On paper, this adaptation of Alice Walker's best-selling novel has all the markings of a hit. It makes Oprah Winfrey's debut as a theater producer, the libretto is by Marsha Norman (Night Mother), and the lyrics and music are by a trio of seasoned pop pros: Allee Willis (the eccentric woman behind "Neutron Dance" and the theme from Friends), Stephen Bray (who worked on such Madonna hits as "True Blue" and "Express Yourself"), and Brenda Russell (the smooth soul-jazz songstress behind "Piano in the Dark"). That team has put together a series of fairly catchy songs that may lack depth but adeptly handle various idioms like gospel ("Mysterious Ways"), R&B ("Push Da Button"), and African rhythms ("African Homeland"). Though the inspirational vibe can get a bit much, softening the edges and preventing genuine artistic complexity, The Color Purple is a great showcase for its cast. As Celie, LaChanze delivers one of her usual sensitive performances, but watch also for Elisabeth Withers-Mendes's Shug--who sings a passionate paean to Celie ("Too Beautiful for Words")--and Renée Elise Goldsberry's Nettie (duetting with LaChange on "African Homeland"). The chance to hear these women strut their stuff almost makes up for the show's weaknesses.
DISC 1:
1. Overture
2. Main Title
3. Celie Leaves With Mr.
4. Corrine And Olivia
5. Nettie Teaches Celie
6. Separation, The
7. Celie And Harpo Grow Up / Mr. Dresses To See Shug
8. Careless Love
9. Sophia Leaves Harpo
10. Celie Cooks Shug Breakfast
11. Junk Bucket Blues
12. Dirty Dozens, The
13. Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)
14. Don't Make Me No Never Mind
15. My Heart (Will Always Lead Me Back To You)
16. Three On The Road
17. Bus Pulls Out
DISC 2:
1. First Letter, The
2. Letter Search
3. Nettie's Letters
4. High Life / Proud Theme
5. J. B. King
6. Heaven Belongs To You
7. Katutoka Corrine
8. Celie Shaves Mr. / Scarification Ceremony
9. I'm Here
10. Champagne Train
11. Celie's New House / Body And Soul
12. Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'
13. Reunion / Finale
Color Purple
