In My Write Mind

Those words are a message to us all, one that forces us to reach back for that something extra when circumstances and situations threaten to run us over, when it seems that we’re at our wit’s end.

Just take a look.

That’s all that’s being asked of us. Whether it be around us or behind us. Definitely ahead of us. Just make sure we’re aware. Make sure we look at the important things, such as how wonderfully we’re made, even with our flaws. How much those we love mean to us, making sure that, after we take a look at them — seeing what God has done — we love them just a little bit more.

Those words, “Look what God has done …,” can well describe our feelings regarding life and our thankfulness for that gift. It also describes what should be our thankfulness for the planning, the dedication, the detail, the prayer that has come to fruition in the form of a spectacular stage play that celebrates life, love and hope. That forces us to take a look at what God has done.

Indeed, those five words will lead us, if we look, to three words that we’ve undoubtedly celebrated at some point in our lives and would do well to celebrate now, whenever we get the chance.

These three words? “The Color Purple.“

When you hear those words, what are your first thoughts? Do you think about the novel that came from brilliant author Alice Walker? What about the screen adaptation helmed by Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg and produced and scored by the great Quincy Jones?

Immediately, my mind went to both those places. And each time I hear these three words, it still will. However, after seeing the musical stage play this past weekend — adapted by Marsha Norman, produced by Jones and Oprah Winfrey and the Weinstein brothers, to name a few, and directed by Gary Griffin — this will be my new benchmark.

For it is here that you gain a new appreciation for the complicated relationships and the hope that existed in that fictional Georgia town.

We all know the story of Celie, a downtrodden black woman who endures a multitude of catastrophes, including separation from her sister Nettie and her children, as well as being given by her father into marriage to the horrible Mister (Kingsley Leggs). Played by actress LaChanze, the stage Celie’s vulnerability and wide-eyed view of life comes across convincingly.

Just like the novel and film, the play introduces us to the women that play a major role in Celie’s life: Nettie, played by Renee Goldsberry; her daughter in-law Sofia, magnificently portrayed by Broadway neophyte Felicia P. Fields; and Shug Avery, mistress of Mister, played by Elisabeth Winters-Mendes.

The bond that Celie shares with all of these women is captured wonderfully throughout the play, but especially the relationship with Shug. This version plays it closer to the written form than the film did — or even could — back in 1985, exploring their mutual attraction.

And it is in those moments — when Celie and Shug share the stage — that “Purple” shines most brilliantly. From their first meeting (“You sho’ is ugly!”) and through the years of mutual appreciation and love, you get to see the two on their lifelong journey. You get to take a look at what God has done.

When I first heard of the musical version of the novel coming to life, my skepticism abounded. How could a drama, I remember thinking, hold up with a musical treatment? Would it lose its luster, some of its color?

Happily, no. In fact, it’s the music that adds vibrance to the stage play. Let me put it this way: They say that love is friendship set on fire. Well, “The Color Purple” set to music is the original novel taken to the next level.

Award winning composer/lyricist Brenda Russell, who scored hits with “Piano in the Dark” as well as wrote the songs “If Only For One Night” and “Get Here,” is one-third of the dream team responsible for the musical’s selections. Along with Allee Willis, who wrote several hits for Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stephen Bray, who penned chart toppers for Madonna, Russell’s lyrics are somewhat R&B-ish at some turns. Contemporary, even. Which is fine.

Especially coupled with the vocal capabilities of the cast, who literally make you feel their joy, pain, hope and angst. The showstoppers include Sofia’s anti-domestic violence anthem, “Hell No!,” Celie and Shug’s duet, “What About Love?,” and the titular song, which is voiced by Shug and later reprised by the entire ensemble.

While the music takes the play to new heights, it’s still the acting that gives it depth. Celie’s highs and lows; Harpo and Sofia’s love for one another; Shug’s defiance-turned-dependence on Celie; Mister’s inspiring reclamation of his soul — the actors succeed in making us believe. In showing us life’s true colors.

In her novel, Walker referred to the color purple in the fields as one of the random, unexplainable wonders that forces us to take notice of the things around us. Appreciate them.

This third incarnation of “Purple” lends credence to the term “the third time’s a charm,” as well as adds to the list of wonders forcing us to take a longer look at love, hope and what really matters in life.

It officially begins its Broadway run on December 1st.

Do yourself this favor. Catch “The Color Purple” while it’s around. See what you see. See what God has done.

Just take a look …