By Ariel Mary Ann
Alice Walker’s The Color Purple – The Musical is a must see at The Carnegie Theatre of Covington, Kentucky. After celebrated Broadway runs in 2005 and 2015, this musical production inspires with renewed energy and purpose.
The Story of The Color Purple
The Color Purple draws from Alice Walker’s critically acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize winning novel as well as the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment film adaptation.
The story centers on Celie, a poor Black woman living in rural Georgia in the early 1900s. Over the course of two acts, audiences follow Celie’s journey to unapologetic self-love as she navigates misogyny, abuse, and heartbreak.
The Color Purple features Vocal Powerhouses
Directed by Torie Wiggins, the production places Black women and their right to claim agency at the forefront. Jordyn Jones as Celie delivers a performance that should not be missed. This young actress pours herself into this character with vulnerability and grace. Brandi La’Sherrill, a staple in the Queen City theatre scene, portrays Celie’s sister Nettie. La’Sherrill radiates brilliance on stage. Her chemistry with Jones shines bright when they’re on stage together. Brittney Hayes as Sofia belts out “Hell No” backed by a chorus of women who tear the roof off the theatre with their range and vocal control.
Edin Kebede, Roneice Hutchins, and Fiona Capri as the Church Ladies sing their hearts out during their scenes. I couldn’t keep my eyes off them and their heavenly harmonies.
Elana (Elle) Elmore as Shug Avery raises the roof with her rendition of “Push da Button” — a sexy, high-energy number featuring Elmore in an iconic red dress. She riffs, runs, and shimmies across the stage like nobody’s business.
Divine Inspiration
Julia Schick’s choreography stuns with its smooth, sexy, and fierce energy. Paired with Wiggins’ direction, this production emerges as a must-see event. With music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, you just might catch the Holy Ghost in your seat.
The costumes take front and center stage as well. From the church ensembles to Celie’s tailored pants, costumer Maria F. Ortiz Lopez elevates the production with her detailed, expressive designs.
Powerful Themes
The Color Purple is a love letter to Black women — a celebration of sisterhood, radical self-acceptance, and radical self-love. More than that, this production affirms that Black women (and Black people as a whole) always hold a place in the theatre.
Despite elitism, racism, and systemic cultural exclusion, Black women continue to rise, and The Carnegie Theatre stands firmly in that truth.
A Few More Shout Outs
The entire cast shines in this production. Jordyn Jones, Brandi La’Sherrill, Edin Kebede, Roneice Hutchins, Fiona Capri, Deondra Kamau Means, William Boatwright Jr., Kenneth Early, Javon Cameron, Brittany Hayes, Kertu Bell, Elana (Elle) Elmore, Jathan Briscoe, Austin Hoard, and Caira Fisher-Rogers all deserve their flowers for the work they bring to the stage. The same goes for the ensemble, whose presence amplifies every moment.
The Color Purple Brings Down the House
It should be worth noting that Jones’ “I’m Here” received a well deserved standing ovation. To witness this moment in real time fully brought this reviewer to tears. Jordyn Jones is a star on the rise with a bright future ahead of her. Brava, Jordyn. You deserve this moment.
Get Tickets to this Must See Event
The Color Purple runs now through July 6th at The Carnegie in Covington, KY. It should–and will–sell out. Get your tickets at the online Carnegie Box Office HERE.
RUNNING TIME: Approx. 2 hrs and 30 mins including a 15 minute intermission
CONTENT ADVISORY: THE COLOR PURPLE contains mature themes including domestic abuse, violence, incest and strong language.
