The effervescent Lil’ Mo, popular recording artist and local radio personality, had a telephone call not long ago that filled her with even more elation and enthusiasm than she ordinarily exhibits. It was an invitation to be part of the production of “The Color Purple” arriving at National Theatre for a two-week run. “I’m so excited I can’t believe this is happening,” she said. “It started off as a guest star appearance as the Church Soloist, but after we got into rehearsal, they realized that I’m equipped to do much more. As of now, I’m singing one of my favorite numbers in the show, ‘Hell, No!’ There’s something about that song that’s empowering and gives courage to women. And they also asked me to sing some of Shug’s numbers, including ‘Miss Celie’s Pants.’ ”
| Onstage |
| ‘The Color Purple’ |
| Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW |
| When: Through April 24 |
| Tickets: Start at $51.50. Call 202-628-6161 or visit NationalTheatre.org |
Shug, it must be pointed out, is a key character whose jazz-infused numbers suit Lil’ Mo perfectly. The score by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, is a brilliant mixture of styles.
“This has been a surreal time from the moment I received the call,” Lil’ Mo said. “As I read the script, I kept telling myself, ‘You’ve arrived in the entertainment world.’ I love church and both my parents are pastors, so I’m thrilled to have a church R&B number. And I’m so excited to have a jazz song with scatting. Scatting is not just mumbling; you have to nail it.”
Everyone who knows or has ever listened to Lil’ Mo sing or host her radio show on 95.5 FM is aware that she nails everything she puts her mind to accomplishing. Since her debut single, “5 Minutes,” in 1999 and her debut album, “Based on a True Story” in 2001, she has turned out urban and pop radio hits.
“I’m a chameleon, I adapt,” she said. “I’m not just a pop singer and I’m not coming on this show as Lil’ Mo but as a part of ‘The Color Purple.’ Every song in the show resonates with me. When I sing the church songs, I see the image of God, even in rehearsal. The moment I feel the spirit, I go with it, as if it’s speaking to me.
“I lead a busy life with a two-year-old, my radio show, the new album, church and promotions, but when I was asked to do this, I was so ready. I’ve waited for this part of history all my life and I broke down in tears at a recent church promotion knowing that I have been chosen to share this powerful story about human relations and the role the church and music can play in everyone’s life.”
