Goodman Theatre’s ‘The Color Purple’ Is A Fierce Revelation
A tale of resilience and love, Goodman Theatre’s The Color Purple is packed with astounding voices, impressive visuals, and a story that will have you laughing and crying. Get your tickets now!
I have been a big fan of Brittney Mack for a few years now – ever since I saw her as Anne of Cleves in Broadway’s SIX. Her presence, her voice, and her personality on stage are all incredibly natural and unbelievably charismatic. She’s a very talented woman. So, when I heard that she would be starring in the new production of The Color Purple at Goodman Theatre, there was no doubt that I’d be getting tickets. And now, I highly recommend that you do too.
The Color Purple is the story of Celie, a woman who has birthed two children by 14 years-old, lives with her abusive father, and has only one person in the world who she loves and loves her back, her sister, Nettie. The men in her life deciding that she is ugly and has no worth past being a housemaid with wifely duties, Celie is given to local abusive man, Mister. She then loses touch with her sister and is expected to care for her new man, his children, and his home, or be beaten. Over time, she meets a few people who give her hope that life might not have to stay this way.
Based on the book of the same name by Alice Walker, this new production of The Color Purple at Goodman Theatre is phenomenal. Brittney Mack plays Celie with palpable pain in the first half of the show and power and joy later in the second half. She is a beautiful central character and is surrounded by loads of talent in the rest of the ensemble.
Shantel Renee Cribbs’ Nettie has a gorgeous voice and plays a lovely sweetness opposite to Celie’s misery. Evan Tyrone Martin’s Mister is awful, with a gritty deep voice and a physicality that reflects his creepy dominance (although, when he sings? Watch out.) Nicole Michelle Haskins’ Sofia is fantastically assured and you can’t keep your eyes off of her. Along with her confused and hopeful husband, Harpo (a very sweet Gilbert Domally), this dynamic duo is the pair you actively wait to watch (the song “Any Little Thing” is a standout).
The show itself, while painful to watch at times, is also very funny. There are three women (who I think of as three little chickens) passing the gossip to each other, around town, and with the audience. They bring the laughs when you least expect it. Sofia’s straightforwardness, a few disagreements, and the random comment here and there will also leave you in stitches. I “met” the woman that I was sitting next to in the audience because we were both laughing separately and then together.
The choreography, costuming, and minimal sets also lend themselves to explaining the world in which The Color Purple is set. Aerie Williams’ Shug (slinky and validation-seeking) dresses in bright colors with well-fitted pieces and hats while Celie wears drab grey dresses. White sheets hang from the clothesline at the top of the stage while also being used as screens as the scenes change. Men work in the fields with hoes and entrancing movements.
To be completely transparent, I got chills just before intermission, again in the second act, and I cried twice. You will feel all of the things while watching this, and it won’t just be you. After the show, my new audience friend checked to see if I had also cried and I could hear the sniffles all around us.
This beautiful production of The Color Purple has a stacked cast, gorgeous visuals, and a story that keeps you hooked, whether you are familiar with it or not. It is a tale of self-discovery and tolerance. Fences are mended that you would never expect and you will walk out of the theater with a “wow” on your lips.
This show has already been extended once and I do not know if it will be extended further. Grab your tickets now!
The Color Purple runs for approximately 2 hours 50 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. It is recommended for ages 15 and up.
Goodman Theatre: The Color Purple Chicago Review – The Color Purple is playing at The Goodman Theatre through 8/3/25. Tickets can be purchased on the Goodman Theatre website or by calling (312) 443-3800. Goodman Theatre is located at 170 North Dearborn in Chicago.