Too Beautiful For Words

The Color Purple

As soon as I heard the rousing notes of this musical’s opening number, “Mysterious Ways,” I knew I was hooked again. Watching a congregation of almost two dozen talented writhing, moving and shaking people, the congregation’s vocals led by three larger-than-life Church Ladies, I settled back in confidence. I knew I was about to enjoy another production of Alice Walker’s heartfelt story. You see, this isn’t my first time enjoying THE COLOR PURPLE. Like many plays and musicals that I’ve seen more than once, I love every production because each is always different and unique. Every presentation features a remarkably talented, new cast and sports its own outstanding theatrical elements that make the show feel singular and special. But, I must admit, as Shug Avery soulfully sings to her new best friend, Celie, this astonishing Goodman Theatre production is simply “Too Beautiful for Words.”

Lili-Anne Brown, one of Chicago’s smartest, most talented and revered working Directors, brings Alice Walker’s story of survival, hope and redemption to life once again. This isn’t Ms. Brown’s first work with the musical. A few years ago I enjoyed her lovely and deeply moving presentation at Drury Lane Oakbrook. At that time, I thought this will be Lili-Anne Brown’s magnum opus. But the beautiful ode to humanity that she’s created this season on the Albert Stage surpasses almost every prior production. Ms. Brown injects energy, empathy and emotional tenderness into her production that perfectly balances a tolerance for injustice. As Evil is vanquished, Good triumphs. The result is that Lili-Anne Brown has created a new production of THE COLOR PURPLE that surely sings to every soul.    

Ms. Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name first inspired Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film that starred Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. The book and the movie were then adapted for the stage in a much-loved 2005 Broadway musical. It boasted a book by Marsha Norman (THE SECRET GARDEN, ‘NIGHT MOTHER) and Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of redemption that rings true for all of us. I was in awe of the original 2005 Broadway production; The 2007 First National Tour that began in Chicago gave me goosebumps; I openly shed a few tears at the gorgeous 2015 Broadway Revival that won Best Revival of a Musical. And at each new local production—and there have been several—my spirit has been uplifted and renewed.

Separated from her sister, and her own children having been given away, Celie experiences far more hardships than life should inflict on any one person. She becomes a slave to Mister, her savagely abusive husband. Then Celie’s forced to cook, clean and raise his first wife’s children. She eventually gets some love and support from Shug Avery, Mister’s chanteuse  lady friend, as well as from Sofia, the new, no-nonsense wife of Harpo, Celie’s oldest stepson. In the end, this sweet woman who began life with little hope finds strength and self-confidence in the bonds of a new sisterhood of support.

Lili-Anne Brown’s entire artistic team have clearly given their collective heart and soul to help tell this story. The multitalented Breon Arzell has Choreographed the show with animation and vigor. Known for his artistic fusion of hip-hop, jazz, contemporary dance and body percussion, Breon’s work here is quite literally poetry in motion. Gifted Musical Director Jermaine Hill has done a monumental job spearheading and guiding this large, talented cast to create the most beautiful sound imaginable. John Bronston conducts his brilliant, full-sounding 8-member pit orchestra to accompany each performer and create every musical motif.

In addition, Arnel Sancianco has provided an Impressionistic and flexible Scenic Design that’s a blank canvas, often dominated by two enormous clothes lines hanging with sheets. Upon these, the background panels and a large scrim, Lighting Designer, Heather Gilbert, and Projection Designers, Michael Salvatore Commendatore & Rasean Davonte Johnson, have displayed their electronic visual artistry. It’s a gorgeous effect that works beautifully. Samantha C. Jones’ captivating and colorful Costume Designs, which span 1911 through the mid-century, are all varied, authentic and meticulous.

But it’s the astoundingly talented 21-member company of 

actor/singer/dancers who truly create the beating heart and soul of this story. Thanks to some typically superb casting and heartfelt Direction, the combined ensemble, led by a few named characters, are the stars of this production. Back in her hometown of Chicago, beautiful and brilliant Brittney Mack commands the stage as Celie, the leading role. This charismatic young actress has a belt that soars to the rafters and brings the audience to their feet in the middle of songs. Ms. Mack effortlessly demonstrates the power of a polished theatre professional. Returning to the stage following her breakout role as Queen Anne of Cleves in the hit musical, SIX, Ms. Mack creates another unforgettable character who audiences are sure to take to heart. Brittney’s Celie is a warm, honestly-portrayed and extraordinary human being who, as Tina Turner sang, is simply the best!

The is a musical whose spotlight focuses primarily on Black Women and how they find the strength to rise up against the Black Men who take them for granted. While it revolves around an abused and lonely young woman named Celie, whose dearest friend is her younger sister, Nettie (nicely played by Shantel Renee Cribbs), there are some other great ladies who help tell Celie’s story. 

There’s Sofia, Celie’s strong-willed role model, with the audacity to say “Hell No!” when people have gone too far. She’s played with guts and glory by Nicole Michelle Haskins, a Chicago actress with a vast, impressive resume. Sexy Shug Avery, as portrayed by Aerie Williams, is a sultry siren of a songstress, and eventually proves to be Celie’s closest friend— maybe a little bit more. While Ms. Williams’ big production number at the Juke Joint, “Push the Button,” brings down the house, it’s Shug’s encouraging “The Color Purple,” “Too Beautiful for Words,” sung to Celie, and their exquisite duet, “What About Love,” that lingers in our hearts. Then there’s tiny little Squeak, an enthusiastic young woman played with humor and wild abandon by Daryn Whitney Harrell. She has ambition and wants to become a singer, like Shug Avery. And of course there’s the play’s unstoppable Greek Chorus of gossiping Church Ladies, hilariously played and sung by Lachrisa Grandberry, Sharriese Hamilton and Reneisha Jenkins. They all make this production sing.

The men also do a terrific job creating mind-blowing, memorable characters who hold their own against these strong women. The gifted Evan Tyrone Martin, who’s been seen in so many excellent Chicagoland productions, from NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET at Writers Theatre to the title role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Paramount, plays the evil and heartless Mister. The always wonderful Gilbert Domally (DREAMGIRLS at Paramount, HAIRSPRAY at Porchlight) brings plenty of character-driven hilarity and humble humanity to his depiction of Harpo. And Jos N. Banks is particularly funny as Shug’s new husband, Grady.

This is another breathtaking production by, what Time Magazine  called “America’s Best Regional Theatre.” Goodman’s new musical production of THE COLOR PURPLE is faithful to Alice Walker’s novel, while still bringing a fresh approach and a new perspective to the story. With the combined talent and effusive chemistry of this brilliant cast, the Summer will be tinted violet by this gorgeous, regal presentation that’s quite simply, Too Beautiful for Words.       

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 21-August 3 by the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. 

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.