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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Angela Robinson, Star of The Color Purple National Tour

By Olin Meadows

When Broadway Across America-Austin presents the national tour of Tony Award-winning musical The Color Purple at Bass Concert Hall from January 12th through 17th, actress Angela Robinson will still be taking the stage as sultry blues singer "Shug Avery." The Broadway actress relishes the role, where she helps protagonist "Celie" discover herself

in the critically-acclaimed musical.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg, The Color Purple stages the inspiring story of an African-American woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discovers her unique voice in the world. The Grammy-nominated score - by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray - features gospel, jazz, pop and the blues.

Taking a quick break during the national tour of The Color Purple, Robinson talks to Olin Meadows about playing the iconic character Shug Avery, why the show is not a “Black story,” and how the musical has a profound effect on the audiences that experience the show.

Olin Meadows: How long have you been on tour, and where have you performed?

Angela Robinson: I have been apart of the tour for almost two years. I would have to say that Atlanta was probably my favorite, and then Washington performing in the Kennedy Center. And we travel every week, so we are in a different city every week. But Atlanta, Washington - and Toronto was wonderful as well - those are my favorites.

O.M.: What is it like playing a role that is so iconic as Shug Avery?

A.R.: I don't think about it that way, because if I did, I would probably be a wreck. I am just excited every night to play this wonderful woman, who sings these wonderful songs and (performs) these scenes that Alice Walker wrote.

And I enjoy being this character that plays such an important part of Celie's journey. She has Shug and Sophia and the community to help her in her journey, and I just enjoy being able to be a part of that. It helps me to remember to be there for others when they are down in their life.

O.M.: What is like being in this show that is so different from other shows on Broadway?

A.R.: Well, I performed it on Broadway, and we won one Tony and were nominated for 11 - just like the movie, which was nominated for 11 Oscars and did not win any.

I say all of that to show how the story was not received as well as it should have. This so is unlike any other show, because of the way that it effects the audience. There is not another musical on Broadway, off-Broadway or touring that affects an audience the way that The Color Purple does. No matter who you are, you walk away feeling better about you situation.

(Photos by Paul Kolink [from top]:

- Angela Robinson as "Shug Avery" and Jeannette Bayardelle as "Celie";

- Angela Robinson [right] with with Rufus Bonds, Jr. and The Ensemble)