From left Lachrisa Grandberry, Brittney Mack, Ariya Hawkins and Aerie Williams in “The Color Purple” at Goodman Theatre. (Photos by Brett Beiner)
Tragic, hilarious, loud, energetic, fun and heartwarming, “The Color Purple-The Musical” at Goodman Theatre is nearly three hours of nonstop entertainment featuring an outrageously talented cast directed by Lili-Anne Brown with choreography by Breon Arzell.
This musical version of the story based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker has all of the appearance and qualities of Grand Opera beginning with the magnificent set design of Arnel Sancianco, beautiful costumes by Samantha C. Jones and a gigantic jazz/pop gospel inspired score by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray that includes nearly 20 musical numbers, providing every key player their own memorable lead vocal with chorus.
The show opens with a wash line silhouette of two young girls singing a children’s chant/song “Huckleberry Pie” then moves to the entire company singing “Mysterious Ways” setting the tone for the spiritual and circuitous life journey about to take place.
Set in rural Georgia in the early part of the 20th Century, The Color Purple follows about 30 years of the life of Celie (Brittney Mack), an African American woman who has been raped by her father, separated from her children and beloved sister then beaten by the man she is forced to wed. In the end she finds herself, her voice and her own strength and passion through the love, support and inspiration of a few women around her.
Celie’s sister Nettie (Shantel Renee Cribbs) is attractive and intelligent with an ambition to be a teacher that ultimately takes her far from her dear sister and their southern rural roots.
Considered ugly and slow with the ability to work like a mule, Celie is married off to Mister (Evan Tyrone Martin) primarily to keep house and look after his young children. He abuses her relentlessly but Celie feels trapped with no real options.
One of Mister’s children Harpo (Gilbert Domally) grows up to be a sensitive man who falls in love with Sofia (Nicole Michelle Haskins), an outspoken woman who has mastered the phrase “Hell no!”, which eventually lands her in trouble with the white mayor’s wife.
Observing Sofia’s ability to stand up to power and specifically the men in her life, Celie takes notes that ultimately contribute to her own defiance and release from the dominating forces that rule her.
The beautiful and talented Shug Avery (Aerie Williams) is a local girl who made good, singing in Memphis, who makes periodic returns home. Mister has been hopelessly in love with Shug all his life but was forbidden by his father (Sean Blake) to unite with a woman of ill repute.
Now considered to be approaching her peak, ill and with most of her best years behind her Shug comes to live with Mister and Celie. As part of this triumvirate Celie looks after Shug and nurses her to well-being. In the process the two find a kind of love neither of them has ever experienced before, forging a bond from which Celie draws ever increasing confidence and strength needed to finally break away from Mister.
The story has a happy ending seeing a repentant Mister and revitalized, independent, strong Celie, vocalizing her personal success in the musical number, “I’m Here” reunited with her prodigal sibling and children.
This is the level of quality theater you expect to see in a Chicago Loop production. Whether you are a seasoned theater goer or attend a few plays periodically you absolutely cannot go wrong with this choice. Ideal for Chicago area residents and visitors this will be a memorable experience perfect for a special occasion or simply a great night out. Don’t miss it.
DETAILS: “The Color Purple -The Musical” is at Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL, through August 3, 2025. Running time about 2.5 hours with one 15 minute intermission. For tickets and other information visit goodmantheatre.org or call Phone: (312) 443-3800.
Reviewed by Reno Lovison
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