Taraji P. Henson: "The Color Purple"

We have a cast for the movie adaptation (of the musical adaptation of the movie adaptation of the novel) The Color Purple.

I'm surprised that Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo isn't the lead performer, and I imagine this subject will be the focus of my Internet-surfing today.

On another note: My favorite Color Purple moment belongs to Shug, and, in my heart, Shug will always be Heather Headley. Shug is sitting with Celie, and Celie casually describes herself as "ugly," because the world has repeatedly assigned this word to Celie. Startled, Shug disagrees. And she sings something simple and direct to Celie:

I've always been the kind of gal

That's had a lot to say.

I says the things that's on my mind....

Too dumb to shy away.

But you hush my mouth and still me

With a song I've never heard.

I guess that means that you are just--

Too beautiful for words.

Shug elaborates. She alludes to her starry past with kings and counts. But:

When I see what's in your heart--

All the rest is blurred.

The grace you bring into this world's

Too beautiful for words.

This is an electrifying moment--and it changes Celie and Shug. It's plausible, and the writing seems effortless. The song doesn't get a great deal of attention, but let's hope that Taraji P. Henson can "correct the popular record." I'm excited about this movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNrY6etoF-4

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