Miller understudied for the roles of Celie and Nettie from the beginning of the show's Broadway run up until a few months ago.

Continuing in the show are Alton Fitzgerald White (Mister), Elisabeth Withers-Mendes (Shug Avery), NaTasha Yvette Williams (Sofia), Chaz Lamar Shepherd (Harpo), Darlesia Cearcy (Nettie) and Krisha Marcano (Squeak).

A spokesperson for the show could not confirm reports that "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino has been offered the role of Celie.

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The Broadway production of The Color Purple began previews on Nov. 1, 2005 at the Broadway Theatre and officially opened Dec. 1, 2005. The national tour will kick off at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre on April 17. Based on the Alice Walker novel and the Steven Spielberg film, The Color Purple features a score by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman ('night, Mother). The musical is directed by Gary Griffin, who also directs the tour.

The musical's main producer is Oprah Winfrey, who received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the film version.

The show was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. LaChanze, who originated the lead role of Celie, earned the show's only Tony win, for Best Actress in a Musical.

The design team for both the Broadway show and the tour is John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting) and Jon Weston (sound).

In addition to Winfrey, The Color Purple's Broadway producing team includes Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich and Todd Johnson.

For tickets to the Broadway production call (212) 239-6200, visit the Broadway Theatre Box Office at 1681 Broadway or visit the website at www.colorpurple.com.