gold turns the Fox Theatre 'The Color Purple'

By D. A. Blackburn

DETROIT
It began with a buzz and a big name on the marquee. Oprah Winfrey had signed on as a presenting producer, and, with a little help from a long-standing feud with David Letterman – in a much-publicized stunt, they buried the hatchet on the show's opening night – "The Color Purple" came to Broadway with a flurry of attention. For three years, the show played to packed houses of enthusiastic audiences, and now it's hit the road, rolling into Detroit's Fox Theatre for 16 performances beginning May 20.
"The Color Purple," which is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and was also the subject of Steven Spielberg's 1985 feature film of the same name, is a thematically heavy work. Walker's pen has filled the story with racism, abuse and adversity, infidelity and homosexuality in the early part of the 20th century. Moreover, its ultimate message is that love can triumph even in the worst situations.
Though the work has drama of operatic proportions, many critics initially doubted that it could be adequately adapted for musical theater. Since its premiere in 2005, these voices have been silenced by the show's inspirational message and tuneful music. The Broadway production earned 11 Tony Awards in 2006, proving, once and for all, that the work had earned its spot on theater's most famous street.
"Audiences are going to laugh. It's not just three hours of crying for this woman (Celie)," says Angela Robinson, who plays singer Shug Avery. "The subject matter is heavy, but it's a really uplifting story."
Oprah aside, "The Color Purple" has some other big names attached to it. Also given credit as a producer is Quincy Jones, and, on Broadway, the work featured both Fantasia Barrino and Chaka Khan in the cast. Though Barrino and Khan have since departed, American Idol (season three) competitor LaToya London will tackle the role of Nettie in the tour's stop in Detroit.
Much as Winfrey's appearance on Letterman's show did to promote the show, the addition of these high-profile stars has created exceptional buzz for "The Color Purple." But, as Robinson explains, taking the show on the road has given the cast and audiences a chance to savor the musical for its own merits. "On the tour, we're not dealing with the whole celebrity aspect. On Broadway, we had Fantasia and Chaka Kahn, and that kind of changed the ensemble dynamic. It brought a great energy to the show, but there really isn't a single star; it is an ensemble piece. On tour, I'm loving that it's all about the story now."
That said, Robinson is quick to point out the high-production value of the touring show.
"They're (audiences) not getting short-changed by seeing the tour. A lot of the original cast is on the tour, and it's a great production and the cast is just as strong," she adds. "The set is a little scaled down, just because it has to be for the different houses that we play. But that also focuses you in on the story as well, so I think this is actually more focused on what Alice Walker wanted to say."
Though the touring production of "The Color Purple" is of a decidedly Broadway caliber, it does include some unique connections to metropolitan Detroit. Most notably is the inclusion of choreography by Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University alum Donald Byrd, whose contemporary work has been well showcased by dance companies the world over. Additionally, Diamond White, who plays the roles of Young Nettie and Mister Daughter, is a young Southfield resident. Not to mention, two of the show's three composers, Allee Willis and Stephan Bray, spent their early lives in the city.
With so much Broadway-style buzz, an eclectic mix of music, an incredible dramatic vision and a wealth of talented stars, "The Color Purple" will likely prove box office gold for the Fox Theatre. The production will wrap in Detroit on June 1, before rolling on to Pittsburgh.

PREVIEW:
Oprah Winfrey Presents 'The Color Purple'
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. May 20-June 1. Tickets: $39.50-$75. 313-471-6611,http://www.olympiaentertainment.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
Joe Kort, Ph.D., is a clinical sexologist and relationship therapist, coach and founded his…
Learn More
Directory default
Judgment-free, patient-centered vision care. We treat each vision patient with top-quality,…
Learn More
Directory default
A Believe OutLoud Episcopal Congregation.  Our invitation to you: regardless of your cultural…
Learn More
Advertisement