The Color Purple Triumphs in Durham

The Color Purple made a triumphant return to the Durham Performing Arts Center this week. The musical, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Steven Spielberg film of the same name, is a massively popular, Tony-Award winning epic.

The plot follows Celie, a much abused and ill-treated African American woman, who survives a devastatingly difficult childhood in Georgia during the early 1900’s. As a young woman she is beaten physically and emotionally, but eventually finds love, independence and the family she thought she’d lost. The musical does an impressive job delivering the emotional weight of the original story without taking any unnecessary detours. Fans of the book and movie will not be disappointed.

As one would expect, this production boasts incredible production design and a polished array of talent. The remarkable cast is lead by Dayna Jarae Dantzler, who is simply brilliant as Celie. Her character’s growth and development is played with subtly and grace and she has a powerful voice. The list of strong talent is as long as the cast list itself; Pam Trotter is funny and feisty as strong-willed Sophia; Taprena Augustine is elegant and world-wise as Shug Avery, Edward C. Smith portrays Mister, Celie’s husband and abuser, with anger and sadness. A Greek chorus of busy-body church ladies provides helpful narrative and adds a touch of humor to this touching and soul-stirring musical.

The Color Purple’s brave depiction of controversial issues and incredible prejudice elevates it to the level of other musical masterpieces like South Pacific and Carousel. The story of Celie is a story that should be cherished and celebrated and this production excels in providing moments of both pure joy and great heartache.

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