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A CurtainUp Review
Purlie
by Ariana Mufson
|
Make way for a new-fangled preacher man! Ain't gonna promise no cherry and rye/ No glorious life on that great other side/ I got a different message to spread/ How bout some glory days before we are dead? -- Purlie in "New-Fangled Preacher Man" |
The title character and cast members in "Walk Him Up The Stairs"
(Photo: Craig Schwartz) |
The story breaks into song whenever it gets the chance with a knock out opening which showcases the entire cast. After a prologue, we are introduced to Purlie Victorious Judson who has returned home to the cotton plantation of Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee, deep in south Georgia. The time is the early 1960s, and segregation and indentured servitude is still rampant.
Purlie has come to stop the Cap'n from cheating his black workers and to collect the money owed to his cousin Bea. He brings along an ex-kitchen girl, Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins from Alabama, to impersonate his cousin so that she can collect from the Cap'n.
The phenomenal ensemble brings the stage to life in the group numbers. It's hard to choose a favorite, though the opener "Walk Him Up the Stairs" stays with you long after the show has ended. Though the solo performers are up to the task of keeping the energy high, I occasionally almost wished to see the ensemble join in -- a testament to their talent.
Jacques C. Smith (Purlie) and Paulette Ivory (Lutiebelle) own the stage when they sing and perform, especially in "New-Fangled Preacher Man" and "I Got Love." In "Down Home," a duet between Purlie and Aunt Missy, Smith and Loretta Devine bring down the house. Just as good are Gitlow Judson and the Field Hands in "Skinnin' a Cat", which sent the audience into hysterics. Gitlow (Harrison White) and Aunt Missy Judson (Loretta Devine) hit every comic note and avoid caricature by imbuing their over the top characters with emotion and subtext. Also noteworthy are Billy Gill as Cap'n Cotchipee's mild mannered and slavery hating son, as well as Cap'n Cotchipee's cook, Idella Landy (E. Faye Butler, a genius of comic timing).
The opening of the second act is more somber than the first as the Field Hands go to work in "First Thing Monday Morning." The ensemble again shines. Though there are fewer stand out numbers, the second act ends on a high note with a reprise of the jovial "Walk Him up the Stairs."
The set and choreography are perfect, bringing the players close and giving the show an intimate feel. Director Epps keeps the jokes and insinuations timely. He presses us to question integration, whether in the 1960s or today. Despite the stereotypes incorporated in order to turn them on their head, Epps has created an atmosphere that lets the diverse audience join together to laugh at the absurdity of slavery and segregation. This is not a stodgy musical but a show that makes you feel as if you are in a gospel church where you are encouraged to let loose and join in.
Purlie provides a a wonderful opportunity to visit the Pasadena Playhouse, especially now that it's been extended into August. The singers never hit a sour note, and the catchy tunes will stay in your head long after the curtain has come down.
| PURLIE Music By: Gary Geld Lyrics By: Peter Udell Book By: Ossie Davis, Philip Rose, and Peter Udell Based upon the play PURLIE VICTORIOUS by Ossie Davis Director: Sheldon Epps Cast: Jacques C. Smith, Paulette Ivory, Loretta Devine, E. Faye Butler, Billy Gill, Lyle Kanouse, Harrison White with Sean Blake, Melanie Collins, Rachel Montez Collins, Ronnie Duncan, Derric Harris, Edwin Henry, Danielle Hobbs, Sara Beth Lane, Rocklin Thompson, Timothy Ware, Lisa Nicole Wilkerson, and Byron Glenn Willis Set Design: James Leonard Joy Costume Design: Paul Tazewell Lighting Design: Allen Lee Hughes Sound Design: Frederick W. Boot Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 10 minute intermission Dates: From 6/24/05 just extended to 8/7/05 Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 Tickets: $37-$53. Performance times: Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m, Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday Matinee performance July 20 at 2 p.m. For tickets call the Box Office at 626-356-PLAY or visit the website: www.pasadenaplayhouse.org Reviewed by Ariana Mufson on Sunday, July 10, 2005. Musical Numbers Act 1 Walk Him Up the Stairs New Fangled Preacher Man Skinnin' a Cat Purlie The Harder They Fall Charlie's Songs Big Fish, Little Fish I Got Love Great White Father Reprise: Skinnin' a Cast Down Home Act 2 First Thing Monday Morning He Can Do It Reprise: The Harder They Fall The World Is Comin' to a Start Reprise: Walk Him Up the Stairs |
Easy-on-the budget super gift for yourself and your musical loving friends. Tons of gorgeous pictures.
Retold by Tina Packer of Shakespeare & Co.
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Our Review
At This Theater
Leonard Maltin's 2005 Movie Guide
Ridiculous!The Theatrical Life & Times of Charles Ludlam
6, 500 Comparative Phrases including 800 Shakespearean Metaphors by CurtainUp's editor.
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