By Shelby Coleman
Running only two weekends, The Carnegie’s The Color Purple is now at The Carnegie in Covington, KY. Audiences may recall the 2023 movie musical featuring household names such as Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks. The story focuses on the complicated life of Celie, a human who’s inner beauty and grace are too beautiful for words.
The Story
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple spans 35 years in the life of Celie (Jordyn Jones), a teenage Black girl living in Georgia who is given by her abusive stepfather (William Boatwright Jr.) to an even more abusive husband (Kenneth Early). Though Celie spends most of her days as a servant in her own household, she tries to remain hopeful that she will ultimately be reunited with her sister Nettie (Brandi La’Sherrill) and her children. Over the years, Celie finds ways to cope with life–a potential lover in the fabulous Shug Avery (Elana (Elle) Elmore), a friend in her stepson’s wife Sofia (Brittany Hayes), a love of making stretchable pants that turns into a booming business. Through her string of unfortunate events Celie learns that the most important thing is that she is a survivor, and that no matter what happens to her, she is still here.
A Star is Born in Jordyn Jones
Jordyn Jones leads this fabulous cast, playing the role of Celie. It is mind blowing to learn that this performance is Jones’ professional theatre debut. From the first light cue, we see the power and grace Jones’ uses to command the stage. Playing the role of Celie is a major feat not only emotionally but also vocally. Jones effortlessly achieves a performance that will live on in audiences’ memories for years to come. Her impeccable vocal ability leads to a very much deserved mid-show standing ovation. Jones manages to captivate the entire theatre, leaving not a single dry eye in the house. One of the biggest draws of this show is getting to see their performance on a local stage as we are sure to see Jordyn Jones’ name in lights in the near future. A star is born on the Carnegie stage.
La’Sherrill is Stunning
Director Torie Wiggins, Music Director Jason Alexander Holmes, and Choreographer Julia Schick could not have gathered a more talented and flawless cast. Local theatre star, Brandi La’Sherrill plays the beloved role of Nettie. La’Sherrill is known across Cincinnati for her incredible ability to fully embody a character. The growth we see in Nettie from young schoolgirl to missionary and teacher truly allows audiences to believe they are watching two different actresses on stage. La’Sherrill has a unique ability to create entire entities in each character she embodies. This along with her power house vocals, she will leave audiences stunned each time she enters the scene.
These Ladies are not just performing, they’re testifying
Another audience favorite comes in the trio of church ladies seen spreading news throughout the production. Edin Kebede, Roniece Hutchins and Fiona Capri are the perfect trio. The environment created by these three church ladies will have audiences clapping before they even open their mouths. Their voices meld together perfectly while giving each the opportunity to have stand out moments. Hutchins’s smooth, deep tone grounds entire scenes. This, along with her palpable judgement of the other townsfolk creates the perfect “sassy church lady.” Capri and Kebede stun audiences with their range (particularly when allowed free reign of vocals in the ending number). Audiences will be stunned to hear how effortlessly (and tastefully) they are able to add flare to this already incredible sound.
Elana (Elle) Elmore personifies Shug Avery and that is EXACTLY what she did. She is mesmerizing in her performances of Push da Button and Too Beautiful for Words. It takes a great amount of skill to authentically represent such a powerful woman while also showcasing her softer sides. Elmore gave stellar representations of both. She oozed a sensuality that only Shug Avery herself could employ and captured the hearts of not only all the men in the town but also every member of the audience. While capturing us first with a sense of lust, we were soon given a glimpse of the soft and caring heart that kept everyone coming back for more.
Hayes Doesn’t Miss a Beat
Brittany Hayes as Sofia provided incredible comedic relief throughout this production. Hayes gave us a glimpse of the strong woman inside of all of us. A person who has constantly had to fight for what they deserve and won’t rest until they are given it. Hayes seamlessly moves from broken woman back to strong without missing a beat. Her performance gives many the hope they need to know that they can and should fight for what should be given to them without question. Without losing an ounce of strength, Hayes spit out perfectly timed jokes throughout each scene that had audiences rolling and waiting on the edge of their seat for what she would come up with next. Truly impeccable timing, vocals, and emotional capacity.
Creative Leadership
As stated before, Wiggins, Holmes and Schick could not have chosen a better cast. Although The Carnegie has already been rising to new levels in the last two seasons, this production singlehandedly shoots them up to what many would say in the number one theatre in the Tri-State. This production is a must-see! These are Broadway quality performances in your own backyard. The only flaw I found was that I could not immediately watch it again.
Thanks to costume designer Maria F. Ortiz Lopez, the incredible performers look even more beautiful. The church scene hats are so beautiful! Even the simplicity of the dresses worn by Celie in her times of struggle perfectly compliment Jones. These staples, along with the absolutely stunning pieces used for the African village scenes, amplify the value of what audiences are seeing.
Scenic, Lighting and Sound Design Elevates the Experience
Theatre Director and Scenic Designer Tyler Gabbard always finds the perfect way to utilize the space to an extent we have not seen before. The simplicity of the pieces contrast so greatly with the many environments and spaces he can create. This is greatly magnified by the impeccable skills of lighting designer Julie Cowger. Cowger mirrors Gabbards’ full use of the space by creating shadows, skies and entire worlds along the walls of the theatre spanning out into the audience and far above in the ornate ceilings of the theatre itself. But they didn’t stop there! Sound Designer Dani Lobello provides another rich layer. There are collective chills in the audience witnessing Celie visit Sofia in jail. You can hear as officers and other prisoners grow closer. A true dark and desolate feeling fills the entire space as we are further drawn into the word with these ambient sounds. This is the true art of a sound designer–creating a world with layers of noises and different environments which contribute subconsciously to the audience experience.
Overall You Must See The Carnegie’s The Color Purple
It is no exaggeration–you cannot afford to miss this production. We will hear about the amazing things this cast and production team are doing for years to come. Reserve your tickets TODAY. You will find yourself immersed in a Broadway-level production while staying close to your own hometown. The talent of this production will turn even the non-theatre goer into a fan! THIS is why we #LoveCincyTheatre.
Tickets to The Carnegie’s The Color Purple
The Color Purple runs through July 6th 2025 at the Carnegie at 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011. Purchase tickets at the box office, online at https://thecarnegie.com/whats-on/witch/#Tickets_in, or call 859-957-1940.
