The Color Purple

The Color Purple - The Musical @ The Benedum Center

The Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA, came alive with the vibrant energy of “The Color Purple,” a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The show’s powerful storytelling, soulful music, and exceptional performances left the audience spellbound.

Leading the cast was the remarkable Kayla Davion, who portrayed Celie— a mistreated young woman and her metamorphic, soul-stirring experiences through life. Davion’s portrayal was nothing short of extraordinary. Her emotional depth and vulnerability brought Celie’s struggles to life, and her superb singing voice resonated through the theater. When she sang, it felt like the entire room held its breath, captivated by her talent.

Another standout performance came from Maisha McQueen as Sofia. McQueen’s comedic timing was impeccable, injecting humor into the story without missing a beat. Her portrayal of Sofia—a strong-willed woman who refuses to be silenced—was both empowering and entertaining. McQueen’s stage presence and charisma were infectious, leaving the audience in stitches.

The show’s pacing was remarkable, keeping a face-paced, entertaining journey. Each scene seamlessly transitioned into the next, keeping the audience engaged and emotionally invested. The joyous score, featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, underscored the characters’ triumphs and tribulations.

While Kayla Davion and Maisha McQueen stole the spotlight, the entire cast delivered exceptional performances. From the spirited church choir singing to the heartwarming interactions between characters, every moment felt genuine and heartfelt. The entire ensemble truly shined, entertaining us with a celebration of resilience, love, and the human spirit.

Dinner & Drinks Before the Show - @ Ritual House

Beforehand, we dined out at Ritual House, located in downtown Pittsburgh. I highly recommend trying the Cavatappi Pasta, (vodka tomato cream sauce, grilled chicken, herb whipped ricotta) it was AMAZING! The vodka tomato cream sauce was perfection, with a goldilocks consistency – not too runny, not too thick – just right! Their recently re-tooled “Eclectic Cocktails” menu includes an Aphrodite drink which also hit the mark with just the right balance of sweetness and alcohol. For dessert, I tried a slice of the Seasonal Cheesecake, which was light, coated in a thin silky chocolate shell, and served with fresh blackberries and blueberries. So Y.U.M.M.Y! Overall, it was a fantastic meal from start to finish. It was my first visit to Ritual House, who utilizes the tagline “Savor Life’s Rituals” and I just may have to make going there one of mine!

Ritual House (ritualhousepgh.com)

Seasonal Cheescake @ Ritual House