The Color Purple, “Mysterious Ways” / “I’m Here”

Marsha Norman wrote the book for the musical The Color Purple, and Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray contributed the music and lyrics. The television series, which is based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel of the same name and its 1985 film adaptation, chronicles the journey of Celie, an African-American woman who lived in the American South in the early to mid-20th century.

This medley from John Doyle's Broadway revival of The Color Purple is energetic but clumsy, notably in a scene introduced to highlight Heather Headley. Danielle Brooks and the cast perform the upbeat "Mysterious Ways" throughout the first half (who had recently joined the production). But as Cynthia Erivo takes the stage and sings a beautiful rendition of the show's eleven o'clock song, "I'm Here," everything is forgotten. She delivers a rendition of captivating self-possession and vocal prowess even without the luxury of the song's quiet opening section, which helps to build tension. This is one of Best Tony Awards Performances Of All Time.

Year: 2016