Review: 'The Color Purple' at Connecticut Theatre Company

Dedicated to the memory of John Fabbri, a talented actor, teacher and gentleman

New Britain, CT - THE COLOR PURPLE: THE MUSICAL has been lovingly produced at The Connecticut Theatre Company and runs through August 5 at the beautifully renovated Repertory Theatre on Norden Street in New Britain. Erin Campbell directed this stellar production with the assistance of Foster Evans Reese, who also served as the able choreographer. Ms. Campbell speaks of the timeliness of this piece in her director’s message; “From gender roles to issues of social class and the need to honor our cultures, the source material has been a topic of discussion since its publication in 1982.” Her direction of the work brings out the theme of the empowerment of women and the love of all people, so that when Celie sings “I’m Here,” we believe it.

I was familiar with the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Alice Walker and the 1985 Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture, but I had not experienced the musical adaptation with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. I looked forward to seeing how it all had been worked into the musical version and I was definitely not disappointed.

THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a downtrodden young woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. The epic story follows Miss Celie (Zani N. Scott) over the course of 40 years and is blessed with a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues.

Unless people are doing right by the poor of the world, by the downtrodden, and by women, generally, they are doomed. Our culture, our society, our world is doomed.” - Alice Walker

Miss Celie was played with heartbreaking accuracy by the young actor Zani N. Scott. Ms. Scott recently graduated from Waterbury Arts Magnet School, but in third grade took on the leading role of the teacher in SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, a role that is close to my heart. Before she graduated from WAMS, she was able to shine in the role of Felicia in the school’s spectacular production of MEMPHIS.

The larger than life singer Shug Avery was played by the multi-talented Samantha Rae Bass. Who could forget her memorable performances as Felicia in MEMPHIS or Effie in DREAMGIRLS with Landmark Community Theatre and most recently in ROCK AND ROLL REDEMPTION at 7A?

Michele Marie Clay, an aspiring actor, singer and comedian, took on the role of Sofia. Celie’s sister Nettie was played by Tanairy Barton, a Plainville HS junior with an impressive lists of credits at a young age who aspires to be a professor of Literature and Music Theory. The mean character referred to as “Mister” was played by Oliver J. Lester in his CTC debut and was scarily convincing. Cecil Carter played his son Harpo with lots of charm.

Candace Jelks as Doris, Leondra Smith-West as Darlene, and Minnett Joy Henry as Jarene were the trio of church ladies. These three served as a kind of Greek chorus and were a sensation every time they sang together, and Ms. Henry almost stole the show with her amazing stage presence for her solos in her CTC debut. New mom Gia Wright Kulmann will return as Darlene with this group next weekend.

Miss Black USA 2016 Tonille Simone Watkis was lovely and sassy as Squeak and Robert J. Williams played Pa. The ensemble who all played townspeople included Lindsay Taylor (who appeared as Olivia,) Shelby Davis (who appeared as Adam in his CTC debut,) Bard College sophomore Tatyana Rozetta, Diwan Keno Glass (Preacher/Ol’ Mister in his CTC debut,) Ayanna Scott (MEMPHIS at WAMS,) and James Hampton (Buster.) Assistant director Foster Evans Reese appeared at the performance I attended in the ensemble and as Bobby, and I counted myself lucky.

Justin Henry, who I have seen on the stages at 7A and the Thomaston Opera House, moved into the music director’s seat for the first time in CT to conduct the onstage six-piece orchestra that sounded great without overpowering. The set design by technical director Michael J. Bane and Ms. Campbell featured two screen doors that worked well. Shout out to Zachary Taylor who served as assistant stage manager when he wasn’t onstage at 7A wearing the hat of the Cat in the Hat. The lighting designed by Mr. Bane was a great addition to the look, and the costumes by Pat O’Neill evoked the era beautifully. It was obvious that this costume stitcher provides outfits that both fit and flatter all body types and the Africa-inspired pieces were stunning.

I loved everything about this production and honestly was sad to see it end. I couldn’t help but congratulate all of the cast members in the theatre’s large lobby as I headed out of the theater. I can’t wait to see this musical again, but this production has set the bar very high.

Up next at CTC will be BAT BOY THE MUSICAL opening Sept. 21 and LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL opening Nov. 30. Ms. Campbell announced during her curtain speech that next season will include MOON OVER BUFFALO, INTO THE WOODS, MEMPHIS, DISASTER (yay!) and I am pretty sure MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. Cabaret seating is available and I highly recommend it.

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by J. Timothy Quirk

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417