Will Fantasia Join Broadway's Color Purple?

By Andrew Gans
and Zachary Pincus-Roth
14 Feb 2007

Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino

Broadway has welcomed several "American Idol" finalists — including Constantine Maroulis and Diana DeGarmo — but it has yet to boast an "American Idol" winner. That may change this spring should Fantasia Barrino join the New York cast of The Color Purple.

E!online reports that Barrino, who was also a front-runner for the role of Effie in the hit movie musical “Dreamgirls,” will join the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical in the role of Celie, the part created by LaChanze to Tony-winning effect. Barrino is expected to make her Broadway bow in the spring.

The Color Purple marked its 500th performance on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre Feb. 13. 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 was directed by Gary Griffin.

The design team comprises 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, call (212) 239-6200, visit the Broadway Theatre Box Office at 1681 Broadway or visit the website at www.colorpurple.com.