‘Color Purple’ makes it on Broadway

The tale of sisters Celie and Nettie have yet to lose its flavor; the story itself has yet to lose its message. This story has gone from print to movies and now to Broadway and is still captivating its audiences along the way. Many times when books transcend the pages, we often lose something in the transition, but not with this tale. What we felt for the characters is still felt throughout this transformation. The story of love, family bonding, spiritual fulfillment and redemption is as strong on Broadway as it was on the pages that Alice Walker first wrote in 1982. The original book has won many acclimations including the Pulitzer. It has also sold over five million copies. When Steven Spielberg directed the movie in 1985 he recruited a cast of professionals to bring Celie and Nettie’s story to life. The movie production was nominated 11 times for an Academy Award, and won the Golden Globe Award. Now, one of the cast members from the movie production has taken over the reins of producing the show. Oprah Winfrey’s production of the “Color Purple” opened in December of 2005 to sold out performances. She recruited a whole new list of Broadway professionals to remake this classic story. She also recruited the legendary producer from the movie production, Quincy Jones, to produce the music for the Broadway rendition. The Broadway rendition combines some old and new by adding new music to the score. I have been to many plays before and was very anxious to see one on Broadway. I was very pleased with seeing the “Color Purple” on Broadway. The set was amazingly designed and all of the performers did a wonderful job. You could tell the whole cast was very into their characters and put a lot of time and work into learning their lines. With this being a musical, the most important thing was of course – the singing. All of the performers sang very well. I was so pleased with the singing that I bought the soundtrack. There were not many songs in the movie, so I was very interested in hearing what songs they added. I was upset, however, because the most important song in the movie to me was not in the play. I enjoyed the show so much that I would not mind seeing it again. I would also recommend the play to others if they can still get tickets to see it.