Billy Crystal on his way to D.C.

THEATER

» Thanks to three strong performances and a handful of stirring songs, "The Color Purple," playing at the Kennedy Center through Aug. 9, is worth seeing. Fans of Alice Walker's prize-winning novel or Steven Spielberg's film version are likely to leave the hall wondering how such powerful material could lose so much in translation.

The story of abused and unloved Celie (played by Fantasia, of "American Idol" fame) and her eventual triumph over the men and circumstances in her life is one of the great tales of faith and self-empowerment. But Marsha Norman's (" 'Night, Mother") adaptation races through the plot at breakneck speed, despite the show's two hour and 45 minutes.

Several story points that are quite dramatic in the book and film are tossed off far too easily here.

Speaking of the running time, at least a half-hour of new material has been added, including an allegedly redemptive reconciliation scene that unnecessarily dulls the edge of Walker's work.

The score, credited to Brenda Russell, Allee Wills and Stephen Bray, is utilitarian at best, barely moving the plot forward in most instances. Far too often, the composers rely on a Greek chorus of neighbor ladies to emphasize or re-emphasize details the audience is aware of.

Despite theses obvious flaws and despite the script's seeming insistence on limiting the character's range to just reactions, Fantasia's acting and vocal strength in the featured role of Celie shine brightly. Felicia P. Fields is a vibrant delight as Sofia, providing many of the show's best and funniest moments.

Angela Robinson's Shug Avery may be a bit mannered for a honky-tonk queen, but her glamour and spunk more than make up for her lack of grittiness.

Emotionally rousing, but too often willing to compromise the earthy honesty of its source material, "The Color Purple" should be seen, but only after you have read the book or seen the serviceable film. Otherwise, outside of those three sterling performances, you'll wonder what the fuss was about. The musical gets two stars from me.

» Chicago's legendary Second City improvisational comedy troupe has come to Washington to make a bit of fun of our national leaders' expense, including a certain Windy City native son. "Barack Stars," running at Woolly Mammoth Theater Company's downtown Washington stage, combines previously performed skits with new material.  It continues through Aug. 2.

» Studio Theatre has once again extended August Wilson's "Radio Golf" through Aug. 26.

» On Studio's SecondStage, a new play by Pulitzer winner Suzan Lori-Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") has just opened.

"F****** A" takes an unflinching look at the controversial topic of abortion. It runs through Aug. 15.

» Fans of comedian, actor, director and screenwriter Billy Crystal can rejoice: he brings his Tony Award-winning autobiographical one-man show, "700 Sundays," to the National Theatre this fall.

Crystal recounts the story of his family, in particular his father, who died when Billy was 15. "Sundays" begins its run at the National with a special preview on Sept. 8 and continues through the 17. Tickets are available now.

» Finally,  the following shows are scheduled to close July 19: "The Millionaires," at Olney Theatre Center and "The Seagull on 16th Street," performed by Theater J at the Goldman Theatre at the DC Jewish Community Center on 16th Street, N.W. in the District.

CLUBS & CONCERTS

» Wolf Trap begins its limited run of "42nd Street" on Friday.

» The Birchmere in Alexandria welcomes the blazing blues sound of the Robert Cray Band Thursday and then hosts vocalist Oleta Adams on Friday.

Bill Kirchener teams up with Ruthie & the Wranglers for a weekend performance Saturday.

The Big Bad Voodoo Daddies are in tow on July 20 and The Rippingtons, featuring Russ Freeman, lay down their smooth jazz sound on July 21.

» Blues Alley in Georgetown welcomes the Marcus Johnson Project for three nights, Thursday through Saturday.

» The 9:30 Club offers the royal presence of King Sonny Ade and His African Beat on Friday.

Joe Barber's entertainment reports and reviews can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-FM Radio Network.