Based on Alice Walker's novel, "The Color Purple" has moved audiences in movie theaters and on Broadway. The current national tour brings this moving story back to Boston at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre. It is a show you do not want to miss. It never fails to move me to tears and to deep reflection about how men treat women. In the current social and political climate, this story of female empowerment is as relevant as it ever was.The cast of this production is powerful, passionate, and talented.
This production is based on the recent Broadway revival, which used a simple set and pared down story line. It allows the characters to tell their story straight to the heart. I was caught up in the saga of Celie (Adriananna Hicks) learning from Shug Avery (Carla R.Stewart) how to stand up for herself and see herself as beautiful. Their love for life and for each other comes across most powerfully in the gorgeous number "What About Love?" Ms. Stewart also shines in "Too Beautiful For Words" and "Push The Button." Ms. Hicks had members of the audience leaping to their feet after her bravura performance of "I'm Here."
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| Adrianna Hicks as Celie Cast "The Color Purple" Boch Center Shubert Theatre Through December3rd |
J. Daughtry as Harpo and Carrie Compere as Sophia had us laughing with their outrageous duet "Any Little Thing." The three church ladies serve as a gossiping Greek chorus in this show, and they were wonderfully portrayed by Brit West, Bianca Horn, and Angela Birchett. Gavin Gregory brought the character of Mister through a redemptive arc and shined in singing the haunting "Celie's Curse." Boston audiences saw a familiar face in Jared Dixon as Grady. Erica Durham as Squeak lived up to her character's name and offered some comic relief when she squared off against Sophia. N'Jameh Camara was strong as Nettie, Celie's sister. C.E. Smith's booming voice as the Preacher was on display in the rousing anthem "Mysterious Ways." Other cast members playing multiple roles include Darnell Abraham, Amar Atkins,Kyle E. Baird, Gabrielle Reid, J.D. Webster, Clyde Voce, Nyla Watson, Nikisha Williams, and Michael Wordly.
Book is by Marsha Norman and Music and Lyrics are by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. This production is Directed by John Doyle. Set Design is by John Doyle, Costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, Lighting by Jane Cox, and Sound by Dan Moses Schreier.
This company must leave town after Sunday's performance, so you have only a few days left to get your tickets to be transported back into Celie's world and to "see what God has done."
Boch Center Website
Enjoy!
Al
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