Alright, I admit it, I laughed when I found out that The Color Purple musical was actually, officially titled, “Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple”.  My musical-loving crew was quick to disparage the production for evoking the big “O”, but as a long time fan of the book and film, I was reluctant to give up on the piece too soon.  I think that the name was meant to add prestige, but I’ll tell you, the production just doesn’t need the boost.

I read Alice Walker’s The Color Purple when I was in college, though I had already been a fan of the 1985 screenplay.  When I heard the piece was being adapted for the stage, I could immediately see the appeal- Walker’s story is innately theatrical- characters are big with very high stakes and very intricate relationships.  The era and the location would lend themselves richly to a musical treatment as well, drawing upon both cultural and generational musical influences. Walker even does her own tying up of loose ends, letting each character come to full realization, letting no one fall through the cracks as truly a lost cause.  I was very enthusiastic to see the production come to the stage.

I can confidently say that having the opportunity to see this production on Wednesday evening is an experience I will never forget.  I have never, in my whole life, had the great privilege to see a Broadway musical with an entirely African American cast.  From the first note of the opening number (“Mysterious Ways”), set on a Sunday morning in a Baptist-style revival, the theatre was flooded with a richness of sound and a history that is unique to this production alone.  The audience, who through the assistance of the SpectrumBoston initiative was a much more culturally balanced group than you might see at the average musical, was absolutely riveted throughout the production.  Audible gasps, tears, and cheers broke through the crowd during key moments, making this production more a team event than a spectator sport.  Every ounce of energy and excitement that the cast gave the audience was returned in a buzz of emotion that I felt privileged to be a part of.

The production had beautiful and heartfelt performances throughout.  Kenita R. Miller’s Celie makes a seamless transition from a fourteen-year-old girl to a woman in her sixties, it was difficult to believe that she could embody the character through so many different ages, but I was completely in thrall to her.  From the first playful note of “Huckleberry Pie” to the show stopping “Color Purple Reprise” she sounded like she was born to play the role.  Felicia P. Fields earned the most laughter and applause throughout the night for her incarnation of Sophia. She was phenomenal, but when paired with Brandon Victor Dixon as Harpo- it was magic.  The two had every bit of the unlikely chemistry you would hope for the mismatched pair of lovers.  Rufus Bonds Jr. gave an unusual sensitivity to Mister, bringing even more color to his troubled past.  The ensemble was strong both vocally and in choreography with special honor being given to the “Greek Chorus” of church ladies Doris, Darlene and Jarene, played with great style by Kimberly Ann Harris, Virginia Ann Woodruff and Lynette DuPree.  Though all the songs were beautifully done, I must say that the act two opening number, “African Homeland” was the real showstopper.  The scrim, the costumes, the dancing, and LaToya London’s beautiful voice brought the entire production to the next level.

It is rare for me to come out of a musical feeling the way that I did on Wednesday.  I see musicals that I like all the time.  Especially with touring Broadway casts, you expect them to be good- but this one was more than that.  I wanted to call people and tell them to go see the show.  I wanted to try to explain how it felt to experience something so culturally significant, with such a wide and diverse audience.  There are still two more weeks left to see this show- The National Tour of “Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple” is at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre June 16th-June 28th.   Go see it.