Book by Marsha Norman. Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. Produced by Brian Boruta. Directed by BW Gonzalez. Music Direction by Nathanael Wilkerson. Choreographed by Najee A. Brown. Scenic Design by Janie E. Howland. Lighting Design by SeifAllah Salotto-Cristobal; Sound Design by James Cannon. Costume Designer: Danielle Domingue SumiHair, Hair & Makeup Design by Schanaya Barrows. Through June 4 at Umbrella Stage, 40 Stow St., Concord, MA.
by Linda Chin
Umbrella Stage’s production of The Color Purple, a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is – in a word – epic.
Designers Janie E. Howland, Danielle Domingue Sumi, and SeifAllah Salotto-Cristobal have created a world that is simultaneously unassuming and powerful: an unpainted, multi-level structure constructed of rough-hewn beams and natural wood deck boards, unadorned, well-worn period costumes in earthy tones, and soft, dusky lighting punctuated with jewel tones (including the titular color) transport us to rural Georgia in 1909-1949.
With bold direction by BW Gonzalez, a marathon of musical numbers directed with verve by Nathanael Wilkerson and sensationally choreographed by Najee A. Brown, the cast of eighteen tremendously talented actors tell this timeless and epic story through spoken dialogue, song, and dance, and more than do justice to artists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray’s lush musical score of gospel, ragtime, jazz, blues and African music. The company delivers powerful and poignant performances across the board, executing Brown’s choreography with a well-balanced combination of technique, improvisation, and love. Dance highlights include the male characters demonstrating fancy footwork with precise rhythms and animating the platforms with percussive sounds, and the female characters joyfully and freely connecting with each other on a conga line. This cast of triple threats’ vocal talents (supported by the kickass combo of 8 musicians) soar – and literally raise the roof.
The Color Purple features a diverse cast of 18 whose hometowns include Memphis, Boston, New York, West Michigan, New Orleans, and Mississippi, professional actors, and students from local colleges. Their passion for being a stage family for this production is palpable.
With arts and cultural organizations still re-emerging from the pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism, this life-affirming show filled me with gratitude – for family, community, and live performance – and for not living in a state that bans books that include Walker’s iconic work.
With a full heart, I wholeheartedly recommend this production. I also recommend that you bring friends, family, and tissues. For tickets and information, go to: https://theumbrellaarts.org/production/color-purple
