By Marcus A. Williams
Special to the AFRO

Oprah Winfrey and the casting crew of “The Color Purple” could not have picked a better Celie with a magnifying glass. 

American Idol superstar, Fantasia brings her character and the stage play too life. 

The small screen may not be Fantasia's niche but the theater definitely is - her signature over acting is just what theater calls for. The Idol's passion and soulful singing really helps to evoke the emotional elements of the play. 

Celie's struggle with being overlooked and abused is one that most Americans can connect with, especially in the Black community, but it's rare that someone can make another individual, who has their own heartaches, empathize with their challenges.

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Fantasia's ability to connect with the audience is so amazing that when she cries there are actually members of the audience wiping tears away or trying to hold them back. 

When she hurts, your heart will shatter. When she's lost, your thoughts will cloud. When she's enraged, your fists will clench. And when she finally smiles, your soul will warm.

However, Fantasia, or should I say Celie, couldn't do it alone, she had the help of an amazing ensemble, which included fellow American Idol contestant, LeToya London.

....London.... played Nettie, Ceily's excommunicated sister who does all she can to reconnect.

For years, Nettie's letters never saw the light of day but knowing the situation her sister Celie was dealing with, she raised her children and made sure that her memory would never be lost despite not being there physically.

While Nettie is the emotional stability, ....Sofia...., played by Felicia P. Fields, is Celie's backbone. She is the fire that roars deep within a hidden chamber of Celie's heart. ....Sofia.... taught Celie what it meant to be an independent woman and stand on her own two feet no matter how socially unpopular it might have been.

Shirley M.E. Williams is a 51 year-old federal government employee who has seen the television movie for The Color Purple almost 20 times throughout her life and when she heard the play was coming to the District she knew she had to get tickets. 

The play took a few turns that the T.V. movie didn't, it ventures further into Celie's and Sug Avery's relationship, how Celie and Mista reconcile and Celie's new life as a business owner. 

Williams says she never knew there was so much more to the story and now she wants to go read the book.

Oprah Winfrey's “The Color Purple” opened in the District at the nationally historic ....John.. ..F... ..Kennedy.. ..Center.... to a packed house full of theater lovers, media and V.I.P.'s like BET CEO, Deborah Lee and the city's Mayor and first lady Adrian and Michelle Fenty.

The production will run in the nation's capital until August 9^th. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.kennedy-center.org/ or call (800) 444-1324.