Ready for the 2015 edition of The Color Purple Musical in Broadway? Based on the critically-acclaimed Alice Walker novel. The musical is about 2 black sisters living at a time when black people are maltreated. As a novel, it was one of the most censored pieces of literature for its depiction of violence and sex. Years after it transcended to Hollywood. The Color Purple returns to the Great White Way. It revisited one of the darkest histories in America today.
The Color Purple Musical was first performed in Atlanta, Georgia. The setting in the novel was in rural Georgia in the South. Much of the story revolves around Celie and her sister, Nettie. Both suffered at the hands of men. They both struggled to live through life despite the uncertainty of ever meeting again. Celie ends up bearing the brunt of the misfortunes presented in The Color Purple Musical in Broadway.
Was the “black feminism” presented in the novel portrayed in the musical version as well? If rave reviews are to be believed, yes. Besides, the sexual awakening depicted in the story served as the best character development. Expect this in The Color Purple Musical in Broadway. Celie had been maltreated by men all her life. This includes her husband. That man wanted a wife. But in reality he just wanted someone to look after his children. Getting married was a convenient excuse to get a maid without worrying about paying her. It was not the escape that Celie thought from her abusive father whom she and Nettie called “Pa”.
Domestic violence, child abuse and self-discovery. All emotions interpreted in music. Witnesses one of the best literary works transcend to musical theater. The fact that it has 2-high profile producers backing The Color Purple Musical in Broadway proved the prestige that came with this project. They are, according to Saint Petersburg Times, Harvey Weinstein and Oprah Winfrey. The Queen of Talk’s participation is expected. She played the role of Sofia in the Hollywood version of The Color Purple. It is such a heart-warming discovery that she supported the musical version of Walker’s emotionally-charged novel too.
Speaking of emotionally-charged. The main anthem in The Color Purple Musical in Broadway was “I’m Here”. Fans familiar with the novel and the Hollywood film would immediately get the idea what part of the story is depicted in this song. It’s Celie’s self-discovery. The point where she realizes that nothing can devastate her anymore. Nothing. This article will not spoil it for the rest of the audience unfamiliar with the story. The moment you see The Color Purple Musical in Broadway and you reach the part where “I’m Here” is sung, bring out the tissue box. It will tug right into your heartstrings. And you’d discover a part of you that’s relateable to Celie as well.
“I’m Here” is less about hitting the high notes. It’s more about celebrating a person’s journey to finding self-fulfillment. “I’m beautiful and I’m here” is the line that summed the song best. Some of the best interpretations of this song involved soulful voices. Cynthia Erivo had a great run in London playing the role of Celie. Hence the upbeat expectations now that she assumes the role once more this time in The Color Purple Musical in Broadway. She is joined by Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson who in turn assumes the role of Nettie. Their beautiful duet of the title track “The Color Purple” showcases the fantastic harmony both seasoned performers will be treated to. (See attached clip above and enjoy the soulful duet)
Previews for The Color Purple Musical in Broadway begin on 10 November 2015 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Tickets will be available at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre by 6 October 2015. Call TeleCharge at 212-230-6200 for reservations. Or you may simply buy tickets available online. Click here to view special deals involving group purchases.
Discover and re-discover musical theater through revivals like The Color Purple Musical in Broadway. Productions like these make you believe in humanity all over again. Chances are you saw this article from one of our social media accounts. Or from our online newsletter perhaps? For those who haven’t subscribed to our online newsletter yet, might as well do it now. You can also interact with us through the aforementioned social media accounts. Like our official Facebook page, Musicals Online. And follow us on Twitter @musicalsnews. Finally, like and share this article to reach more musical theater enthusiasts like you. Thanks for reading.
