ATLarts

By Jeff

July 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

It is without a doubt one of the best musicals of our time. A film adaptation could only be done under the meticulous care of Oprah Winfrey. As far as who should play the roles, I love Fantasia, but Janette Bayardelle, who plays Celie on the tour, is one of the best singers on the stage today, much better than Fantasia, truth be told. When I saw it on Broadway, I thought BeBe Winans was a great Harpo, would be great on film, and would draw the gospel growd out in droves, but Chaka Khan disappointed as Sofia. I think Sofia P. Fields has done the best job with that - but maybe with her Tyler Perry connections to Oprah, Tamela Mann could take on that role? That woman is a powerhouse and would be excellent. I would be surprised to see this musical happen soon, to be honest, because normally producers (like Winfrey) do not begin work on a big-screen adaptation until the stage musical has run its course. Color Purple is still going very strong in cities around the country on tour. I’d expect this to be at least 2 years away if not more.

By Jeff

July 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

It is without a doubt one of the best musicals of our time. A film adaptation could only be done under the meticulous care of Oprah Winfrey. As far as who should play the roles, I love Fantasia, but Janette Bayardelle, who plays Celie on the tour, is one of the best singers on the stage today, much better than Fantasia, truth be told. When I saw it on Broadway, I thought BeBe Winans was a great Harpo, would be great on film, and would draw the gospel growd out in droves, but Chaka Khan disappointed as Sofia. I think Sofia P. Fields has done the best job with that - but maybe with her Tyler Perry connections to Oprah, Tamela Mann could take on that role? That woman is a powerhouse and would be excellent. I would be surprised to see this musical happen soon, to be honest, because normally producers (like Winfrey) do not begin work on a big-screen adaptation until the stage musical has run its course. Color Purple is still going very strong in cities around the country on tour. I’d expect this to be at least 2 years away if not more.

By Leigh Perry

July 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

My husband and I attended the Color Purple at the Fox last week. The actors were terrific and gifted vocalist. I think the female who played Sofia could successfully transition to an on screen role. As for Celie, I would prefer to see Fantasia. If Tamela Mann was offered the role, she would arguably provide a superior performance for the movie.

We trust Oprah will maintain control over the movie. Portions of the play were quite surprising (i.e. Celie and Shug). A great adult play. :)

By jct

July 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

I saw the play last week as well. The young lady that is playing Celie has one of the most beautiful instruments that I have heard in a long time. I love musical theater. I was most impressed by her and Sofia P. Fields. She is a power house on stage.

My vote is no to Fantasia. I like her but not for this.

The woman who played the church lady in the 1st scene also is wonderful. Actually, the whole cast was wonderful.

The first act held together well. The second act seemed a little contrived but it did not ruin the experience.

By Perhaps

July 28, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Well Fantasia got AMAZING reviews on Broadway far better then any other Celie who has done the play which is WHY a movie musical version is in talks in the first place. Prior to Fantasia taking this role by storm, there was NO talk of a musical remake, hence why she WOULD star. If Fantasia chose not to do it, it likely wouldn’t be made and it most definitely would not put one of the unknown boradway actresses in the lead of the movie musical. Why do you think the show closed on Broadway AFTER Fantasia left? Because she WAS that good in this role people. The show was to go on much longer then it did.

Even Oprah who has seen EVERY Celie in this role said that Fantasia by far and away the best she had ever seen. What anyone else thinks really isn’t important. LOL!!!!!! It’s more then the voice folks, it’s the acting and stage presence, simply because you think another actress who’s singing voice you prefer over fantasia would be better for that reason, what about the acting and heart of the role? You can only put so much into the singing anyway.

I suggest you all run and read all of Fantasia’s reviews for TCP they will knock your socks off.

By booshie

July 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Perhaps, You are truly right in your statement. Fantasia was simply great in the role that is why Oprah wanted to do the film. People might try to hate on Fantasia but one thing is for sure she is Celie and Oprah knows it!

By Lee

July 28, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Let me guess. The story was about race, and all the bad things that happen to blacks, might that be right?

I vote to have Jesse Jackson in it.

By SFMom

July 28, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Lee go slither back under your rock!

By Reva

July 28, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

I have seen Janette, Fantasia and LaChanze all play the role of Celie. There is a reason why there were no talks of making the movie musical until Fantasia reprised the role, that is because none of the other women brought the depth of emotion to that role that Fantasia did. Like the New York Post said, it became an entirly new show once Fantasia stepped on the stage. I don’t think role of Celeie was ever open to anyone else but Fantasia and that is as it should be.

I hope Ms. Elisabeth Withers-Mendes who played Shug for the entire Broadway run of The Color Purple is givin a change to audition for the role in the movie musical because the on stage chemistry between her and Fantasia was beautiful to see and I am sure it would make an amazing transition to screen.

