The Color Purple is more than just a musical; it’s a transformative experience that touches hearts and leaves an indelible mark on its audience. From powerful storytelling to soul-stirring music, the new Broadway cast recording of The Color Purple Revival is a must-listen for all music and theatre lovers.
The Color Purple Revival
The show
Based on Alice Walker‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and brought to life by the brilliant direction of Tony Award winner John Doyle, The Color Purple Revival breathes new life into the timeless story of love, resilience, and hope.
Following Celie’s journey through joy and despair, anguish and hope, this musical is a celebration of the human spirit’s triumph over adversity.
The Plot
The Color Purple is set in early 20th-century rural Georgia. It revolves around the life of Celie, a young African-American woman who endures unimaginable hardships, including abuse and separation from her sister, Nettie.
Through a series of letters written to God and Nettie, Celie shares her innermost thoughts and emotions, providing a raw and intimate look into her life.
As the story unfolds, Celie’s life takes a transformative turn when she meets Shug Avery, a glamorous and enigmatic blues singer.
Shug becomes Celie’s confidante and source of inspiration, ultimately helping Celie find her voice and regain her strength.
The musical explores themes of love, self-discovery, empowerment, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Revival (2015)
The revival of The Color Purple made its Broadway debut on December 10, 2015, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
The production was directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, who brought a fresh and innovative perspective to the beloved classic.
Doyle’s direction focused on stripping down the production to its emotional core, highlighting the power of storytelling and the depth of the characters’ emotions.
The intimate staging allowed the audience to connect more deeply with the characters’ journeys, making the revival a deeply moving and personal experience.
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The Accolades: Critical and Audience Acclaim
The revival of The Color Purple garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike.
It earned several Tony Awards, with Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Celie receiving the coveted Tony for Best Actress in a Musical.
The show’s emotionally charged performances and soulful music inspired audiences.
The Cast: Stellar Performances
The cast of the revival is a constellation of extraordinary talent.
Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe winner Jennifer Hudson shine as the magnetic Shug Avery, capturing the essence of the character’s vulnerability and strength.
Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Cynthia Erivo delivers a tour-de-force performance as Celie, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster with her exceptional vocal prowess.
Danielle Brooks, known for her role in Orange is the New Black, infuses the character of Sofia with sass and power, leaving a lasting impact on every scene.
Isaiah Johnson, Joaquina Kalukango, and Kyle Scatliffe bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles, making the ensemble a powerhouse of talent.
The Recording: A Soulful Musical Journey
The new Broadway cast recording of The Color Purple Revival beautifully captures the essence of the show’s emotion and depth.
With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, the music transports listeners into the heart of Celie’s world.
Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray have masterfully crafted an album that encapsulates the story’s magic.
Album Review: A Symphony of Emotion
Listening to the cast recording of The Color Purple Revival is like taking an emotional journey through the heart and soul of the characters.
Cynthia Erivo’s voice exudes both vulnerability and strength, making Celie’s journey palpable. Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of Shug Avery’s songs is nothing short of mesmerizing, and Danielle Brooks’s powerful voice brings Sofia’s defiance to life.
The seamless blending of genres – jazz, gospel, and blues – underscores the story’s emotional depth, enhancing the impact of every lyric.
Each song on the album feels like a revelation, as it unveils the characters’ struggles, dreams, and triumphs.
In conclusion, the new Broadway cast recording of The Color Purple Revival is an exceptional musical masterpiece that captivates the heart and souls of its listeners.
The stellar performances, emotionally charged music, and powerful storytelling make it a must-have addition to any music collection.
So, let the magic of The Color Purple wash over you and transport you to a world of love, hope, and redemption.
After seeing Cynthia Erivo’s Tony performance, I knew I had to go to New York and experience her live in The Color Purple.
Thankfully, I had the chance to watch the magical moment when she sang “I’m Here,” and you could feel the hairs on the back of your head standing erect.
It was spectacular! After the show, she received a 5-minute standing ovation but stayed in character and continued singing.
Though Jennifer Hudson wasn’t in the show anymore, it was still marvellous. Luckily, Danielle Brooks was still part of the cast, and I’m thrilled to know she’ll be in the movie version, which makes me very happy.
I bought the album at the theater right after the performance, and it remains one of my favourite albums to this day.
Finally, a year ago, the album became available to stream on major platforms. I have it on Apple Music, Lossless. My favourite tracks are:
- 1- Mysterious ways.
- 5- Big Dog
- 6-Mister/Nettie & Lily of the Field
- 9- Hell no!
- 13- Dear God
- 15- Push da button
- 17- what about love
- 19- The Color Purple
- 21-miss Celie’s pants.
- 24-I’m here and
- 26- the Color Purple (reprise)
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