Jody Tuso-Key

I always love the opening of a season at Aurora, and THE COLOR PURPLE was an extraordinary opening. If you haven’t gotten tickets, you need to. You must see this show if you love “food for the soul” and Gospel Music performed at its finest (and who doesn’t?).

If you know me, I usually start with historical context of the show I’m reviewing. Originally, THE COLOR PURPLE was workshopped at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre — as is true of many a successful Broadway show. It’s world premiere opened at the Alliance in September 2004. It went on to Broadway and enjoyed a run from 2005-2008, nominated for 11 Tony Awards. The 2015 Broadway revival won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.

Several things set Aurora’s offering apart from the other versions of THE COLOR PURPLE you may have already seen. First, Aurora is well known for producing a show that reimagines the original and adds their own brand of storytelling. Most of us older folks know the show is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker. I remember reading it in high school back in 1983, and it’s #2 on my top 10 list of best books ever written. It’s a story about African Americans living in rural Georgia in the early 1900s and their unique relationships. Celie, our protagonist’s life is chronicled from childhood through 30 years. It’s a study of love, laughter, heartache, and struggle — basically everything that defines the human condition.

Second, Author Alice Walker is a Georgia native, the book is set in Georgia, and all the stellar actors in this show are performers from our amazing Peach State (which should also make sponsor Peach State Federal Credit Union feel so proud to invest in the arts). Our beloved Candy McClellan Davison is back at the Aurora (you may remember her hilarious performance in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG as the stagehand turned understudy). This time she’s flexing her directing muscles and showing her diversity as a theater professional. This is a monster production due to its heavy subject matter, beautiful yet complicated vocals, and numerous variations in set and costume. The crew of this show tackled the challenge head-on and created a masterpiece as beautiful as the animated quiltwork curtain created by scenic designer Alexander Whittnenburg.

So, let us start with the scenery – I think the set can be described as complicated simplicity. Complicated because of the plethora of pieces that slide in and out and fly up and down. Simple as these pieces are comprised of horizontal wooden slats. With the exception of store shelves and pots of grasses that slide in and out, there isn’t much more to the set. This means that other technical elements are integral in telling the story. The many costumes are beautifully designed by Dr. L. Nyrobi N. Moss, assistant Jared Barnes, and lovingly put together by costume director Alice Neff and her crew. The light design by Rachel Blackwell sets the right tone and mood for each scene – I especially love the vivid purple cyc near the end of the show. Sound designer Chris Lane had his work cut out for him mixing these powerful Gospel voices and making sure the solos stood out above the thunderinginly gorgeous sound.

As far as performers are concerned, I especially loved the narrators known as “Church Ladies” played by Brianne Knights, Roline Delva, and Daja Rice. Their sassy attitudes and 3 part harmonies are the glue that holds the show together. Each one had their own distinct color that played out with every costume change. As far as the principal characters are concerned, I could write a separate article for each one as I have so much to say about these stellar performances; however, I will challenge myself to be brief while at the same time giving each performer their due.

Amitria Fanae as Celie is new to Aurora, but played the part at Theatre West End in 2018. She has an impressive resume and it’s evident she has an innate connection to the part. It’s as if this part was written for her. Her acting shows great depth and her vocals are rich and true.

Jasmine Renee’ Ellis is back on the Aurora stage after her wonderful portrayal as Deloris in SISTER ACT. This time, she plays a different kind of sister as Nettie, Celie’s beloved sister. Ellis once again delivers a stellar performance, and is such a versatile actress, you may not even realize this is the same person who played rough-edged Deloris. This time as Nettie she plays a sweet and loving soul who adores Celie. Jazmine and Amitria have a sisterly chemistry on stage and their voices sound beautiful together.

My dear friend, Greg Hunter as Pa, Celie’s despicable father, did what he does best doubling as a member of the ensemble. Greg is an amazing presence on stage, and it’s always a delight to see him at Aurora.

I was also thrilled to see Adam Washington in the role of Mister. I’ve known Adam for many years and he’s a powerful performer. I appreciated the humanity he brought to the role, as well as his incredible vocals.

Tiffany Denise Hobbs is making her Aurora debut as Shug Avery, and we’re glad she found her way to Lawrenceville. I most recently saw her in BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY at Actor’s Express, and she delivers each performance with her whole heart and soul.

The pairing of Lawrence Flowers (Harpo) and Shena Renee (Sophia) was pure genius. Flowers’s energetic and optimistic demeanor as Harpo works well with Renee’s no-nonsense strength as Sophia. Sophia has always been a character I’ve looked up to, as she is fearless in standing up for what is right.

Other Key-noteworthy performances include Coley Gilchrist (Squeak), Michael A Blackmon (Old Mister, Ensemble), and Rose Seton (Olivia, Ensemble). The entire cast is an essential piece to this intricate quilting of a show.

The Color Purple plays until September 15th, so you still have time to get tickets and see this incredible show. You need to hurry though as word of mouth spreads, this show is sure to sell out. Get your tickets at https://www.auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/color-purple/.