Theater Review: 'The Color Purple The Musical' at Ivoryton Playhouse

By Nancy Sasso Janis

The 23rd season at Ivoryton Playhouse continues with “The Color Purple The Musical,” directed and choreographed by Todd L. Underwood and running through Oct. 15.

The musical features a book written by Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. It is based upon the (often-banned) novel written by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture. “The Color Purple” is an inspiring saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds strength to triumph over adversity and ultimately discover her voice in the world.

Equity member Andrea Fleming gives a strong performance in the role of Celie, a role that she played with The Phoenix Theatre Company. Fleming embodies the well-drawn character of an African American woman in the American South with an achingly difficult life in the early to mid-20th century.

The Ivoryton cast works together with integrity to tell this often heartbreaking story. My favorite musical numbers include “Mysterious Ways,” “Miss Celie’s Pants,” Celie’s “I’m Here,” and the title song.

Equity’s Renee Jackson returns to the Playhouse to tackle the role of Shug Avery, the sultry singer who claims the heart of Mister and Celie. Mairys Joaquin glows in her Ivoryton debut in the role of Celie’s beloved sister Nettie.

Equity actress Sheniqua Trotman plays the well-known and strong role of Sofia in her fourth appearance on the Ivoryton stage. Jeane La’Shelle Cummins appears as Doris, Rae Janeil plays Squeak, Nina Laing plays Jarene, and NeLashee portrays the role of Darlene.

Samantha Rae Bass, an Equity actress who has been seen on many Greater Waterbury stages, stands out first as the church soloist in the opening number and then as Celie’s daughter Olivia. It was glorious to see her as part of this special production.

The men in this script have few redeeming qualities, and the actors playing the roles make them very believable. Michael Charles plays Buster, Cedrick Ekra portrays Harpo in his Ivoryton debut and Christian McQueen displays his wonderful singing voice as Mister/Albert. Tony Perry plays very well the role of Ol’ Mister, and Justin Sudderth is part of the ensemble with Michael Wordly (also Pa.)

Musical direction by Nygel D. Robinson, who appears on a monitor at the back of the lower level of the theater, conducts the seven musicians in the pit in front of the stage. They make the score sound very full. The first act is full of musical numbers, making it seem longer.

In mid-September, the Playhouse put out a call for wooden chairs on social media, and they received a large number of donations of various varieties. Our tree of chairs is going to be amazing and we might just keep it, add to it and turn it into a Christmas tree for outside of the theater for Ivoryton Illuminations. With lights, of course.

The scenic design by Cully Long makes great use of a large collection of mismatched chairs that were donated in response to a plea on social media. Long has constructed a large tree sculpture that dominates the stage, that affords some beautiful lighting possibilities for lighting designer Marcus Abbott. Single wooden chairs also figure into the various scenes. There are also wooden side panels that feature props that help to set the scene. Sound design by Alan Piotrowicz had a few hiccups and at times the orchestra drowned out the singers. Costume and wig design is impressive in its authenticity and scope and contain lovely dresses for the ensemble members in the later scenes.

Our tree of chairs is a work of art and the Ivoryton production team might just keep it, add to it and turn it into a Christmas tree for outside of the theater for Ivoryton Illuminations, with lights, of course.

Ivoryton Playhouse is located at 103 Main St. For tickets visit ivorytonplayhouse.csstix.com

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.