Broadway in the Hood to put on ‘The Color Purple’

From an award-winning novel to a feature film and national Broadway production, "The Color Purple" has captured audiences and gained fans throughout the world. This weekend, Broadway in the Hood brings the story to life with a local twist .

The 40-person cast of valley residents and special guests Bubba Knight from Gladys Knight & the Pips and Gospel singer Lecresia Campbell are set to perform four shows at the West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

Torrey Russell, "The Color Purple" director and founder of Broadway in the Hood, said this production provides aspects that are different from what one would expect on the national level.

"I'm looking forward to bringing in a community that wouldn't have the opportunity to see this show at The Smith Center," Russell said. "They don't have to spend $50 to have that experience. It's an opportunity to see the level of talent we have here in Las Vegas."

The cast ranges from children as young as 6 to adults in their 60s. Russell said the actors were chosen from more than 300 people who auditioned in a two-day span.

Tianna Lewis, who plays the role of Celie, initially auditioned for any role in the production and was surprised to secure the lead. Lewis said relaying that "The Color Purple's" tale of love and pain is her favorite part about being in the production.

"I just love telling the story and being around all this talent," Lewis said. "I think anyone (who) has a mother or a daughter or a sister should come see this show. It's very female-driven. It's about post-slavery, our own community and being a black woman at the worst time to be one."

Lewis said Celie is different from what people would expect with a lead role, which is something she hopes to portray on stage.

"I've had a lot of people tell me, 'You're too pretty to be Celie,' " Lewis said. "Celie isn't ugly. She sees herself that way. Most leads want to be very glamorous, but there's nothing glamorous about Celie. She's a very real character, and I feel like everyone can relate to her."

Miquel Pitts stars as Celie's sister Nettie in the production. Pitts said Nettie is a complement to Celie, which she feels the audience will recognize as the show progresses.

"When Nettie comes on stage, people think, 'Oh, there goes Celie's backbone,' " Pitts said. "She sees the hurt her sister is going through, but she stays strong and keeps it together for both of them. She wants the best for her and her sister."

In addition to immersing the audience into the characters, Russell plans to include them in the show. He said the production begins with actors in the audience and brings some of the spectators into a scene at one point during the show.

Marcus Weathersby, who plays the preacher , expects the audience will relate to the production and the life lessons it portrays.

"(The audience) can expect to cry, laugh and expect the unexpected," Weathersby said. "I think they'll take heed to the story and see that no matter how gloomy the situation is, there's always a glimpse of hope."

"The Color Purple" is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the theater inside the West Las Vegas Library. Though admission is free, tickets are required and may be picked up two hours before the show at the library.

For more information, call 507-3980 or visit broadwayinthehood.org.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.