South Florida is in for a delightful, electrifying, spirit-soaring performance with the upcoming Oprah Winfrey presentsThe Color Purple the Musical, arriving at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Tuesday April 6 at 8 p.m.
Just six months ago The Color Purple made its way to Miami, and this production promises to bring brighter and larger theatrical and musical performances. It's coming to a new county and it's bringing along with it a brand new cast with Dayna Jarae Dantzler playing Celie, Lee Edward Colston II as Harpo and Taprena Augustine playing the role of Shug Avery.
The Broadway production that Time magazine called, “soaring and joyful,” earned 11 Tony nominations in 2006. The Chicago Tribune called it, “A Big Hit! A really stirring inspiring show.” And according to The Oakland Tribune, “It pulsates with compassion and love and redemption.”
With such rave reviews and accolades, it's no wonder this passionate story of love, hope, triumph and forgiveness has touched so many lives throughout the country. The star power cast, the riveting story and the driving force of Oprah herself (the show’s producer), have propelled this production to soaring heights.
Pam Trotter, who plays Miss Sophia, a role once played by Oprah Winfrey in the film, expressed gratitude and grace for playing such a demanding character.
“I am so honored. It is a privilege and truly an honor to go behind her (Oprah Winfrey) and do this…With the character Sophia, she does what she feels and I have fun doing just that,” Trotter told the South Florida Times.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize bestselling novel by Alice Walker and the captivating star studded film by Steven Spielberg, The Color Purple reaches beyond race, culture and sexuality.
Directed by Gary Griffin, The Color Purple is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman and follows the story of a fragile woman who finds her voice through a life of adversities. Celie becomes exposed to different ways of life that initially bring fear, but inevitably cultivate inner strength. It's a story with many downturns and just as many lessons.
“There's always hope and you should always love people no matter what,” Trotter shared as one of the biggest lessons of the performance.
South Florida can expect incredible musical performances with eclectic overtures composed by songwriters Brenda Russell, Stephen Bray and Ailee Willis; the very entertaining gossiping church ladies who bring kooky humor to the scenes; and the sexy and sultry Shug Avery is guaranteed to bring an aura of flamboyance and energy to the stage.
Trotter concluded, “South Florida will expect to see the most entertaining show…stage production that they probably will ever experience and I am not kidding you. Get ready for tears, get ready for laughter, get ready for great, great music, great voices, and great performances all through out!”
MissBanfield@Gmail.com
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple.
WHEN: Opening Night, Tuesday April 6, through April 18.
WHERE: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Au-Rene Theater 201 Southwest 5th Avenue Fort Lauderdale.
COST: $23 to $67
CONTACT: Call 954-462-0222 or visit www.browardcenter.org.
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