Let's just cut to the chase: WOW! Simply wow! Over the years I've come to expect a good show from Signature Theatre and often it also serves up some something exceptional. The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a stunning book, a beloved movies, and now a powerful and ultimately heart-warming musical.
The set was relatively simple, like looking at a box with two sides cut away. The panels made to look like they were covered in shiplap proved more complicated when it was revealed that the board were able to open and close like Venetian blinds. At strategic times in the production they opened to reveal a deeper layer of the action, with actors singing and delivering lines as if the conscience of the character on the open stage, or even to depict actions occurring in far away lands. In combination with the lighting, it was very effective. The costumes were lovely. The ensemble perfect.
Incidentals covered, the heart of every show is always the cast. In this case, they were as strong and vocally powerful as any I have had the pleasure of experiences. Solomon Parker III was every inch the amiable, good-natured, at times impish Harpo. He brought a physicality to the role that was fresh and full of charm. Danielle J. Summons' portrayal of Shug Avery was interesting and blended well in scenes with Nova Y. Payton's Celie. Frenchie Davis was both commanding and then heart-breaking in the role of Sophia, with a voice that could raise the roof.
Having said all of that; let's get down to the real stand out performances. Torrey Linder as Mr. embraced the character's brooding and cruelty only to transform with the role to reveal Mr.'s full humanity. And he did so was a voice the resonated deep within your chest. His rendering of "Mister's Song" in the second Act set the entire audience into awe that was palpable.
And still this production belongs to Nova Y. Payton. With tremendous skill she navigated the arc of the character's transformation. Every song was sung to fullest effect of the song, and simply as a showcase for her exceptional vocal talents. When it was time to elevate the moment, BAM!, she was right there. By the time the Second Act open, the audience was hers. When she led the ensemble in "Miss Celie's Pants" I could feel members of the audience who wanted to stand as well as clap, and whatever held them back was loosed with "I'm Here". I don't think I've ever seen a standing ovation directed at a single song before.
So in tune with the production and feeling apart of the story, when Mister re-proposes marriage to Celie toward the end of the Second Act--a member of the audience called out what everyone was thinking: "HELL NO!" The refrain from Sophia's first song. Of course, everyone laughed. For just a second, even Nova let the wall down, but just for a second. It must empower a performer to know that in the middle of their performance they are beloved of those for whom they are acting. I would be shocked if she isn't nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Music at this year's Helen Hayes Awards. Further, if she doesn't win, then whoever does will have earned the honor--the bar is set!
Having said all of that; let's get down to the real stand out performances. Torrey Linder as Mr. embraced the character's brooding and cruelty only to transform with the role to reveal Mr.'s full humanity. And he did so was a voice the resonated deep within your chest. His rendering of "Mister's Song" in the second Act set the entire audience into awe that was palpable.
And still this production belongs to Nova Y. Payton. With tremendous skill she navigated the arc of the character's transformation. Every song was sung to fullest effect of the song, and simply as a showcase for her exceptional vocal talents. When it was time to elevate the moment, BAM!, she was right there. By the time the Second Act open, the audience was hers. When she led the ensemble in "Miss Celie's Pants" I could feel members of the audience who wanted to stand as well as clap, and whatever held them back was loosed with "I'm Here". I don't think I've ever seen a standing ovation directed at a single song before.
So in tune with the production and feeling apart of the story, when Mister re-proposes marriage to Celie toward the end of the Second Act--a member of the audience called out what everyone was thinking: "HELL NO!" The refrain from Sophia's first song. Of course, everyone laughed. For just a second, even Nova let the wall down, but just for a second. It must empower a performer to know that in the middle of their performance they are beloved of those for whom they are acting. I would be shocked if she isn't nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Music at this year's Helen Hayes Awards. Further, if she doesn't win, then whoever does will have earned the honor--the bar is set!
Nettie (Kailya Gross) and Celie (Nova Y. Payton)
Ensemble number "Mysterious Ways"
Sophia (Frenchie Davis) and Celie
Performing at Harpo's Juke Joint, foreground Shug Avery (Danielle J. Summons) and Mister (Torrey Linder)
Harpo (Solomon Parker III) and Sophia
Torrey Linder performing "Mister's Song"
Performing "Miss Celie's Pants"
Nova Y. Payton Performing "I'm Here
The ensemble in closing number "The Color Purple"
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