The Goodman Theatre is celebrating its 99th season with a revival of the acclaimed musical ‘The Color Purple.’
This production features a robust cast of 29 talented performers, many of whom are well-known stars in Chicago’s musical theater scene.
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown and with music direction by Jermaine Hill, the show is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, presenting an emotional journey through the life of Celie, a young Black woman in a small Georgia town.
Brittney Mack stars in the lead role of Celie, delivering a performance that balances quiet strength and emotional depth.
Known for her fierce portrayal of Anna of Cleves in SIX, Mack takes a different approach with Celie, showcasing a gentler tenacity as her character faces abuse and hardships from both her father and her husband, Mister.
The musical spans from 1911 to 1945, chronicling Celie’s evolution toward self-discovery and empowerment, supported by strong female figures in her life.
Mack’s ability to convey Celie’s underlying sadness and anger is remarkable, as she chooses key moments to express these emotions with nuance.
The ensemble cast complements Mack’s performance magnificently, showcasing a total of 21 performers along with an eight-piece orchestra.
However, the pacing of the show, particularly in the second act, proves to be a point of critique, feeling leisurely at times.
While the first act has a lengthy runtime, the slower pacing affects the latter half even more acutely, leading to extended stretches of dialogue with fewer songs to provide relief, especially in the initial portion of act two.
In this act, the narrative builds up to the finale, which arrives rather abruptly, contrasting with the preceding slower tempo.
Despite the pacing issues, the individual performances shine, particularly that of Shantel Renee Cribbs, who plays Nettie, Celie’s sister.
Cribbs’s powerful voice and luminous presence serve as a beacon of hope for Celie, even as their bond is cruelly broken when Nettie rebuffs Mister’s advances.
Evan Tyrone Martin’s portrayal of Mister offers an intriguing contrast to his typical roles, successfully capturing the character’s complexity during his second act solo, ‘Mister’s Song.’
While the score of ‘The Color Purple’ may not be consistently memorable, it provides ample opportunity for the cast to demonstrate their vocal prowess.
Nicole Michelle Haskins stands out with her commanding performance as Sofia, Harpo’s wife, delivering a powerful message in her solo ‘Hell No,’ where she encourages Celie to rise above the abuse she faces.
Aerie Williams brings a whimsical yet significant presence to the role of Shug Avery, the often ethereal nightclub singer who impacts Celie’s journey significantly.
The Olinkan Wives, portrayed by Lachrisa Grandberry, Sharriese Hamilton, and Reneisha Jenkins, contribute delightful harmonies as they weave through the town’s rumors and stories.
Mack’s performance as Celie remains central to the narrative, and her generosity as a scene partner allows her co-stars to flourish alongside her.
Her interpretation of Celie’s emotional journey is striking, especially in the show’s climactic moment, ‘I’m Here,’ where her vocal ability meets emotional vulnerability, embodying Celie’s transformation from despair to self-acceptance.
The finale resonates deeply, despite the show’s various tragedies, delivering a heartwarming and celebratory conclusion to Celie’s story.
With Mack leading this production, the revival of ‘The Color Purple’ captures a range of emotions, effectively inviting the audience into Celie’s world of struggle and triumph.
‘ ‘The Color Purple’ is running at the Albert Theatre at Goodman Theatre until August 3, 2025, with ticket prices ranging from $33 to $143, subject to change.
Photo Credit: Brett Beiner
image source from：broadwayworld
