StageArt’s The Color Purple
This heartening musical of rhythm, soul, jazz and blues takes it’s audience on a journey of adversity, liberation and ultimately celebration.
From Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning bestselling novel and Stephen Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated film comes the Australasian premiere of this breathtaking Tony Award winning stage musical at Chapel off Chapel,
Spanning four decades and three continents, The Color Purple chronicles the life of Celie, a battered and downtrodden African-American woman.
Music director Caleb Garfinkel creates a rich accompaniment with a tight band of only five musicians. Vocal performance is a highlight of the production, and is clearly a result not just of talent but also of meticulous preparation. The vocals are boosted by three pit singers, and it is a credit to these singers, Garfinkel and sound designer Marcello Lo Ricco that these additional vocals blend so smoothly and unobtrusively.
Simon ParrisThe cast are incredible. You get goosebumps and cry from joy or sorrow from their vocals alone. This is a testament to both the talent of the performers, and their Musical Director Caleb Garfinkel.
ArtsHub
Caleb Garfinkel as musical director has assembled a tight and versatile band of five. Although small in number, the quintet produce a full sound for each genre they play, as the score ranges from jazz and blues, to reggae, tribal and gospel. He has also led the cast through some incredible vocal arrangements. The harmonies the cast produce across the show provide some of the most emotionally poignant moments.
Theatre PeopleMusical direction by Caleb Garfinkel was well-executed. With the music in this production clearly a highlight, Garfinkel certainly had his work cut out for him – masterfully balancing the leading of the band while also playing guitar and keyboard.
Theatre Press
Executive Producer: Katherine Armstrong
Executive Producer/Director: Robbie Carmellotti
Musical Director: Caleb Garfinkel
Choreographer: Jayden Hicks
Company Manager: Dean Drieberg
Assistant Choreographer: Charlotte Tooke
Stage Manager/Props Manager: Sam Hornstein
Directors Assistant: Ruth Brown
StageArt Assistant: Keshia Contini
Assistant Stage Manager/Production: Assistant Alexandre Guérin
Production Assistant: Lauren Rosato
Sound Design: Marcello Lo Ricco and LSS Productions
Lighting Design: Jason Bovaird, Maddy Seach and Moving Light Productions
Costume Design: Rhiannon Irving
Hair and Make Up Designer: Rachel Mclean
Set/Show Design: Robbie Carmellotti
Dialect Coach: Mark Wong
Marketing: Katherine Armstrong
Public Relations: Magda Petkoff and Purple Media
Graphic Design: Ashley Gledhill
Photography: Belinda Strodder