By Tihut Tamrat, Contributing Writer
Forgiveness, acceptance, sisterhood, and strong Black women are just a few of the themes “The Color Purple” exudes in this musical about love. In the heart of the theatrical landscape, where stories of triumph and adversity intertwine with soul-stirring melodies, “The Color Purple” reminds us that what we want most in the world is never so far out of our reach as long as we’re able to step into our power. This Broadway gem, adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, emerges not just as a musical but as a profound narrative of hope and empowerment on display at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center in Carlsbad.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century rural Georgia, the production unfolds with a rawness that grips the audience from the very first “Sunday Morning”. The play centers around Celie, an illiterate woman scarred by abuse and hardship, unable to break out of servitude to her husband, Mister. The only thing that keeps Celie there is her love for her sister, Nettie,and her not wanting Nettie to go through the same hardship she did, encouraging her to pursue her dreams of being a schoolteacher. This all changes when Mister is struck with Nettie’s beauty, and in a huge twist of fate, tries to also abuse her, and then sends her far away from Celie, never to return home again– or so we are persuaded to believe.
The play, directed by Kandace Crystal, founded and artistically directed by Kristianne Kurner and produced by Kali Boston depicts the growth, endurance, loyalty, solidarity, and joy of all characters, nurtured by the strength of love. The ensemble’s vocal prowess, infused with blues, jazz, and gospel originating from the church, serves as a powerful conduit of emotional expression for each character’s story, creating moments of breathtaking unity. From the introspective, “Somebody Gonna Love You”, to the exuberant “Shug Avery Comin’ to Town”, and the emotional tear-jerker, “Color Purple” lead by Celie, Musical Director Leigh Scarritt knew exactly how to get the audience tapping their feet and humming along to the sonically enriching melodies, elevating storytelling to the next level.
Other themes of spirituality, resilience, social justice, and female solidarity, were all interwoven in every character, and especially enhanced in Act Two when the perspective lens shifts to discovering the whereabouts of Nettie. The fusion of African culture coupled with graceful choreography by Alyssa “Ajay” Junious, seamlessly weaves together powerfully intimate struggles of Black joy and love, existing across bounds of time and space.
“The Color Purple” is not merely a musical; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It celebrates the power of forgiveness, the strength found in solidarity, and the beauty of individuality. It reminds us that through the character of Shug Avery, we can find our voices and emerge stronger, more compassionate beings. For anyone seeking an unforgettable journey through the depths of human emotion, “The Color Purple” offers an unparalleled theatrical experience that resonates long after the curtain falls – proof of the transformative power of art!
“The Color Purple” runs through July 21st at the New Village Arts Theater. For ticket information, visit www.newvillagearts.org.
