"American Idol" Finalist Jones Bows on Broadway in The Color Purple Dec. 19
By Adam Hetrick
19 Dec 2007
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Lakisha Jones
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| photo by Andrew Eccles | Broadway's The Color Purple adds another "American Idol" veteran to its cast Dec. 19 when LaKisha Jones makes her Main Stem debut in the award-winning musical at the Broadway Theatre.
Jones, who began singing in her church choir at the age of five, comes full circle as she joins the Broadway company of The Color Purple as the Church Soloist. The "American Idol" top-four finalist is known for her performances of "This Ain't a Love Song," "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" on the hit program. Jones will also cover the role of Sofia during her engagement in The Color Purple.
The Color Purple currently stars "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino as Celie. Barrino, who earned raves from most every critic, will conclude her extended run Jan. 6, 2008. Barrino will leave the Broadway production only days before Grammy winners Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans join the company as Sofia and Harpo, respectively, on Jan. 9, 2008.
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.
The design team comprises John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting) and Jon Weston (sound).
The Broadway production of The Color Purple began previews on Nov. 1, 2005, at the Broadway Theatre and officially opened Dec. 1, 2005.
The Color Purple's lead producer is Scott Sanders; the presenting producer is Oprah Winfrey, who received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the film version.
The rest of the Broadway producing team includes Quincy Jones, Roy Furman, 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.
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