The Fourth Walsh

Goodman Theatre presents THE COLOR PURPLE The Musical.

Celie endures assault from her father, torture from her husband and a forced separation from her sister and children. Her grasp on hope is slipping away. She is trapped in a prison of her own unworthiness. The strength of other women ignite her spirit to fight for love and life’s possibilities. Author Alice Walker’s story won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Oscar nominations for the 1985 film, Tony nominations for the 2005 musical and Tony Awards for the 2016 musical revival. Now, it’s the Goodman’s storytelling turn. And their new production boasting Chicago superstar talent is this summer’s big prize!

At 4’11, Brittney Mack (Celie) effortlessly fades into the background as bigger personalities steal focus. A fierce Mack then sheds her invisibility cloak to belt out songs like “Somebody Gonna Love You” and “I’m Here.” During “I’m Here,” Mack’s transformation has her go from sputtering to belting out the word ‘beautiful.’ The vulnerable moment is so heartfelt, Mack elicits a well-deserved standing ovation.

Under the masterful direction of Lili-Anne Brown, the cast is FANTASTIC from ensemble to principals! The church lady chorus (Lachrisa Grandberry, Sharriese Hamilton, Reneisha Jenkins) is hilarious. They regularly pop-up to sing their catty musings. Brown anchors the show in pure diva-licousness. Aerie Williams is the scintillating Shug Avery. Williams has tender duets with Mack but her showstopper is “Push Da Button.” Williams sizzles in the sexy romp choreographed by Breon Arzell. A commanding Nicole Michelle Haskins (Sofia) crushes her “Hell No!” anthem. Later, she and Gilbert Domally (Harpo) get it on in the sexy and flirty “Any Little Thing.” Domally is adorable scurrying after Haskins.

And even though this story is all about female empowerment, the men are strong in this show. An energetic Domally leads the bawdy and playful “Brown Betty.” And a wicked Evan Tyrone Martin (Mister) amuses being totally whipped whenever Williams is in the vicinity. Later, a tormented Martin confronts his own past failures in a heart wrenching “Mister’s Song.” In many numbers, Arzell’s creative dance moves require athletic prowess. The feats are unexpected and impressive as they do split leaps or synchronized shuffling.

The score (music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray) hits all the right notes… hopeful and reflective, playful and provocative. Between Music Director Jermaine Hill orchestrating and Arzell’s innovative dance moves, the songs invite swaying and shimmying. Brown has also put together a terrific design team. The simplicity of the set (Designer Arnel Sancianco) provides space for meaningful projections (Designers Michael Salvatore Commendatore and Rasean Davonte Johnson), mood lighting (Designer Heather Gilbert) and the continuous fashion show from juke joint sultry to African tribal prints to sassy bold pants (Designer Samantha C. Jones).           

THE COLOR PURPLE is a must see! Tickets are in demand. To avoid turning the color green, you need to see Goodman’s THE COLOR PURPLE.

Running Time: Two hours and fifty-five minutes includes an intermission.

At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted

Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture

Book by Marsha Norman

Music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray

Music directed by Jermaine Hill

Choreography by Breon Arzell

Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

Performances are:

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 PM

Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 2 PM

EXTENDED Thru August 3

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Brett Beiner

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