By Hali Ledford / Staff Writer
After spending a few years on Broadway, the jazz,
ragtime, gospel and blues music of "The Color Purple" will arrive in
Asheville at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on May 4.
"I am sure Asheville will love it," said
Traci Allen, who plays Nettie in the musical. "The themes of love and
hope, which drive ‘The Color Purple,' are timeless and universal."
Based on Alice Walker's novel, the musical tells the
story of Celie, who, at 14 years old, has already given birth to two babies as
a result of her father's sexual abuse. Celie's children are taken from her and
she is married off to an abusive husband, Mister, to take care of his four
children.
Walker also tells the story of an entire community of
characters such as Sofia, who speaks her mind, Celie's younger sister Nettie,
songstress Shug Avery and a trio of gossiping church ladies.
Steven Spielberg's 1985 film adaptation of the novel
received Oscar nominations for best picture and best music. Whoopi Goldberg was
nominated for best actress in a leading role and Oprah Winfrey for best actress
in a supporting role.
"I have always loved the story of ‘The Color
Purple,'" O'Dell said. "I have been dying to see the show since it
came to Broadway, so when I heard that it was touring and coming to Asheville,
I had to have tickets. It truly is a story that people of all ages can
enjoy."
O'Dell said she was a little upset when she found out
"The Color Purple" would only be in town for one night.
The show is trying to reach as many audiences as
possible, which is why it will spend only one night in Asheville, according to
Allen.
Allen, 25, has been acting since she was in the eighth
grade and has also starred in other plays including "Once on this
Island," "Footloose," "Five Fingers of Funk" and
"Into the Woods," to name a few. She said she is happy to be a part
of the cast of "The Color Purple."
"I believe in this story and the power of love,
which is at the heart of this story," Allen said. "I'm very proud to
have a part in telling it."
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