The Color Purple Chicago

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit The Color Purple, along with Broadway In Chicago, have announced casting for the North American Tour, set to premiere at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph).  Stars of the Broadway production, Jeannette Bayardelle and Felicia P. Fields and Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams will premiere in Chicago April 17 through July 22, 2007. 

Jeannette Bayardelle comes to the tour directly from the Broadway production as the lead character Celie.  Jeannette released her debut CD Praise Report in 2005, and has toured in productions of Big River, Rent and Sister Act.  She joins her Broadway cast-mate and native Chicagoan Felicia P. Fields, who originated the role of Sofia, for which she received a Tony Award nomination. Felicia has received numerous awards and nominations for her work on and Off-Broadway, and in Chicago.  Michelle Williams, another Chicago native and former member of Destiny’s Child - one of the best-selling female groups of all time - has been cast in the role of Shug Avery.  Destiny’s Child saw combined record sales of over 40 million records and has received enumerable industry awards and accolades for their many platinum and gold recordings.  Following Destiny’s Child, Michelle launched a successful solo career as an inspirational/gospel recording artist, and also starred on Broadway, as the love-crossed Nubian princess in Elton John and Tim Rice’s hit musical Aida.  Celie’s sister Nettie will be played by LaToya London.  ‘London’ was named the early front runner to win season three of American Idol by Simon Cowell and Elton John.  On air she joined the ranks of the aptly named “Three Divas;” along side Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia (who was recently cast as Celie in the Broadway production).
 
Also joining the tour are Rufus Bonds, Jr. as Mister, Stu James as Harpo and Stephanie St. James as Squeak.  Ensemble members are:  Lynette Dupree, Kimberly Ann Harris and Virginia Ann Woodruff as the Church Ladies, Bridgette Bentley as the Church Soloist, and Adam Wade as Ol’ Mister.  Rounding out the cast are Shani Borden, Brian H. Brooks, Renee Monique Brown, Tiffany Daniels, Quentin Earl Darrington, Kellen Davis, Lesley Terrell Donald, Andre Garner, Dameka Hayes, LaTonya Holmes, Jenna Ford Jackson, Trent Armand Kendall, Grasan Kingsberry, Keith Byron Kirk, Rhett George, Corrine McFarlane, Sumayah McRae, Anthony Wayne and Mariama Whyte.  

Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Color Purple opened December 1, 2006 at the Broadway Theatre where it continues its record breaking run.  It is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg.  It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world.  With a joyous Grammy-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, The Color Purple is about hope and the healing power of love. 

Michael Kuchwara, the Associated Press described The Color Purple as “a Roof-Raising story of triumph.”  And Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine said, “[it is] a soaring, epic tale.  It made a joyful noise in my heart.”  Elysa Gardner from USA Today raved, “Pure heart!  It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!” 

As on Broadway, the first North American Tour of The Color Purple will be directed by Gary Griffin.  The Color Purple features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd.  The original creative team of Tony Award-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (Music Supervisor) has been reunited for the tour.

The Color Purple will premiere in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) April 17 through July 22, 2007.  Tickets for The Color Purple range in price from $28 to $85 and are on sale at the Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (151 W. Randolph St., 24 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.), by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1400, online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com, and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers.

Listen to "Talk Theatre In Chicago" for an interview with Felicia Fields who plays Sofia in "The Color Purple" Stream or Download MP3