Performers Shine as New ‘Color Purple’ Livens Up DC Theater District

Huge crystal chandeliers hung high in the ceiling and illuminated the room. The sounds of instruments being tuned in the orchestra pit could barely be heard under the excited sounds of those in attendance at the National Theater waiting for the Broadway rendition of Alice Walker's The Color Purple to begin on April 13.

As the lights dimmed and slowly faded out on the teal colored walls, the diverse, yet intimate, crowd immediately went silent. The sounds of an organ began to echo from the orchestra pit as a Sunday morning type of feeling began to encompass the room.

Alice Walker's story of a woman's discovery of her own beauty and strength amid abuse and mistreatment came to life through song, dance and powerful performances by Dayna Jarae Dantzler, who played Celie, Howard Alum Traci Allen as Nettie and Edward Smith as Mister.

That's not to say the play, which was written by Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, did not have a few troublesome moments

The play began with a forced "Mysterious Ways," sung by the church soloist, played by rapper Lil' Mo, the feisty church ladies and a slew of background dancers. Lil' Mo's lyrical range did not feel strong enough to carry the soulful, emotional spirit of the song and her stage presence did not stand out among the background singers and dancers, whose vocal and dance abilities were undeniably stronger.

Another thing to point out is make-up. Between Lil' Mo's neck and arm tattoos being evident in her costume and the pounds of light-colored make-up they piled on the darker complexioned Sophia, played by Pam Trotter, there was much to be considered in terms of small details. The crowd even reacted with a gasp when Lil Mo' appeared in a short sleeved dress.

However, the minor discrepancies don't take away from the resounding performances of the play's cast. Dantzler and Allen's sisterly bond was extremely believable and was thrust in the limelight during the heart-wrenching duet "Our Prayer" after Celie is traded to the lean, mean Mister and Nettie has to run away to save herself from her own father and the wandering hands of Celie's new husband.

Their powerful song had those in the audience grabbing their hearts as the sisters said goodbye. The pairing of crowd favorites Harpo and Sophia was dynamite. Cameron Ross played Harpo, and his portrayal of the feeble man in love with Trotter's powerful Sophia was in sync.

Trotter's performance as Sophia was undeniably the best of the night, with the veins popping out of her neck during her number "Hell No!" after Harpo tries to beat her.

One of the biggest—and definitely hottest—scenes of the show was Mister and his field hand's testosterone filled "Big Dog." Mister strutted around Celie as his field hands, dressed in ripped shirts and overalls, danced and sang with their gardening tools. The women in the audience fanned themselves and even someone whispered "Oh my gosh! Did you see his body!" as the men began to move their hips seductively and lure the women in the audience with their eyes.

Crowd favorites included "Big Dog" and Shug Avery's sexually charged song and dance scene "Push Da Button," which had patrons in Harpo's Juke Joint engaging in various stages of sexually activity on the dance floor.

But it was Celie's heartfelt reading of Nettie's letters from Africa that stole the show. Dancers thrust their bodies in a rhythmic tantrum to the beat of African drums, dressed in traditional garb, as Celie read aloud.

"The African tribal scene was hands down my favorite," Nina Kelly, a junior political science major at George Washington University, said. "With the actors and dancers wearing the beautiful costumes, I felt like I was there in an African village, with Nettie experiencing that life for the first time."

Celie's delicate transformation from awkward young girl to a powerful and wise woman comes to an explosive climax at the end of the show. Dantazler gave a breathtaking final solo performance to "I'm Here," as Celie finally realizes her full potential and begins to love herself. As Dantazler hit her final note, the crowd erupted in applause and gave her a much-needed standing ovation.

Aside from a few imperfections, the Color Purple buzzes with an excitement that is missing in the nation's capital. It is a crowd-pleaser that tells a larger story about lives guided by love, wisdom and the belief of a higher power. It will be tough not to hold back tears after the play's two acts, but if you can, you have just as much strength and courage as Celie.