I had mixed feelings about this musical version of the Alice Walker novel when I saw it in early previews: too much and too sloppy exposition, and not enough heart and soul. There've been some changes since, and while all are for the better, I still feel this is a show that hasn't found a clear throughline that needs to sing. The highlights are exactly what I remembered them to be: Felicia P. Fields' brassy performance as Sofia (her "Hell No" number midway through the first act is the first thing that rallies the audience from its Respectful Adaptation Blues), Elisabeth Withers-Mendes' portrayal of Shug Avery (her too-brief love song "Too Beautiful For Words" is one of the few things I found truly affecting in the show), the moment when Celie mouths a thank you to the heavens after she first falls in love with Shug (a welcome first in a family-friendly musical), and the first burst of choreography by the menfolk at the juke joint.Also blogged by: [Christopher]
Didn't you enjoy the menfolk when they're working the fields and singing "Big Dog" ? I especially appreciated the shirtless one in overalls.
ReplyDeleteThe same one who is last out the door later when Shug says they are a strong bunch of boys? Sure, but if you wanna go down that road I appreciated Brandon Victor Dixon (Harpo) even more.
ReplyDeleteI have often walked down that street before.
ReplyDeleteYou're on the street where David Bell lives?
ReplyDeleteNo, David only feasts on pale flesh.
ReplyDeletehey hey! what's going on over here? you boys stop this sass and get back to your blogging!
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