The Color Purple: A Star is Born!

[LuminousBeing]

Posted: 12/12/15 at 11:42pm

A friend and I rushed "The Color Purple" this evening. Cynthia Erivo had lost her voice after the first act of the matinee, and her understudy, Bre Jackson, had gone on for Act II (unbeknownst to us-we saw the dreaded slips in our Playbills as we were seated.) We did notice many folks getting refunds. After the performance Bre delivered this evening, I would urge those of you who have tickets to this show not to make that mistake if Bre goes on for Celie at your performance.

 

After a solid Act I (for which we discovered later that Bre had never had an understudy rehearsal!) in which Bre showed off her smokey, sweet voice and effective acting skills, I was impressed by her performance, especially given my assumption that she had not been given a lot of rehearsal time (Remember "On the Twentieth Century?". Act II, however, was captivating. There was a moment, during "I'm Here," where this 23-year-old young lady transformed into a star before our very eyes (even earning a standing ovation from some after that song. Quite a feat for a previously unknown understudy!). The entire audience was with her, and she carried that magical energy through to the end of the show. At the curtain call, she was emotionally overcome, and that's a moment I will never forget. This young lady is special, and I feel privileged to have seen her blossom tonight.

 

 

 

Updated On: 12/13/15 at 11:42 PM

[adam.peterson44]

Posted: 12/13/15 at 12:21am

What a lovely description! Thank you for sharing that.

[macnyc]

Posted: 12/13/15 at 12:29am

It sounds very exciting! Honestly, I don't know how understudies do it! Such a tough job. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/13/15 at 12:45am

May I ask how early you got in the rush line?

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 12/13/15 at 12:49am

Always happy to hear these stories of understudies getting to shine. Good for her!!!

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/13/15 at 12:51am

Actually got my answer in the rush thread!