The Color Purple (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (3,068)
See it if you want to feel uplifted and empowered, want a good cry
Don't see it if you don't have a pulse
See it if You are looking for a great musical with a powerful story and some powerful songs.
Don't see it if You don't want to cry or are looking for a light-hearted musical
See it if You enjoy beautiful music and a beautiful story, sung by extremely talented performers.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy musicals with a message.
See it if you are a fan of the Color Purple book or film, love exceptional singing and clever staging, and a heartwarming story.
Don't see it if you don't like musicals.
See it if You loved to original, the novel or the movie. it's a masterclass in acting and singing & is revelational. It's a star turn for a bway debut
Don't see it if For ANY reason. It's amazing and brilliant
See it if For Cynthia Erivo. This show is spiritually and emotionally engaging in the most beautiful way. Please don't miss this opportunity.
Don't see it if There is absolutely NO reason NOT to see it.
See it if Breathtaking story that will bring a grown man to tears, Insanely talented powerhouses, with the most gorgeous songs.
Don't see it if ur a racist, heartless asshole
See it if You are ready to be moved and maybe shed a tear.
Don't see it if You don't like book to stage adaptations.
Critic Reviews (59)
"John Doyle's bloodless, concert-like revival of 'The Color Purple;' a production that is fortunately saved by the talent and commitment of its fine ensemble of leading ladies…The score pushes all the expected buttons for this type of venture…While 'The Color Purple's' written material is rather standard, there's undeniable emotional pull in Walker's story…It offers a rare opportunity for three women of color to play complex leading roles while men are regulated to support."
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"Given the two-dimensional nature of Marsha Norman's book, it's not possible to add much in the way of nuance or character shading...The Color Purple is rich with incident, but the music never captures the sweep of the narrative...Cynthia Erivo, who here makes a stunning Broadway debut...Her work alone is probably reason enough for this revival."
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"Personal growth and even the passage of time are treated as, at best, vague ideas…Coupled with Doyle's 'musical staging' (it sure ain't choreography), which is dry, repetitive, and disinterested, this infects everything with a stale staidness that saps what soulfulness the writing conveys…This is a drab evocation of a journey that should excite and inspire, and one that's in desperate need of color beyond the one named in its title."
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"John Doyle’s imaginative direction, the powerful performances of Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson and Danielle Brooks in their sensational Broadway debuts and a dynamic ensemble all make this stripped-down revival a magnificent experience...This majestic production of 'The Color Purple' gloriously proves that often in the theater less is more."
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"'The Color Purple' is a rewarding show thanks to some powerful performances…The book that Marsha Norman has written for this musical version is admirably terse but far from frail…This production will certainly please those who enjoy the City Center Encore series of staged musical revivals, while others may feel a little cheated by its economy of production values. At its best, Doyle's artistic choices never compromise Marsh Norman's tough and tender book."
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"Lessons of tolerance, redemption, forgiveness, and, most importantly, self-acceptance are smartly delivered here, and no one will walk out as a non-believer. John Doyle’s physically-stripped down and laser-focused production hits you squarely in the heart and soul...the lack of spectacle is more than made up for by the sharpness of the storytelling, the superb direction, and the brilliant performances."
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"This show blows the ceiling off this Broadway house like no other…Cynthia Erivo as Celie is by far giving us something to stand up and cheer for…Probably one of the best performances you will see this theatre season, and Act 2 is a slam-dunk if there ever was…The others, every last one of them, deserves the standing ovation they get…Doyle directs this simply and elegantly, with a perfect touch of comic energy coupled with a dynamic message of empowerment."
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"Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray’s gospel, R&B, ragtime, and jazz score is filled with foot-stomping, roof-raising, and seductively balladic numbers, performed by a vibrantly talented ensemble topped by the remarkable Ms. Erivo. Her acting remains conversationally honest, while her singing displays both sweet grace and rafter-shaking authority. Watching her evolve from subservient child-wife to proud, independent woman is an artistic revelation."
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