Women rise up in 'The Color Purple' at DPAC

The musical, which plays at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, is an empowering tale of a group of women railing against the many abuses they have suffered at the hands of the men in their lives. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book and award-winning film, "Purple" tells the story of Celie and her sister, Nettie. We meet Celie just before she gives birth to her second child, Olivia. The baby is taken away by her father, Alphonso, shortly after its birth. Celie reveals that her father has been raping her since she was 12 years old. He fathered Olivia and her first child, Adam.

Celie is beaten down, physically and emotionally, but she finds solace in Nettie, who is going to school and hopes to become a teacher. The sisters soon become separated when a local farmer, known as Mister, decides he wants to marry Nettie. When Alphonso refuses, Mister settles for Celie only after he is given a free cow as well.

Celie is tasked with taking care of Mister's children, household chores and all of his needs. He beats her often and constantly reminds her how ugly she is. Adrianna Hicks' portrayal of Celie is fantastic. She walks hunched over – her spirit broken. When Celie finally does stand up to Mister, it has even more of an impact because the audience has seen Hicks' transformation.

Celie finds inspiration in the women around her, including Sophia, played by Carrie Compere. Compere played the role on Broadway and is a true scene-stealer. Her big voice, especially on "Hell No," and comedic timing really helped capture Sophia's essence.

Celie also finds a close bond with Shug Avery, a washed-up singer who rolls back into town looking for a fresh start. Shug, played by Carla R. Stewart, helps Celie find herself and is ultimately responsible for rescuing her from Mister. The scenes between Shug and Celie are so full of emotion, especially during the song "What About Love?"

While the women rule the stage, Gavin Gregory's Mister manages to play a villainous character whom you want to see redeemed.

The cast and story are so strong, you don't even notice that the set, a series of walls holding wooden chairs, never changes.