The Root; Published By Stephanie Holland
In Black families, there are some movies that are considered essential viewing. Like, “Don’t come to my house if you haven’t seen it” essential. One of those movies is The Color Purple.
Everyone may not have read Alice Walker’s novel, but most Black people can definitely recite the film’s dialogue line by line. Its cultural impact made the prospect of a musical version very risky. However, the stage musical turned out to be a big hit, winning Tonys for several of its stars. When we heard there would be a film adaptation of the show, we knew it would all come down to casting and the producers did not disappoint.
Like the movie, the story rests on Celie. Fantasia Barrino, who previously played the role on Broadway and in the touring production, reprises Celie for the new movie. Based on what we get in the first trailer, she once again gives a jaw-dropping performance. I’ve been lucky enough to see the musical twice—both times starring Fantasia—and she’s remarkable. Seriously, if you’ve never heard her sing “I’m Here” live, it’s life-changing.
