As previously reported, Shirley Jo Finney will direct the production of Ntozake Shange's Tony Award-nominated work, a collection of stories and poems, featuring choreography by Tony winner Hinton Battle. The official opening night will be Sept. 8. Playbill.com has learned that this new Broadway production includes updated writing to make it more relevant to women today; expect a reference to the Iraq war instead of Vietnam, and there will be a new story about a woman faced with HIV infection.

Whoopi Goldberg and DreamTeam Entertainment Group (Victor Walker, Harold Wheeler and Ned Goldstein) serve as executive producers for the revival. Complete casting will be announced shortly.

for colored girls tickets go on exclusive sale to American Express Card members July 9. Tickets for the general public will be available beginning July 19.

The 1974 Obie-winning and Tony Award-nommed for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf played The Public Theater and jumped to Broadway 1976-78, with playwright Shange featured as one of seven women who "reveal themselves, their lives, loves, hardships, and ultimately their discovery of strength and love."

The production was nominated for a 1977 Best Play Tony Award, and actress Trazana Beverley won a Tony in the category of Best Actress in a Featured Role (Play). The original Broadway company also featured Laurie Carlos, Risë Collins, Aku Kadogo, Janet League, Paula Moss and Ntozake Shange.

India.Arie has won two Grammys: for "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" for "Little Things" and "Best R&B Album" for "Voyage to India." She has been nominated for 14 other Grammys.

The Circle in the Square Theatre is located at 235 West 50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.