Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Cutting Edge Theatre--They are Beautiful and They are Here!

If you're a fan of watching uber-talented people NAIL a Broadway show that rivals professional productions anywhere, than you may TOTALLY be missing out if you don't already have a seat to a nearly SOLD OUT run of Cutting Edge Theatre's production of The Color Purple. The capacity crowd sat with anticipation among the authentic, rustic, earthy-timber slats, transporting us back in time to travel on an emotional and spiritual journey with these classic, beloved characters. Adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller and Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated film, this readapted stage musical has a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues. This stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, Brittney James-Crayton an African-American woman in the American South from the early to mid-20th century. Crayton flawlessly evolves from the hopeless child trapped in despair, to the confident woman who discovers the power within. Her authentic commitment to the character binds us to her struggle through a riveting performance that pinnacles with her tear-jerking rendition of "I'm Here."

Brian Fontenot, founder of Cutting Edge Theatre, has proven fearless when it comes to attacking projects that small stage venues may normally overlook. He Co-Directed this production with Suzanne Stymiest, and has outdone himself again by being the first non-professional theatre to produce The Color Purple in Louisiana. Fontenot's vision for a small community theatre located inside his full service, Attractions Hair Salon by day, transforms into an innovative and intimate theatre by night, that has proven time and again, it can attract the best talent from the Greater New Orleans area and beyond. It's clear when you see this show, that Fontenot's passion for creating diverse opportunities, as well as presenting stories that matter, is a definitive part of the greater mission. Nearly half the cast has never been a part of a theatrical production, yet their vocal talents fostered in singing groups, churches, festivals, and gospel tents, more than hits the mark, and makes the production even more impressive.

From the first clap of Celie and her beloved sister, Nettie's Marquita Smooth-Sanders rhythmic hand-slapping rhymes, the audience is beguiled by the Mississippi native, who is new to theatre, but has certainly mastered the essence of storytelling through her seasoned voice and captivating expressions, presumably perfected from a young age appearing annually at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with the The Dynamic Smooth Family singing group. The enormous love the two sisters share on stage is the cornerstone of the story, and the chemistry between the two actresses sharpens as the rest of the iconic figures come into focus. Their love exemplifies all the possible ways we are loved and can be loved by others, including the understanding that there is a greater love that can sometimes take a lifetime to comprehend. The female characters in this ground-breaking musical, illustrate that circumstances do not have to define us, and amidst great suffering, there is a force greater than ourselves that can turn things around.

The best and worst of the human condition is highlighted, as Celie suffers great injustice under the corrosive thumb of her abusive father, Pa Aaron "BlackMagic" Turnipseed who fathers her babies and discards them after they are born. His cruelty creates the first agony of Celie's tortured existence and the beginning of her formidable conversations with God. Turnipseed, no matter what stage he is gracing, is a musical force, and his emotional presence for this production is a testament to his dedication to the arts. His professional career is marked with performances with some of the greats on some of the greatest stages in America. As a teacher, he, no doubt, inspires his students at Istrouma Magnet to excel, and also as Music Director on this production, well... if you get to see the show, you will not forget his name. Turnipseed's disturbing portrayal of Pa shakes the house, but the exacting light his performance shines on the perils of this systemic inequality, only helps to inspire.

As Nettie dreams of going to college, a local farmer named Albert, makes a cold hearted arrangement for Celie and takes her basically as his arranged wife/slave. She calls him only by Mister, Samuel R. Warren, and Warren is powerful as the menacing husband, whose multi-layered assaults on Celie elevate the themes to new heights. Warren commands attention on stage, and boy can he sing! Starting at 4 years old in the late 60's, he has spent his life meeting new challenges, excelling in singing, acting, multiple instruments, and even appeared on Showtime at the Apollo Amateur Night in a comedy sketch he created. His evolutionary journey had the room cheering for him by curtain, as it was hard to like him as he quipped early on, "You sho is ugly." His performance was purposeful and professional, and it was a joy to watch him morph.

Albert's son, Harpo Jeremy Lloyd quickly grabs your attention from the first moment he juts out on stage. Lloyd has already graced the Cutting Edge stage several times this year, and is always a thrill to catch. Lloyd's vocals were as spot-on as his moves, and his performance as the soft son of a tyrant is heart-warming and endearing. His character is a symbol of generational changes and hope for adopting new ways of thinking. Lloyd's gentile portrayal as the meek Harpo, plays perfectly against his dominating wife who sets a new standard for how woman can stand up and rise up! Lloyd's magnetic personality is always appealing and attention grabbing.

The fiery audience, no doubt familiar with the story, where notable excited and almost ready to fight along side the strong-willed Sofia, Shylanda "Shy" Pam as she makes her way into the spotlight, and boy did Pam not disappoint. She brings the house down with her rendition of "Hell No" and her inspirational energy never lets up throughout the performance, making this version a simply...Must see! Pam and Lloyd have a history of working off each other, and it shows! They most recently appeared together in Cutting Edge's Musical, Hair, winner of Broadway World's New Orleans Region Best Musical. Pam brings something special to every performance, and coupled with her powerful vocals and dominating presence, she captivated the very essence of Sofia's journey from tragedy to triumph, as she helps paint that picture of strength and what modern feminism can look like.

The awe-inspiring cast just continues to swell with the mesmerizing entrance of Shug Avery, Thais Kitchens, who instantly envelopes the room with her expressive, colorful voice. A dynamic vocalist with a lifetime of experience in singing groups and worship music, she calls herself a newbie to theatrical world, but so far has made striking appearances in several productions at Cutting Edge, including portraying Diana Ross and Killer Queen. Kitchens has a special star quality that is fascinating to watch. She takes on Shug fearlessly, and her stage presence makes it hard to unfix your gaze.

The entire cast of The Color Purple is phenomenal, even down to the exciting harmonies by the three Church Ladies Jennifer Baptiste, Missy Griffith, and Vera Sims, who offered some comic relief with their funny antics and powerhouse voices. Another interesting surprise was the performance of 14 year old Squeak, Levi Landry, who plays Harpo's love interest when Sofia is away. The Slidell High student seized the moment, and wowed the room with another compelling vocal performance. The talent was brilliant from start to finish, including unforgettable performances from Brandon P. Connerly, Calvinette Rogers, Chandler Baptiste, Christien Trotter, Jamyla Vidato, Jeffrey Patterson, Lisa Williams, Pamela Williams, Rebekah Alphonso, Steven Burke, Taylor Kidd, Teresa Augustine. The Choreography also hit a high bar, bringing the audience on a joyful ride back in time, and was led by Archbishop Hannan High School Junior, Emma Diagrepont, who, despite her young age, has built quite a resume already. She was assisted by CET's own, Jennifer Gesvantner.

If you can score a ticket, don't miss this accomplished, spirited, and motivational crew that will take you on a journey through joy, despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and the true meaning of life.

The show has already enjoyed two sold out weekends, and most of the upcoming performances are also sold out. Based on demand, CET added an additional performances. The show is currently running weekends from January 25th-February 15th. Search for available tickets at: www.cuttingedgetheater.com or call 985-649-3727

Cutting Edge Theatre

757 Robert Blvd

Slidell, La 70458

Coming up next for CET is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Mamma Mia. Tickets are available now.

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