The cast performs “Mysterious Ways” featuring Kadejah Oné (Church Soloist) and Phillip Brandon (Preacher) in Broadway San Jose presents THE COLOR PURPLE.. Photo by Scott Suchman.
The cast performs “Mysterious Ways” featuring Kadejah Oné (Church Soloist) and Phillip Brandon (Preacher) in Broadway San Jose presents THE COLOR PURPLE.. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Keypoints
  • Broadway San Jose will present THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts November 23-28, 2010 for 8 performances only.
  • It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world.
  • The original Broadway musical opened on December 1, 2005, and was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Review by Monica Turner

THE COLOR PURPLE is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world.  With a joyous, GRAMMY-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is about hope and the healing power of love.

The cast performs “African Homeland” in Broadway San Jose presents THE COLOR PURPLE. Photo by Scott Suchman.
The cast performs “African Homeland” in Broadway San Jose presents THE COLOR PURPLE. Photo by Scott Suchman.

This production of THE COLOR PURPLE, produced by Phoenix Entertainment ~ Joyful Noisemakers LLC, helmed by Stephen Kane and Michael McFadden, is the next phase in the life of the ground-breaking Broadway hit musical produced by Scott Sanders.  The original Broadway musical opened on December 1, 2005, and was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  THE COLOR PURPLE ran for over two years on Broadway followed by a three year First National Tour.

Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press described THE COLOR PURPLE as “a Roof-Raising story of triumph.”  And Richard Corliss ofTIME Magazine said, “[it is] a soaring, epic tale.  It made a joyful noise in my heart.”  Elysa Gardner from USA Today raved, “Pure heart! It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!”

THE COLOR PURPLE is directed by Gary Griffin and features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd.  Rounding out the creative team are Tony Award-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Craig Cassidy (sound design), Steven M. Bishop (Orchestrations/Arrangements), and Jasper Grant (Music Director).

The original cast recording is available on EMI/Angel Records.

Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.