Civics "The Color Purple" is like a force of nature. It starts slowly and builds until it nearly explodes off the stage in the second act.
The production at Civics 19th St, Theatre, Allentown. through March 13 is an ultimately jubilant show marked by strong singing across the board and highlighted by some truly remarkable moments. The entire cast infuses passion and energy into their performances.
Juanita-Renay Gray does a fantastic job as Celie, the downtrodden women at the center of the story. The musical is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and its 1985 film adaptation. The first act is almost unbearable as Celie is horribly mistreated by the men in her life. Grays Celie seems to nearly disappear into herself as she absorbs abuse upon abuse. Her only joy is her relationship with her sister Nettie (a luminous Veronica Cummings) and even that is taken away by her husband Mister (well sung by Jaciel Cordoba).
However in the second act, Celie, encouraged by the strong women in her life finally stands up to Mister in a scene that is so cathartic it evoked spontaneous cheers from the audience.
Her self-actualization is fully realized in "Im Here" in which Grays voice soars and flies.
With more than 30 musical numbers in the show, the show has the feel of a sung-through musical, and the music has a strong gospel vibe with elements of rhythm and blues, and jazz. The effect is that music
seems part of the fabric of the lives of these characters and the strong ensemble brings lovely choral harmonies to songs like "Shug Avery Coming to Town," "We Walk Away," and "The Color Purple." Songs are performed to recorded tracks and the performers never miss a beat.
Cordoba, who made his Lehigh Valley stage debut, was an unexpected joy with his talented singing, particularly in his higher range and breath control as he held out notes to the delight of the audience in "Misters Song."
Cummings brings a palpable joy to the stage in her appearance and musical numbers including "Our Prayer," "Africa" and "Its Easter Sunday." Cumming also is music director.
Krystal Danielle commands the stage as Shug Avery, a nightclub singer, who becomes the catalyst for Celie to stand up for herself.
She is powerful in her big Juke Joint number "Push Da Button" and touching in her encouragement to Celie "Too Beautiful for Words."
NeLashee shows both strength and despair as Sofia, the wife of Misters son Harpo, who stands up to the men and then is beaten into submission for her defiance. It makes her ultimate return with a drawn-out laugh all the more satisfying. Her voice shines on "Dear God."
Justan Parker-Fields gives Harpo depth and also lends a fine singing voice to songs like "Brown Betty" and "Any Little Thing" with NeLashee.
Abigail Ariza endows Harpos girlfriend Squeak with a humrorously squeaky voice befitting her name.
The rest of the talented cast includes Andrew Stewart, Christina Graham, Keith Willis, Eric Thompson, Daniel Duch Sr., Emmitt Harris, Alexis Cooper, Katie Graham, Janaya Morgan, Audrey Dendy-Hightower, Diego Subero and Florence Taylor.
Director Fredi Walker-Browne skillfully ties all the different story lines together in a cohesive package that moves steadily forward.
The stage set is very minimal with three large wooden arches that evoke a feeling of a church by scenic designer Alex Sharkey. Adding to some scenes is a backdrop that featured back-lit shadows of actors for a dramatic effect by lighting designer Will Morris.
Florence Taylor is costume designer and her charming designs are on full display particularly in the number "In Miss Celies Pants," in which Celie discovers she has a talent for designing pants.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. March 3-5 and 10-12; and 2 p.m. March 6 and 13 at Civics 19th St, Theatre, Allentown.
Tickets are $34, adults; $32, students, seniors and military; and $13 children age 13 and under.
Proof of immunization and masks are required.
For information go to www.civictheatre.com, or call 610-433-8903.