★★★★☆

The 2004 Broadway production of The Color Purpleis currently touring the UK after a 2019 run at The Curve in Leicester, and I checked it out at The Royal and Derngate in Northampton. I remember reading the book as a teen, and seeing the movie as well so I was interested to see how this would translate to the stage, and to the musical theatre genre.

The Color Purple follow the story of Celie. As a child in 1913 she live with her abusive father and older sister, Nettie. Despite her life she is generous and kind hearted and would do anything for Nettie. Given to an older man in marriage whilst still a teenager, she moves from one abusive home to another and sadly loses touch with Nettie.

Over the next 2.5 hours we cover over 40 years of her life and see her overcome adversity to become her own person. It is a triumph over circumstance. From what I remember it stays faithful to Alice Walker’s novel – rated as one of the great American novels focusing on the black perspective.

Aaliya Hane, Ako Mitchell, and Me’sha Bryan

Me’sha Bryan takes on the lead role of Celie and is very convincing from a young teen to an older woman. I got the feeling that she was taking the audience with her on the journey. Her rendition of ‘I’m Here’ was phenomenal. Aaliya Zhane perfectly complimented her as Nettie and it was almost a shame that the character was missing from so much of the action. Bree Smith as Shug Avery was outstanding. She had such great stage presence and it was not difficult to see how Celie was drawn to her as a source of escape from her life. Ako Mitchell as Mister, the man Cecile is given to in marriage was also outstanding. You saw his character go on a journey and become a truly changed man towards the end. Ahmed Hamad was charming as Harpo and I remembered him from the Hope Mill Theatre production of Rent!. 

Me’sha Bryan

The set, designed by Alex Lowe was simple and effective – two wooden flats through which different stage sets came out to denote the scenes. This is simple, yet effective. The space in front of the flats is used to great effect by directors Tinuke Craig and Lakesha Arie Angelo, and choreographer Mark Smith.

The Company

Some of the songs were less memorable than others but I shall be looking out for the cast recording to give it another listen. I shall also be digging out my old copy of the novel for a re-read.

The performance I went to was a signed one and I have to leave my final mention for the signer (she was not credited so I don’t know who it was). She was incredible, fully integrated into the choreography when it was necessary to move her from one side of the stage to the other, and in the background when she needed to be. To have learnt the entire show to be able to sign it is a real achievement. 

This is an uplifting production that shows the triumph of the human soul. It is shocking but it is determination and resilience that shines through.

The Color Purple is currently touring the UK until 5th November

Salford – http://www.thelowry.com/

Cardiff- http://www.wmc.org.uk/

Southampton – https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/color-purple-2022/

Norwich – http://www.norwichtheatre.org/

Photos © Manuel Harlan