January 9 will also mark the arrival of Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans in the roles of, respectively, Sofia and Harpo. LaKisha Jones, who joins the cast Dec. 19 in the role of the Church Soloist, will also play Sofia at matinee performances beginning Jan. 9.

A native of Durham, NC, Zonya Love was teaching theatre and Head Start classes in New York when she got a callback for a role in The Color Purple. The singing actress has appeared in regional productions of Intimate Apparel, Wit, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, Children of Eden, The Boys Next Door, Kiss Me Kate and Smokey Joe's Café.

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.