Will Color Purple Return to the Screen as a Musical?
By Adam Hetrick
06 Dec 2007
The Los Angeles Times reports that The Color Purple producer Oprah Winfrey is considering adapting the stage musical for the screen.
Winfrey was asked during a recent press conference whether or not she had intentions to adapt the musical into a film. "Actually, I am," the media-mogul proffered – leaving many to speculate on who will nab the choice roles in the film.
Winfrey appeared in the original 1985 Steven Spielberg film in the role of Sofia and serves as one of the producers for the Broadway musical. Thanks to Winfrey's attachment, the musical adaptation of The Color Purple has become a household name, drawing in a new demographic and crowds of theatregoers who are attending their first Broadway production.
Following in the shoes of Golden Globe winner Whoopi Goldberg, who played Celie on screen, Broadway actress LaChanze nabbed a Tony Award for her portrayal of Celie when The Color Purple bowed on Broadway in 2005.
The Color Purple box office soared when "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino succeeded LaChanze in the role, garnering the Broadway newcomer love letters from the New York Times and several other publications.
In addition to audience appeal, The Color Purple is drawing in major names to populate its stages. Barrino has extended her stay in the Broadway production with vocalist Chaka Khan, R&B singer Bebe Winans and "American Idol" finalist LaKisha Jones set to join in January. A national tour features Tony nominee Felicia P. Fields, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child and "American Idol" alum LaToya London.
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.
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