REVIEW: Solid Production of THE COLOR PURPLE Plays at the Fox Theatre

Marsha Norman's clever book for the musical version of The Color Purple greatly compresses the action of the novel, while also managing to tone down some of its more violent aspects. In combination with a rousing music score by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which runs the gamut from gospel to blues to swing, it brings Alice Walker's original vision to life in a manner that celluloid wasn't able to capture adequately. A splendid touring company of this production is currently playing the Fox Theatre.

Closely entwined sisters Celie and Nettie are split up when the former is sent to become wife and mother to a hard-nosed farmer and his difficult brood, while the latter ends up as a missionary in Africa. Celie, a budding teenager, has already given birth to two children from her stepfather that were taken away from her, and now she's not only separated from her sibling, but also prevented from reading her correspondence. Celie's husband, "Mister", settles for her when it's made clear that her sister is too good for him. Still, his love really burns for Shug Avery, a glamorous and talented heart breaker. A twist occurs as a love triangle forms between the three of them, with Celie and Shug sharing an intimate encounter. Over the course of time Celie eventually finds happiness, but not before experiencing a few more heartaches along the way.

Kenita Miller is very good as Celie, portraying her across several decades with relative ease. Her voice is clear and strong, captivating the audience with songs like "Somebody Gonna Love You", "What About Love" and "I'm Here". Rufus Bonds, Jr. brings the deeply troubled Mister to life, and though he's unpleasant and extremely hard to take at first, his character eventually changes over time. His signature song, "Big Dog" is a powerhouse number with a clever rhythmic hook. Angela Robinson displays plenty of sex appeal in the part of Shug, but she also has a variable voice that's able to deftly switch from the delicate melody of "Too Beautiful for Words" to the much funkier "Push Da Button".

Standing out in support are Felicia Fields as the daunting and larger than life Sofia, who delivers a show stopping take on "Hell No"- her response to any man who raises his hand to a woman, especially toward her, and LaToya London as Nettie.

Director Gary Griffin keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, but he also maintains the focus of each emotional climax as well. Donald Byrd's splendid choreography is highlighted by the Africa sequence that kick starts the second act. Sheilah Walker's musical direction skillfully recreates each genre and style, while John Beatty's scenic design brings the various eras to life with suitable backdrops and set pieces. Paul Tazewell's understated costumes lend a period authenticity.

The Color Purple is an engaging and compelling journey seen through the eyes of its surprisingly strong willed protagonist. This solid presentation at the Fox Theatre continues through February 7, 2010.

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