THE COLOR PURPLE Reviews

[indytallguy]

I think what impresses me the most about these reviews are some of the thoughtful insights and attention to detail that the critics offer in their analysis.  I'm not sure we always get that, but perhaps it is the show, and this production in particular, that would not let them write in any other form.

[PalJoey]

 

I am just so very,very happy for all of them. 

 

[somethingwicked]

Brantley really hits the nail on the head about what Jennifer Hudson pulls off here: she makes Shug vulnerable and wounded.

 

It's a bold and inspired choice that reveals who the character really is beyond the glittering object of desire she's perceived as by most of the other characters. It illuminates a whole new dynamic in why the connection forms so deeply between her and Celie. You suddenly see them as two women who've had a parallel experience living their entire lives by the definition of a society that has marginalized them, and the freedom they find together is stunning. It's something (even in the novel) that I never felt so clearly until this production.

 

Thrilled for everyone involved. In Cynthia Erivo, a star is born.

[CapnHook]

This show is one of those special productions that, if you miss it, you'll never forgive yourself. The original production should have won Best Musical at the Tonys. It's REALLY well-constructed and the score is one of the most infectious and grand and full and brilliant and moving...

Just go see it.

[Auggie27]

Wow.  Good week for musicals on B'way, no?  All good news, for everybody.  It's a happy night.

[NYadgal]

I'm thrilled reading all of these positive reviews!  

[ChiTheaterFan]

Reading the reviews makes me want to see this again. I loved this show so much... I liked it when I saw it on tour but this revival is so much better.  So much more emotional. Glad to see all 3 ladies getting such deserved raves. 

 

I knew I liked Hudson's performance but couldn't quite explain it. Brantley's review made me realize what it was. 

[LuminousBeing]

I'm planning to rush this on Saturday. I hope 6 a.m. is early enough!

[ljay889]

Can someone confirm whether Lily of the Field is cut or not? It's a gorgeous piece of music. Would hate to see it cut. 

[Scarywarhol]

Not in the show.

 

[Scarywarhol]

(Double post.)

[ljay889]

Boo. Odd cut. Oh well, absolutely cannot wait to see this next weekend. 

[rosscoe(au)]

Sadly won't get to see this New York production, but saw it in London, so happy to hear the raves, it really was stunning.

[ljay889]

The cast recording will be released on January 29, 2016 on Broadway Records.

[chanel]

Nice review, especially for the "sensational" Jennifer Hudson. Scroll down to "Miss Celie's Blues Are Back on Broadway."
http://www.out.com/michael-musto/2015/12/14/charlotte-rampling-45-years-timelessness-and-gay-fans

[qolbinau]

I feel excited for the cast recording given all the buzz around this. It's nice that they're doing well - although looking back the show seems to always have been a hit. I didn't realise it did so well back in 2006. 

[djoko84]

Anyone know how rush for this has been lately? I won't be able to get into the city until the afternoon most days.

[Broadwaystar2]

A friend got there at 7:30 today and was number 7. He said it filled up shortly after. But I do know they have 59 dollar tickets for some who don't get the 35 dollar seats.

[ACL2006]

the show seems to be selling out now. anyone know if they've been offering SRO??

[ljay889]

Finally saw the production tonight and was blown away. Not much more to add, but It really is a completely stunning production. Thankfully, "Lilly of the Field" is indeed in the production in full, not sure why it's not listed in the playbill. Also seems some other slight/shorter songs are not listed in the playbill but ARE in the show, including the "What About Love?" reprise. There are not enough words to describe Erivo's performance. Hudson seemed aloof/distant in the first act, but it seems that was a character choice because she is completely invested in the second act. I love that Doyle made room for applause breaks for most of the songs, and I was impressed that he kept the dramatic act 1 finale underscoring. The orchestra sounded fantastic and much fuller than it really is. For once the Chocolate Factory orchestrations sound great on their own, not a mere reduction of the original. The sound quality was also fantastic, definitely did not sound piped in. I cannot wait for the cast recording! 

[indytallguy]

Nice 12/23 NYT article on Cynthia Erivo.  It mentions her nailing Jason Robert Brown's "I Can Do Better Than That"at a Royal Festival Hall concert (review here).  BWW has a video of her doing it at Marie's Crisis.

[CATSNYrevival]

Track list on Amazon doesn't include the act one finale. I know it's not really a song but that's one of my favorite tracks on the OBC recording. I'm disappointed that they chose not to include it on this new cast album.

[levinb]

ACL2006 said: "the show seems to be selling out now. anyone know if they've been offering SRO??

According to their website, they do on sold out performances for $30. 

 

[ljay889]

CATSNYrevival said: "Track list on Amazon doesn't include the act one finale. I know it's not really a song but that's one of my favorite tracks on the OBC recording. I'm disappointed that they chose not to include it on this new cast album."

 

I am disappointed by that too. I wouldn't be surprised if they just included it in the regular "What About Love?" track. I don't think Broadway Records really records many dialogue tracks. I am glad it's included with the underscoring in the actual revival. I would not have put it past Doyle to cut the dramatic underscoring, but am glad he included it. 

[CATSNYrevival]

I doubt it will be tacked on to the end of "What About Love" since they'll likely want that song as a standalone track. It's just disappointing is all.

[ljay889]

Just realized the production had a different orchestrator at the Chocolate Factory. Does anyone know if the orchestrations sounded noticeably different in London? I am quite impressed with the current orchestrations and sound quality in the theater. It's going to sound lovely on the cast recording. They also have a new costume design for Broadway, and judging by pictures/clips of the London production, it seems like the right choice.