WISH-LIST WEDNESDAY: The Colour Purple

Artwork for the 2015 broadway revival

This week we explore the musical that earned Tony awards for both LaChanze and Cynthia Erivo, as we take a look at this collaborative effort between musicians and producers Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. First premiering on broadway in 2005, and based on the book of the same name by Alice Walker (and by extension, the 1985 film adaptation), "The Colour Purple" tells the story of Celie, an American woman who lives in a fractured household under the thumb of her physically, sexually and emotionally abusive father Alphonso, and her journey of self acceptance through the love of sisters Shug and Nettie.

The musical focusses on themes of abuse, discrimination, racism, sexism, and the power of female resilience and friendship, and though the musical has been accused of softening the book's particularly harsh edges, it is generally considered a strong adaptation of the source material. The original broadway production played at the Broadway Theatre, and in spite of a fairly unfavourable critical reception, the show gained a whopping 11 Tony nominations, though only won one.

Cynthia Erivo and the 2015 company of The Colour Purple

Conversely the 2015 revival was better received by critics, and though only received 4 nominations, it took home the prestigious best musical revival gong, as well as a best leading actress trophy for Cynthia Erivo, whom reprised her role from the London premiere production at the Menier Chocolate Factory. This production from 2013 remains the only professional production to play in the west end, so perhaps it's about time it was brought back, especially in the wake of a successful recent UK tour...