By Racebaiter

July 28, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

How about a bunch of white people? We’ll call it “The Color Purp”. After all, they made “The Wiz” with a bunch of black people.

By jess

July 28, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

purple people

By ron-el

July 29, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Why is it that anytime there is a civil discussion about anything, there always seem to be nasty racists who raise their heads to croon about why they and forefathers were not racists.

By ron-el

July 29, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Why is it that anytime there is a civil discussion about anything, there always seem to be nasty racists who raise their heads to croon about why they and forefathers were not racists.

By thogwummpy

July 29, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Prince. Anything to do with purple; he’s into it.

By Bill Geller

July 29, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Felicia as Sophia on film? What’s not to love?! Oprah herself famously said on TV, before Color Purple opened on Broadway, that she was day dreaming about possibly doing a short stint in the show in New York, to give the actress playing Sophia a little summer break and to have the fun of appearing on Broadway. “But then I heard Felicia sing!” she confided. That was the end of Oprah’s thought to play a singing Sophia, a role she said Felicia P. Fields OWNED. Well, if possession is nine-tenths of the law, Oprah’s declaration of Felicia’s ownership has to provide the last tenth, don’t you think? Sure, others could do the role splendidly. (Some people assume the role is Queen Latifah’s if she wants it.) But Felicia will wow the international audience for the film, and isn’t it more important, in marketing the movie, to have a marquee name playing Celie? Otherwise a big celebrity playing Sophia could detract from the attention Celie rightfully deserves as the central character in the story.

By Noelle

July 29, 2008 6:15 AM | Link to this

@ ron-el because they are miserable little people who resent the fact that life is passing them by and no one cares about their ignorant opinion. If you notice no matter what topic the vent posts you have these miserable unhappy people who turn it into a race issue as if they are somehow superior. Let’s just continue to ignore them. We realize it takes a lot of energy and misery to be hateful.

By Katie

July 29, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this

The Color Purple was a great movie. The original actors should play in it—DUH!!!

By booshie

July 29, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

^ The original actors are to old and they can’t sing thats why there not going to be in the THE COLOR PURPLE MUSICAL..DUH

By Aaron

July 29, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

My wife made the drive from Gadsden,Ala to see the play, it was wonderful and I believe that Sofia made the play & she should get first dibs on the role on the big screen, can’t wait for it. Thanks Oprah

By nancy smith

July 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I myself think Halle Berry would be perfect for the roll if you look at the roles she has played in the past the woman could play anything and it would be great. Nancy

By havaa

July 30, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this

^ It’s a musical and Halle Berry CAN’T SING!!!!!!!!!!!

By CKW

August 13, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

I saw Jeannette and Elizabeth in the NYC production, and absolutely fell in love. While I think Jeannette has the better voice, from what I’ve heard Fantasia owned the role dramatically. If you pair that with her powerhouse voice, you can’t go wrong.

I saw LaTonya Holmes at a recent performance as Celie, and she was great. Her voice isn’t as good as Jeannette’s, but she was a powerhouse performer. I think Elizabeth would be wonderful onscreen, but there are others who could do it too.

Now hate me if you must, but I think Jennifer Hudson would be amazing as Sophia. Felicia P. Fields is great, but she’s too old to play her from young to old. You can make someone look older onscreen, but making them look younger is damn near impossible. Jennifer has already proved she can act (remember she won an Oscar!), and Lord knows she can belt.

As for Harpo, Mister, Nettie and Squeak, thats an open playing field if you ask me. Taye Diggs would make a good Harpo, but thats just my opinion.

By CKW

August 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I saw Jeannette and Elizabeth in the NYC production, and absolutely fell in love. While I think Jeannette has the better voice, from what I’ve heard Fantasia owned the role dramatically. If you pair that with her powerhouse voice, you can’t go wrong.

I saw LaTonya Holmes at a recent performance as Celie, and she was great. Her voice isn’t as good as Jeannette’s, but she was a powerhouse performer. I think Elizabeth would be wonderful onscreen, but there are others who could do it too.

Now hate me if you must, but I think Jennifer Hudson would be amazing as Sophia. Felicia P. Fields is great, but she’s too old to play her from young to old. You can make someone look older onscreen, but making them look younger is damn near impossible. Jennifer has already proved she can act (remember she won an Oscar!), and Lord knows she can belt.

As for Harpo, Mister, Nettie and Squeak, thats an open playing field if you ask me. Taye Diggs would make a good Harpo, but thats just my opinion.

By leeng

August 20, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Sorry JHud cant play everything that was offered to Fantasia first so with that being said get over it Fantasia is that six million dollar woman in sales remember………and she will play this role or their wont be a musical of TCP!!!!!!!!!!