We’ve known that it was coming for some time but we only had a few pieces of the puzzle. The Color Purple is a Tony Award winning musical that will return to Broadway starring Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery, Cynthia Erivo as Celie, & Danielle Brooks as Sofia, as previously reported. Other principal cast members previously announced include Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo”, Isaiah Johnson as “Mister” and Joaquina Kalukango as “Nettie”. Oprah Winfrey is also one of the producers attached, just like she was in the original, and today they announced the full cast list.
Joining the principal cast members are Grasan Kingsberry (The Color Purple original 2005 cast) and Kevyn Morrow (A Chorus Line) will be Dwayne Clark (Spiderman), Lawrence Clayton (Bells Are Ringing), Carrie Compere (Holler If Ya Hear Me), Bre Jackson (Book of Mormon), Ken Robinson (Memphis), Antoine L. Smith (Memphis) and Rema Webb (The Lion King). Phoenix Best, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Carla R. Stewart and Akron Watson will all make their Broadway debuts with The Color Purple revival.
From The Color Purple Website;
Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson(Dreamgirls) has dazzled the world with her matchless talent. This fall, she makes her long-awaited Broadway debut as the sultry Shug Avery in the joyous and triumphant musical The Color Purple.
This unforgettable and intensely moving new production mesmerized audiences when it premiered at London’s acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory, where critics hailed it as “a revelation” (Mark Shenton, The Stage). Now, this American classic comes to Broadway with a powerhouse cast including celebrated London star Cynthia Erivo, who will recreate her electrifying performance as Celie, along with “Orange is the New Black” star Danielle Brooksas Sophia.
With a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, The Color Purple gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story.
The new staging cuts approximately 30 minutes of material from the original production. Tickets for the musical are on sale to the general public, the prices range between $75.00 and $145.00. The production begins previews Nov. 10 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Opening night is set for Dec. 10. You can purchase your tickets here or by calling 212.239.6200.
