The Color Purple currently plays Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre, where the demand for tickets has been so popular, that the show's producers have opted for a four-week extension prior to the production's San Francisco engagement. The Chicago run will now end Sept. 30.
The Chicago production of The Color Purple stars Broadway Purple vets Jeannette Bayardelle as Celie and Tony nominee Felicia P. Fields, who originated the role of Sofia in the Broadway production. In addition, former member of Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams, plays soul-singer Shug Avery, while "American Idol"'s LaToya London portrays Nettie.
Completing the cast of the North American tour are Rufus Bonds, Jr. as Mister, Stu James as Harpo and Stephanie St. James as Squeak; as well as Lynette Dupree, Kimberly Ann Harris and Virginia Ann Woodruff as the Church Ladies, Bridgette Bentley as the Church Soloist, and Adam Wade as Ol’ Mister. The Color Purple ensemble includes Shani Borden, Brian H. Brooks, Renee Monique Brown, Tiffany Daniels, Quentin Earl Darrington, Lesly Terrell Donald, Aliyah D. Flowers, Andre Garner, Dameka Hayes, LaTonya Holmes, Jenna Ford Jackson, Trent Armand Kendall, Grasan Kingsberry, Keith Byron Kirk, Rhett George, Corrine McFarlane, Sumayah McRae, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Anthony Wayne, Diamond White, Anthony Williams II and Mariama Whyte.
Gary Griffin directs the North American and Broadway productions. The production, based on the Alice Walker novel and the Steven Spielberg film, includes libretto by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. Repeating their work for the touring production are Tony Award winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (music supervisor).
The first North American Tour is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich and Todd Johnson, in special association with AEG Live. The Cadillac Palace Theatre is located in Chicago at 151 West Randolph Street. For tickets to the Chicago run, call Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1400 or visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com
For more information visit www.colorpurple.com.
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The Broadway production of The Color Purple currently stars American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino as Celie, who recently announced her extension in the show through Jan. 6, 2008.
