Saturday, 28 April 2007
Color Purple
After its record breaking run in Broadway, with almost a 1m people seeing the show now starring American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, the adaption of Alice Walker's 1982 novel has been taken on a national tour by producers Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey.
After its record breaking run in Broadway, with almost a 1m people seeing the show now starring American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, the adaption of Alice Walker's 1982 novel has been taken on a national tour by producers Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey.Famous Chicago resident Oprah, also starred in Steven Spielberg's film version and with Quincy Jones born in the city, it is no surprise that Chicago's theatreland was the first port of call for the Color Purple and we went to see it last night. Fantasia'a role of Celie was taken by Jeannette Bayardelle and the show also included Destiny Child star Michelle Williams as Shug Avery and fellow American Idol contestant LaToya London as Nettie.
The book of course delves into world of incest, child abuse and homesexuality and the musical deals with these in a serene youthful kind of way.
The mostly black audience was appeciative of the musical performances but I personally thought it was often amateurish and some of the acting resembled a school play than a big Broadway production. It is however a moving story and I am sure as it moves around the US it will sell many tickets but it wasn't for me.
¶ 11:45
