103.9 FM WDKX
Rochester, NY
Your #1 Radio for R&B
On air:
Listen Online
103.9 WDKX Live Stream
REQUEST A SONG!
Request A Song
Producers announced Thursday that the Broadway musical The Color Purple, which officially opened Dec. 1, 2005 at the Broadway Theatre, will take its final bow on Feb. 24.
"I'm so proud to have been a part of this production that not only made Broadway history, but resonated with a new generation and touched the lives of more than one million theatergoers," said Oprah Winfrey, one of the producers who helped bring the adaptation of Alice Walker's book to the stage.
The Broadway production recouped its $11 million investment within its first year on Broadway, and has grossed over $103,000,000 to date, reports Playbill News. Following a world premiere engagement at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre in 2004, The Color Purple was nominated for 11 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, when it premiered on Broadway.
The Broadway cast currently stars newcomer Zonya Love as Celie, Grammy Award winners Chaka Khan as Sofia and Bebe Winans as Harpo - as well as "American Idol" finalist Lakisha Jones as the Church Soloist. Jones also plays the role of Sofia during matinee performances.
A successful national tour of the musical currently stars Color Purple veterans Jeannette Bayardelle as Celie and Tony nominee Felicia P. Fields as Sofia - a role she originated in the Broadway production. In addition, former Destiny's Child member, Michelle Williams, plays soul singer Shug Avery, while "American Idol"'s LaToya London portrays Nettie.
The national tour is currently scheduled to run through 2009, with engagements in Tempe, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
