The Color Purple, Stage Art, Chapel Off Chapel, Thursday October 27th 2016
"The Color Purple" was performed by Stage Art, at Chapel Off Chapel, on Thursday October 27th 2016.
For those new to my blog I write about the holistic experience of attending the theatre. I buy my own tickets. So if you want a re-telling of the story please refer to the links for further information or for further insights. Note, that I may provide different links for repeated main words or phrases. I write for my memories of what I have seen, and is more of a stream of consciousness.
"The Color Purple" is very in-your-face and didactic with its message.
Director and designer, Robbie Carmelletti has done a fine job in the staging of "The Color Purple"for Stage Art. He uses simple and basic sets to maximise the flexibility of our imagination to be transported to various locations.
He used good segues and transitions between scenes, though two scene transitions could have been tightened or sped up as they were too laboured. The simple set design of a central raised stage area and eight benches were used creatively throughout. He is confident that his vision of a show is in accord with designs.
Singing wise I thought there was too much screaming by one singer.
My favourite part was the delivery of the mail by Nettie as it was staged and performed with the requisite honour and reverence.
Lighting by Jason Bovaird and Maddy Seach was effective and sharp to give focus and to differentiate various locations or scenes.
Costume designs by Rhiannon Irving were serviceable but looked like a school production at times. The costumes lacked realism for any of the hardships faced by the working characters.
Choreography by Jayden Hicks was appropriate though it was a bit off putting watching some performers checking their marks.
The man sitting next to us applauded politely during Act One and did not return for Act Two.
There were three empty seats in E Row. This is a prime location and further back you miss out on the front of the stage as most shows stage it too close to the front row and you cannot see the downstage action properly.
Some of the acting was terrific and at other times it was ordinary. The acting was most effective when the actors really listened to each other and showed us their relationship or connection.
The moment when Celie played by Jayme-Lee Hanekom announces about the letters and the revelation of her children are alive - there is no reaction or minimal listening from the ensemble. Did the ensemble hear the news?
I liked the show at times.
The three women were like the female chorus from "A Music Man" and were channelling the gossip song of "Pick A Little Talk A Little".
My favourite aspect was the sincerity of Celie played by Jayme-Lee Hanekom and her relationship with Nettie played admirably by Anna Francesca Armenia.
Iopu Auva'a played Harpo as a consistently weak man. I look forward to seeing him in the future.
James Ao did a good job but could have differentiated each of the three characters as the Preacher, Bobby and Buster more physically and vocally. He is someone to watch in the future to reach his potential.
Pa and Ole Mister were dual roles played by Augustin Tchantcho both with variations of menace, manipulation and bullying tactic.
Musical Direction by Caleb Garfinkel had the band playing well while the singing was inconsistent. Sadly not one song was completely sung in tune. The harmonies could have been rich if they were all in tune.
It was a pleasant shock that no mobile phone incidents occurred during this performance. Though, one was nearly close with two patrons turning off their phones as the lights rose on the stage.My favourite part was the delivery of the mail by Nettie as it was staged and performed with the requisite honour and reverence.
Lighting by Jason Bovaird and Maddy Seach was effective and sharp to give focus and to differentiate various locations or scenes.
Costume designs by Rhiannon Irving were serviceable but looked like a school production at times. The costumes lacked realism for any of the hardships faced by the working characters.
Choreography by Jayden Hicks was appropriate though it was a bit off putting watching some performers checking their marks.
The man sitting next to us applauded politely during Act One and did not return for Act Two.
There were three empty seats in E Row. This is a prime location and further back you miss out on the front of the stage as most shows stage it too close to the front row and you cannot see the downstage action properly.
Some of the acting was terrific and at other times it was ordinary. The acting was most effective when the actors really listened to each other and showed us their relationship or connection.
The moment when Celie played by Jayme-Lee Hanekom announces about the letters and the revelation of her children are alive - there is no reaction or minimal listening from the ensemble. Did the ensemble hear the news?
I liked the show at times.
The three women were like the female chorus from "A Music Man" and were channelling the gossip song of "Pick A Little Talk A Little".
My favourite aspect was the sincerity of Celie played by Jayme-Lee Hanekom and her relationship with Nettie played admirably by Anna Francesca Armenia.
Iopu Auva'a played Harpo as a consistently weak man. I look forward to seeing him in the future.
James Ao did a good job but could have differentiated each of the three characters as the Preacher, Bobby and Buster more physically and vocally. He is someone to watch in the future to reach his potential.
Pa and Ole Mister were dual roles played by Augustin Tchantcho both with variations of menace, manipulation and bullying tactic.
Musical Direction by Caleb Garfinkel had the band playing well while the singing was inconsistent. Sadly not one song was completely sung in tune. The harmonies could have been rich if they were all in tune.
Overall this production of "The Color Purple" obtains a 7/10. This is lucky as my partner hated the show and gave it 5/10.
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