Jann Coles

I saw the original movie. Loved, loved loved it! Saw it on Broadway with Lachanz, Fantasia and Cynthia Erivo as Celie. Loved all three shows! Loved this version as well! Each was excellent in its own way. This 2023 version is a great blending of the original movie and the Broadway play. The acting is outstanding. Fantasia does an excellent job of taking us on an emotional journey as Celie evolves. And her singing is top notch Oscar time! Danielle Brooks is Outstanding as Sophia. Her scene at the dinner table is a master class in acting. Oscar! Taraji is excellent as Shug Coleman Domingo is incredible as Mister Harpo and Nettie are played to perfection The choreography is superb blending the old with the new Yes, people, it’s a musical but with just the right amount of singing and dancing. This version makes you laugh and cry. You don’t want to miss it.

I never felt comfortable with the feel good treatment of an ugly period in history or the whiffs of “white savior”, but I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end due to the brilliant performances. Both lead actors deserve Oscar nominations. This was casting made in heaven. I’ll see the movie again.