Review: Chromolume Theatre’s ‘The Color Purple’ at the Zephyr

Marsha Norman’s musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel “The Color Purple,” with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, is being thoughtfully staged by Chromolume at the Zephyr Theatre through March 29.

Veronica Driscoll (Celie) and Minque Taylor (Shug Avery) in Chromolume's "The Color Purple" at Zephyr Theatre (Photo by James Esposito)

Set in the rural American South in the early 1900s, the story follows Celie (Veronica Driscoll), a dark-skinned Black woman whose life is shaped by abuse, forced marriage and separation from her beloved sister Nettie. Over time, Celie slowly learns to reclaim her voice and sense of self. Through resilience, spiritual reflection, and the relationships she forms along the way, she begins to understand her worth and step into her own strength.

Director Elijah Green clearly understands the material and executes his vision effectively within the constraints of a black-box theatre. Pacing is steady and never drags, allowing the emotional beats of the story to land naturally. The first act closes with the duet “What About Love?” sung by Celie and traveling blues singer Shug Avery (Minque Taylor), a moment that lands with impact. The staging of the abuse between Celie and Mister (Lonnie Jones III) — the man she is forced to marry — is also handled with care, communicating the brutality of the relationship without becoming heavy handed.

Lonnie Jones III (Mister) in Chromolume's "The Color Purple" at Zephyr Theatre (Photo by James Esposito)

Scenic design by Shawn Plunkett also makes thoughtful use of the limited space. At center sits a low triangular platform positioned in front of an outer frame that resembles a church structure. Even within the simplicity of the black-box environment, the design supports the storytelling and remains visually effective throughout the production. And lighting designer Daniel Michener adds atmosphere through rich hues of blue, orange, red and purple washing across the stage, adding emotional texture and helping elevate key moments in the musical.

All the performances feel grounded and lived in, with the cast fully embracing the setting and emotional weight of the material, aided by Shon LeBlanc’s period-appropriate costuming. Driscoll as Celie in particular delivers a standout performance. Her presence is undeniable every time she steps onstage, capturing the full arc of the character both vocally and through careful acting choices.

Jonathan Farrington (Harpo) and Jodi Marks (Sofia) in Chromolume's "The Color Purple" at Zephyr Theatre (Photo by James Esposito)

Although the character of Mister is deeply unpleasant, Jones presents him with complexity, creating a thought-provoking performance that feels layered and believable. And Jonathan Farrington as Mister’s son Harpo and Jodi Marks as Harpo’s wife Sofia bring energy and charisma to their roles, offering entertaining performances that add depth and texture to the story. The entire ensemble’s strong chemistry, attentive listening and commitment to the world of the play create cohesion and engagement.

James Esposito’s sound design works seamlessly with Miki Yokomizo’s musical direction. Much of the production features live scoring, which enhances the immediacy of the performance. Kiarah Davis on guitar and Tony Jones on drums provide a musical backbone that supports the vocal performances and deepens the emotional landscape.

Veronica Driscoll (Celie) in Chromolume's "The Color Purple" at Zephyr Theatre (Photo by James Esposito)

Themes of resilience, perseverance, and women’s empowerment sit at the heart of this production. The story ultimately becomes a powerful meditation on the strength of the Black Woman’s spirit. It also underscores the importance of expressing love, claiming personal dignity and learning to extend compassion to oneself.

During opening night’s performance, despite an early interruption from a drunken patron who had to be removed from the theatre, the cast and production team remained professional and resumed without missing a beat. The audience stayed engaged, and the performance maintained its emotional momentum from beginning to end. This production is deserving of a larger stage, and it is one I would gladly return to see again.

Chromolume Theatre’s “The Color Purple” continues through March 29 at the Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., plus 7 p.m. on March 22. For tickets, visit ChrTheatre.com. Run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.