By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The enchanting evening of Dec. 23, saw The Senator Theatre in Baltimore come alive with vibrant hues of purple, marking an exclusive private screening of “The Color Purple.” The event doubled as a celebration for Baltimore native and assistant costume designer Rashad Corey, who returned to his hometown to host the program, creating a night of glam, inspiration and cinematic brilliance.
Corey’s roots in Baltimore and his wealth of experience in fashion and costume design made the Senator Theatre the perfect venue for this momentous occasion. A graduate of Parkville High School, Corey’s love for his hometown was palpable as he curated an evening that merged the charm of Baltimore with the allure of Hollywood.
The assistant costume designer for the world premiere of “The Color Purple” had a profound goal for hosting the pre-screening. Corey aimed to provide family, friends and colleagues a sneak peek of the movie before its nationwide release on Christmas Day 2023. Moreover, he aspired to empower and inspire individuals, encouraging them to uncover the dormant dreams and visions within themselves, akin to the characters of Miss Celie or Sophia.
“I decided not long ago that I was going to literally manifest everything that God had for me. I wasn’t just gonna wait for it to manifest. I said ‘manifest’! I activated the manifestation and began to experience an overwhelming abundance of opportunities and open doors.”
“I decided not long ago that I was going to literally manifest everything that God had for me. I wasn’t just gonna wait for it to manifest. I said ‘manifest’! I activated the manifestation and began to experience an overwhelming abundance of opportunities and open doors,” said Corey. “What are you thinking that you haven’t manifested? Manifest!”
The event drew a remarkable turnout, with nearly 200 guests in attendance, including family, friends, colleagues and social media fans. The purple theme resonated throughout the evening, with guests adorned in an array of purple and lilac, creating a spectacle of color that accentuated the festive atmosphere.
The Purple Carpet and Cocktails experience was a highlight of the evening, offering attendees an hour to mingle, capture memories on the purple carpet against a movie-themed backdrop. Those present could also enjoy an assortment of libations before settling into the theater.
“The Color Purple” lived up to its legendary reputation, blending the nostalgia of the 1985 version with a modern and refreshing 2023 adaptation. Families across the country spent their Christmas in theaters, contributing to the film’s immense box office success. With $18.15 million in box office receipts, it boasted the highest Christmas Day opening since 2009, securing its place as the second-largest Christmas Day opening of all time.
Corey’s contribution to the costume design, working alongside lead costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck, was nothing short of remarkable. He played a pivotal role in outfitting the entire group of dancers in the iconic Miss Celie’s pants scene and contributed to the wardrobe of esteemed actors such as Louis Gossett Jr., Whoopi Goldberg and Jon Batiste.
The design team’s meticulous approach brought the film’s time period to life with vivid colors of red and purple, complemented by subdued matte hues of brown, gray and black. The result was a visually stunning tapestry that perfectly captured the essence of the characters and the narrative.
As the credits rolled and the applause echoed through the Senator Theatre, Rashad’s homecoming became not just a celebration of a movie, but a testament to the power of determination, inspiration and the magic of returning to one’s roots. The exclusive premiere was not just a cinematic experience; it was a journey of empowerment, creativity and a shared love for the arts.