Quote of the Day: Terrible things can happen to you in life…and you can still be happy. You can still find joy. You can still love, in spite of it all… Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction in 1983, and winner of the National Book Award. I remembered being deeply moved by the novel when I read it in the 1990’s, when I was in my 20’s. The musical adaptation, first out in 2004, and the Broadway revival in 2015, is stunning. It packs an emotional punch that leaves you feeling hope. Currently Theater Latté Da is co-producing their production with Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY. It will play through May 5, 2024 in Minneapolis. Then the entire cast, set costumes, etc. will move over the the Geva Theatre and perform it there for another month. 

Nambi Mwassa as Nettie and Nubia Monks as Celie in The Color Purple at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 5/5/24. Photo: Dan Norman

The Color Purple has risen quickly to classic status from all its accolades for the novel, movie and stage adaptations. Book by Marsha Norman, Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. This production is directed by Daniel J. Bryant. Choreography by Heather Beal, and Music Direction by Stanford Moore. Gorgeous set design by Eli Sherlock. Lighting design by Jason Lynch and Bentley Heydt. Sound Design by C. Andrew Mayer. Wig, hair and makeup by Emma Gustafson.

Lynnea Doublette, Heather McElrath, and Angela Stewart as The Church Ladies in The Color Purple at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 5/5/24. Photo: Dan Norman

The Color Purple is a beautiful, brilliant, heartbreaking story. Yes, it has violence, abuse and oppression, but it also has hope and characters who show tremendous resiliency and strength. Nubia Monks plays Celie, a character who we watch grow from a sexually abused 14-year-old girl to a strong, independent woman. Her performance is outstanding. She has to go through such a range of age and emotion in portraying Celie. It’s masterfully written and portrayed. In her final solo number “I’m Here,” we feel all those emotions rise up out of her and feel her strength. It is uplifting and inspiring, and a rise to your feet performance. 

Nubia Monks as Celie and the women’s ensemble of The Color Purple at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 5/5/24. Photo: Dan Norman

This strong and impressive cast, all tremendously talented, come from both the local scene and nationally, many having extensive credits. Still, as a group, they seem like one cohesive unit, working seamlessly together to tell this powerful story. Many of the actors plays several characters. The Church Ladies give us a certain amount of narration, humor, and serious storytelling through their songs and actions. They are Lynnea Doublette, Heather McElrath, and Angela Stewart. Carnetha Anthony played one of our favorite characters Sofia. She solos in the knock’em dead song “Hell, No!” The crowd barely stayed in their seats for that one. Angela Wildflower plays the beautiful singer Shug Avery, loved by many, admired by all. Her jazzy numbers, as well as slower ballads, really bring up the emotional impact of her songs. She is a stunning performer.

Nubia Monks as Celie, Angela Wildflower as Shug Avery and ensemble of The Color Purple at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 5/5/24. Photo: Dan Norman

David L. Murray Jr. gives a tremendous performance as Mister. We loved the performance, even though we hated the character, most of the time. Spoiler alert – he does find some redemption in the end, which was a relief to see. Ronnie Allen was charming as Harpo. I loved his interaction with his wife Sofia. The other men in the cast play various roles and are fantastic dancers.

David L. Murray, Jr. as Mister and ensemble of The Color Purple at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 5/5/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Theater Latté Da always delivers on performance quality, and The Color Purple is one of their finest. Every detail from lighting to costumes to the brilliant musicianship of actors and orchestra are outstanding. This is the one to see this season.

You can see The Color Purple at Theater Latté Da through May 5, 2024. Get your tickets soon. All of the reviewers are raving about this production. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you read the novel or seen either of the movies of The Color Purple? What are some of the themes that spoke to you.