Cynthia Erivo steals the show in The Color Purple

Zachary Stewart, TheaterMania

"It's a sheer delight to hear Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray's soulful score on a Broadway stage, performed by immensely talented vocalists. Also, John Doyle's stripped-down staging better serves Marsha Norman's efficient book than the original did."

"This scaled-down production also allows the story, music, and performances to shine through in new ways. Making her Broadway debut, Hudson (the Academy Award-winning star of Dreamgirls) exudes a star quality that feels natural for Shug. She's also in particularly great vocal form."

"As Celie, Erivo brings us to another level in her brave, understated, and unforgettable Broadway debut. Celie is the Jean Valjean of this Les Miserablian epic."

Alexis Soloski, The Guardian

★★★

"This version is streamlined and stripped down. Doyle’s strategy allows the fine performances, particularly Cynthia Erivo as the downtrodden Celie, to brighten it up."

"The script is more schematic than the novel, its complexities sometimes reduced to cliches. The score has occasionally vivid moments, but is often sweetly unremarkable in its borrowings from blues, gospel and folk. The emotive content can tend toward the soppy."

"Hudson may have a marquee name, but make no mistake this is Erivo’s show. She’s here and if New York producers have any sense, she’ll stay."

Ben Brantley, The New York Times

"The current version is a slim, fleet-footed beauty, simply attired and beguilingly modest. Don’t be deceived, though, by its air of humility. There’s a deep wealth of power within its restraint."

"Ms. Hudson, though, brings a softening vulnerability to Shug… Best known as a recording artist and American Idol finalist (who also won an Oscar for the movie Dreamgirls), Ms. Hudson radiates a lush, supple stage presence that is echoed by her velvet voice."

"Ms. Erivo has emerged as a bona fide star who lifts the audience to its feet."

Marilyn Stasio, Variety

"Cynthia Erivo, the tiny pint of dynamite who originated the role at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London, brings the audience roaring to its feet as Celie."

"In a feat of reverse magic, Doyle’s minimalist production maximizes the strength and beauty of Marsha Norman’s book."

" Hudson, gorgeous to look at and blessed with that incredible voice, is perfectly cast as the voluptuous sexpot Shug Avery."

Michael Dale, Broadway World

"Director John Doyle's bloodless, concert-like revival of The Color Purple is a production that is fortunately saved by the talent and commitment of its fine ensemble of leading ladies."

"British star Erivo gives an exemplary acting performance, taking the self-sacrificing Celie on a journey discovering her self-worth."

"Whatever the shortcomings of the writing and direction, these three women, all making their Broadway debuts, help ensure there'll be plenty to cheer for."

The Color Purple is currently running at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre, New York.