Broadway musical 'The Color Purple' arrives at Emens

The Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated musical "The Color Purple" will take the stage at John R. Emens Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. today. This performance marks the start of this year's Artist Series, showcasing famous musicals and performances for free for Ball State students.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, "The Color Purple" tells the story of Celie, who becomes the backbone of her impoverished community by overcoming life's obstacles and finding her true voice. Set over a 40-year time period in the early- to mid-1900s in southern Georgia, the musical tackles issues such as abuse, poverty and self-acceptance.

While the novel and film delve deep into the dark yet inspiring experiences of Celie's life, the musical offers the same tear-jerking plot juxtaposed by comedic dialogue and soulful musical numbers.

Dayna Dantzler, who plays Celie, said she was hooked on the music before even seeing the Broadway performance for the first time in 2008. Songs of all different genres including jazz, blues, soul and R&B make the show, Dantzler said, adding a unique tone often absent in standard musical theater.

Dantzler, a Western Michigan graduate currently living in New York City, was ecstatic to hear she would be playing the first iconic role of her career as Celie. xAfter enduring the lengthy process of auditions, callbacks and waiting by the phone, Dantzler was chosen from the thousands of people who auditioned in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

"I was absolutely shocked that they chose me for such a huge role. I immediately called my mom to tell her the good news," Dantzler said.

After a three-month layoff from the show, which debuted in February, Danztler is excited to be performing again as Celie. Although she said she is fortunate enough to avoid the hardships Celie endured, she is confident that she embodies her character in every show.

"I have an understanding of her and try to show it as truthfully as I can," she said. "I think myself and many others can relate to my character in that she doesn't think she deserves everything she deserves. It's taught me that everyone and anyone is capable of happiness, which is why it can be so important to everyone."

Dantler said she hopes that those attending the show will leave as satisfied and inspired as she was the first time she saw the musical production in 2008.

"I think everyone should see and hear this story — college students, parents, teachers, those who love the theater, those who don't — everyone," she said. "It's too beautiful of a story to miss out on."

Robert Myers, director of Emens Auditorium and Pruis Hall, saw the show on Broadway a few years ago and highly encourages students to take advantage of this opportunity for free entertainment and see what he calls "a gorgeous production with a compelling storyline."

With more than 2,000 tickets sold already, 2,600 people are expected to attend the one-night showing of "The Color Purple." Students can obtain free tickets until 6 p.m. or pay $10 at the door.