Thinking of traveling to NYC to see Color Purple. First, has anyone seen it and what are your reviews? Worth traveling from the Midwest to see? Second, as a first-timer, good place to stay not far from Broadway theatre? Will only be there for a weekend. Thanks!

It's gotten very good reviews but I haven't seen it. There are no discounts available for it which says demand is strong. (It is occasionally available at the TKTS booth though).

There are TONS of hotels that would be within a short walk of that and many other theaters. For a good budget hotel, the Belvedere or the Comfort Inn Midtown would be good. For something a bit nicer, the Renaissance or the Marriott Marquis.

Actually, it's gotten pretty awful reviews although it is packing in the crowds. I would wait for the inevitable national tour.

I'm sorry Mike, but the reviews I've read have not been "awful." The biggest complaint has been it goes too fast (to get the whole story in).

If someone has never been to NYC, this is as good an excuse as any to visit. And while you're at it PYoung, see another show as well.

I am going to New York next week just to see the Color Purple. I loved the movie and the book, so I am elated that I am going to see the play. And it will be my first time in New York. My former supervisor saw it(The Color Purple) last month and she said it was wonderful.

Actually, the reviews were mixed! Some critics liked it and some didn't.

Just got an email from playbill about discounts available for some performances late Jan thr mid Feb. but not weekends.

Interestingly, the reviews themselves were very mixed- as in, each individual review was both positive and negative.

I saw it in previews, and really enjoyed it. I did think the first act was stronger than the second, but that may very well have changed during the preview period. It's a challenging story to fit into the time constraints of a 2 1/2 hour show.

It's definitely worth seeing, and is a refreshingly different style to add to the mix of shows out there right now. And despite what the critics said, it was a big hit with the audience, with some genuinely uplifting moments. LaChanze's performance as Celie is a surefire Tony nomination, I'll bet. It's worth seeing it for her alone- she's been wondeful since "Once On This Island" in the early 90s.

PYoung, a few months ago there was a thread with reviews for the show (mine included!). You might consider looking that up to see what you would think. But by all means, if it gives you a chance to take your first trip to New York, go for it!

Just wanted to see if anyone has seen this yet? I would like to know.

Momof5, there is a thread from a little while back with Fodorites' reviews of the show (including mine). If you do a search it should come up- I think it was from around November.

Tarheels- Good review.

FYI -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34702339

We have tickets for May.

Color Purple currently has this discount available on Playbill.com

"THE COLOR PURPLE for only $76.25* (reg. $111.25 - save $35) at one of 16 select performances: Tuesday - Thursday (Tue at 7, Wed at 2 & 8, Thurs at 8) from Jan. 24-Feb. 16, 2006."

We just saw it Thursday night. Theater was packed. Most of the audience loved it. They screamed, laughed, and applauded greatly. I don't know how much they paid for their tickets, but I suspect it will run for a while.