The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast) 320cbr (Big Papi) Oprah Winfrey Presents A New Musical

Well you can call me a big LaChanze fan now.

I admired her on the cast recording of "Once on This Island," but that was a long time ago, and now, in the space of a month, she's appeared in a starring role on two major cast recordings: the new Stephen Flaherty-Lynn Ahrens musical "Dessa Rose" and now this one, "The Color Purple." She's fantastic in both. What is particularly impressive is that though her two characters are not exactly miles apart (both are downtrodden women who age over the course of the show and eventually triumph over troubling beginnings), LaChanze creates two fully realized portraits-- you can listen to both recordings one after another and not mix up her Dessa with her Celie here. This is strong acting and she's very impressive. "Dessa Rose" is long gone, but I'm sure LaChanze can expect a Tony nomination for her work in "Purple."

While we're speculating on nominations, let's not forget Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, who's songstress Shug Avery is a sexy highlight on this recording. Felicia P. Fields also makes a memorable impression on disc as the strong and defiant Sofia. Okay, really the whole cast is good-- men included. They are the best reasons to own this recording.

As for the music-- well it's not the most distinguished you'll hear, but it's fairly full of energy and works well enough. If some of it tends towards the generic, there are also moments of power sprinkled throughout. There's a lot of variety in musical styles (though the time period feels like it moves from the 1930's to the 60's or so, rather than the 10's to the 40's, or really just back and forth all over the century). There are also little "snippets" of music in addition to longer, traditional numbers. That's a trend in musicals I like-- in which not every musical number needs to be a bona fide "song." The score is by first time musical composers Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. If it's not a complete success, it's a worthy attempt, and a perfectly enjoyable listen.

Plus it has LaChanze. (Did I mention she's really, really good?)