By: Donalveon Kennedy • Associate Editor • Focus SB News
Historic Broadway director Zhailon Levingston touched down in Shreveport to oversee a spectacular production! Having grown up loving the original 1985 Steven Spielberg theatrical release of the Alice Walker classic novel "The Color Purple," I raced to Marjorie Lyons Playhouse with anticipation of what I knew would be a show-stopping performance!
The lights go up, and a crowd of church goers unite. From the opening number, “The Good Lord Works in Mysterious Ways,” the entire stage from both ends were a sight to see! The way the cast’s voices rang together as one was a vocal treat for any music lover. Emily Mwakitawa, who stars as Celie, had a gleeful attitude that seemed to immediately jump off the stage just as her sister, Nettie, does, played by Selena Simmons. From harmonies in unison to gorgeous solos, “The Color Purple” is filled with melodramatic “wow!” moments from the first act alone!
Mister, played by Cordara Newson, is another powerhouse character that embodies the role past reality. Strong voice, rude demeanor paired with a down-home Southern flair, he easily infuriates the audience in this iconic, drama musical. There will never be enough words to describe the vocal ability of this cast, especially when they come together. The command Joi Smith takes as Squeak, the operatic harmony of the hilarious gossiping trio who narrated along the way through lyrics, the sass and strength Briana Richmond gave her role as Sofia, clearly slippery elm was in every singer’s tea!
The storyline was extremely captivating throughout as we laughed, gasped and mumbled under our breaths as we witnessed Celie’s almost 50-year struggle. Mister separating Celie from her sister Nettie sent Celie into an emotional tailspin, though it was her love for her sister and her overall faith that allowed her to persist. Then there’s Shug Avery, another standout role played by Shayla D. Canady. Curvaceous and salacious, she carried the part with an effortless brilliance tackling her notes beautifully and providing enough life to the character to keep the entire audience intrigued.
From Celie finding the strength to leave with Shug, finally catching up on Nettie’s long-lost letters, to Mister’s realization of his mistakes or Shug’s pleas for Celie’s acceptance of her life choices, Ta Robinson beautifully crafted a soundtrack to match this production with songs that were equally beautiful and memorable. The choir-like richness coming from the male characters’ unison to perfect solo moments like Harpo, played by Mikah Thomas, and when the ladies come together for certain parts prove that this cast shows vocally a range that will blow you away! “The Color Purple” is a musical must-see for the whole family, so be sure to catch one of the four nights this terrific show will run!