The LA company of "The Color Purple" shines with stand-out gospel songs and an amazing cast of performers.
After two successful years on Broadway, the Tony-nominated musical “The Color Purple” has arrived at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles for a three-month run before expanding to theatres across the country. The show has already began to find a spot in the hearts of fans, not only of Alice Walker’s phenomenonal novel, but also of the 1985 film. Oprah Winfrey, who brought the show to life as its producer, has given the story of poor black women fighting to be heard in the early 1900s its warmth and heart.
“The Color Purple’s” Cast Brings the Show to Life
While the show is well written by Marsha Norman, the amazing cast provides the true strength needed for the production to truly thrive. The starring role of Celie (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the film) is performed to near perfection by Jeannette Bayardelle. She perfected the role on Broadway, and without this character’s quiet comedic delivery and powerhouse belting voice, the show would seem lackluster at best. Two roles by semi-celebrities also help to boost the cast’s fame. Michelle Williams, formerly of the pop sensation group Destiny’s Child, plays Shug Avery with boozy aplomb, although her frighteningly skinny body distracts from her rich voice. LaToya London starred on the hit TV show American Idol in its third season, and plays Celie’s sister, Nettie, with confidence and poise.
Although the show clearly belongs to the women, several male cast members provide the rich baritones needed to sustain the gospel-style songs and offer the suppressive villains needed to stifle the spirits of the struggling Southern leading ladies. One standout performer in particular, Rufus Bonds Jr., plays the abusive Mister with such fury and dominance that the audience could literally be heard whispering shock at his evil nature. Bonds Jr. plays the character amazingly well given the dark personality he has to portray.
The ensemble of this cast is also chockfull of strong performers. Many trained with Alvin Ailey, and the show’s dance scenes are sustained largely because of their capability with the athletic routines.
It’s All in the Music
The cast is certainly what brings the novel’s rich characters to life, but it is the music—by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray—that allows the audience to truly connect to the story. The songs range from light and carefree with “Huckleberry Pie” to the sultry “Push Da Button.” However, the true power arises from audience favorites like the torch songs “Hell No!” and “I’m Here”. These were the songs that seemed to bring the house down. The women’s incredibly strong voices echoed throughout the theatre and fans were brought to their feet for the cast’s bows. The show not only provided a night of entertainment, it also reminds viewers that soul can still be found in today’s theatre.
