‘The Color Purple’ is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival and it is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday February 11. There are still a few chances to catch it this weekend with show times at 8 p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster with prices starting at $35. It is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and follows the life story of Celie, an African-American Southern woman, from the early to mid-20^th century.

 

‘The Color Purple’ begins on a Sunday morning in 1909 as fourteen-year old Celie is playing a clapping game with her younger sister Nettie. She is pregnant with her second child by her father Alphonso and after she gives birth to a son, he coldly tells her he is going to get rid of it like the last one and she quietly says goodbye to her baby, “Somebody Gonna Love You.” Years later, a local farmer asks Alphonso for permission to marry one of his daughters, so he gives him Celie and throws in a cow as part of the deal. As she grows, her life is filled with hardships but along the way she meets women that will guide her through and eventually help her regain her power and reunite her with her grown children.

Celie’s tragic story is at the center of ‘The Color Purple’ so there are no elaborate settings or lighting effects but it works. Adrianna Hicks is amazing as Celie, especially on “I’m Here” towards the end when she finally accepts herself and realizes her worth. Carrie Compere brings the strong-willed Sofia to life, beginning with “Hell No” when she fights back when her boyfriend Harpo tries to beat her. Stand out performances include “Shug Avery Comin’ to Town,” “What About Love?” and “Hell No,” which had the loudest audience reaction. Even though the main themes include empowerment and self-worth, it does have mature content, so it might not be suitable for all ages. Overall, it is a heartfelt story of the triumph of the human spirit despite all the set-backs and tragedies that come along the way. It is definitely a must-see.