Anyone who's ever read Alice Walker's The Color Purple, or even just seen the Spielberg film--hell, even seen part of it--knows what a harrowing yet jubilant life sweet Celie leads. Seems an appropriate translation then--taking that emotional and incredible journey from book to film and, finally, to musical. After receiving rave reviews on Broadway, The Color Purple: The Musical About Love is on a national tour, returning to Dallas with all the magic of its gospel and blues and jazz soundtrack...and, of course, the backing power of Oprah. Clearly, that's a name you can trust. (And with the announcement of her retirement from television talkies, we can only hope she'll one day either reprise her gut-wrenching performance as the hardened Sofia on the great stage...or find another equally powerful character to embody.) The touring cast may not feature Oprah, Whoopi or Danny Glover (sorry, D-Glo, you're just not a one-namer), as we all came to love and hate them on screen, but the story is still dynamic, and the music soulful. Fill the seats at the Music Hall at Fair Park Tuesday through January 24. Tickets are $25 to $85; call 214-631-ARTS or visit ticketmaster.com.Visit dallassummermusicals.org for more info.
Jan. 19-24, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Jan. 19. Continues through Jan. 24, 2010