It take a grain of love
To make a mighty tree…
Even the smallest voice
Can make a harmony…
Like a drop of water
Keep the river high,
There are miracles…
For you and I…
I went to church on Saturday night.
…at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre.
And yes, you read that right, I said church.
Because this revival of The Color Purple on Broadway is practically a religious experience. When each cast member opes their mouth to sing it’s as if you see Jesus. When Cynthia Erivo sings and speaks you feel it in your soul.
I’ve never been to a performance where people spoke to the actors onstage – and not wanted to smack the audience member or them. I mean, it’s theatre – it’s live, it’s not a rock concert, you’re watching a story, and normally, it feels wrong when that happens in the theatre. But when you go to see The Color Purple, it’s almost inevitable that your fellow audience membe with speak to the actors. They’ll cheer for them, cry with them, hurt with them, laugh with them, and, ultimately, celebrate with them.
It’s truly a journey of audience member and actor – and it’s unlike anything else.
I’ve heard it said that it’s a masterclass in acting, and I’d have to agree. Cynthia Erivo. Good Lord, Cynthia Erivo. There is a power and range in her voice that is majestic – but it’s her acting chops that seal the deal – for every note and every word that she utters on that stage draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seats. When she steps out on that stage, there is not a trace of her left, for she is completely, wholly, and fully Celie. She morphs from a broken, hurt, and defeated woman into a pillar of strength. Experiencing her performance is a masterclass in acting – in commitment, in energy, in focus, in heart…in art.
And while Cynthia carries the show on her back, it’s not done without the dazzling talents of Jennifer Hudson, Danielle Brooks, Isaiah Johnson, Kyle Scatliffe, Joaquina Kalukango, Phoneix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrier Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson, and Rema Webb are, in a word, outstanding.
This production is a true testament to the ideology that a cast is a family. They have gelled in a way that is seamless – they are present and honest and real and raw and true.
The connection is palpable.
This was a masterclass in acting, but also a masterclass in directing. John Doyle takes this story to a whole new level by stripping it down to muted tones, drab wooden floors and flats, and chairs. Lots and lots of chairs.
Sometimes, I think we forget that the point of theatre isn’t really about special effects and the latest technology – but it’s about the story. About the words, about the connection of soul to soul and heart to heart and seeing your story in the characters that come alive onstage.
Cause that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Storytelling?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good special effect like anyone else.
But this show – it just needed the bare bones. The music (Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Brady), the words (Marsha Norman, Alice Walker), and the actors.
So when Sofia (Danielle Brooks) is put in jail – it’s fitting to watch that circle of chairs enclose her — you know that’s the jail, and then you forget that they’re really chairs moments later. Because her story is more important. Her pain is what matters to you, not the circle of chairs, and there are countless moments like that throughout the show.
The minimalism let’s the stories and voices soar to heavenly heights.
For those of you who are completely unfamiliar with the story of The Color Purple, allow me to say this – first, read it right now. Go get yourself a copy here. You owe it to yourself to read Alice Walker’s words.
It’s a story that I always remember being so sad – I mean, it deals with rape, abandonment, oppression, racism, heartache, heartbreak….
It’s not a comedy, you know?
But the most compelling part of this production is how it ends. There is a clear shift from bleakness to brightness, (evident by the beautiful designs of Ann Hould-Ward), but it’s so much more than color palettes. It’s inspiring in ways that make you smile as the tears roll down your cheeks. For despite the pain and suffering and hurt – Celie rises about it all. They all rise above it all. Cynthia exudes a strength and compassion and forgiveness that makes your heart grow three sizes.
Yes, there’s so many dark moments in The Color Purple – but I’d venture to say that this is a show about resilience. Love. Sisterhood.
I’d say that this is a show about hope.
RUN to the Jacobs.
You’ll thank me later.
Live, Love, Learn,