The other gift of musicals is the cast album. While an amazing play can leave you gasping for air, a great musical has you singing and annoying people on the A train all the way back to Harlem. (An unfortunate true story.)

So I was more than a little jazzed to learn that the revival of The Color Purple, which premiered last week at the Bernand B. Jacobs Theatre, announced that a cast album will be recorded this week and released via Broadway Records.

This latest version of Purple brings Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson to the Broadway stage. This woman has not met a medium she can’t tackle. She takes on the complicated role of “Shug Avery.” Might I also opine that Broadway is the sweet spot for a person with that powerful a voice. “Orange is the New Black” star Danielle Brooks takes over the role as “Sophia.”

And then there is Cynthia Erivo as “Celie.” All I can suggest you do is watch her and Ms. Hudson perform the title song to the musical in this official music video for the show.

The Color Purple has gone through its own transformations first as the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by author Alice Walker, to the acclaimed and controversial film directed by Steven Spielberg.

And then the film version’s Sophia, an unknown named Oprah Winfrey put her strength into pushing a Broadway production of Purple in 2005. The story is all about black women and their strength against odds and circumstances that would kill most of us dead.

The revival of Purple premiered at the Jacobs Theatre Dec 10th, 2015. To see what Broadway Black thought of the show click here. The cast album is set for a January 29^th release date. But…you can pre-order the music now. And click here to order your tickets to The Color Purple now.

The post iTuned In: The Color Purple Cast Album appeared first on Broadway Black.

MotherStruck! shares the emotional story behind a lesbian, Black, Chinese woman trying to fulfill her lifelong purpose of becoming a mother against the odds of single parenting, no health insurance, and the lack of a “serious, stable financial setup.”

They say all you need is love, and Chin shows us just how she managed to persevere beyond the unexpected. Her journey to motherhood is not the only trail with unforseen twists and turns. Days before the September 2015 previews of MotherStruck!, the show was canceled indefinitely due to funding. We’re happy to see this project is back on track! 

Cynthia Nixon (“Sex And The City”) is directing this project and she’s been a fan of Chin’s since 2002. The mutual respect and dedication these artists have for and to each other are what made this project finally come to fruition. While Chin wrote and performs Motherstruck!, she attributes much of the development to the careful eyes, awareness of social issues, and commitment to the craft, that Nixon encompasses.

Chin is the author of “The Other Side of Paradise: A Memoir.” She has also been seen on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” CNN and PBS. Currently, Chin and her beautiful daughter, Zuri, are often seen taking a stance on issues through their YouTube videos and presence at rallies. Come see how this beautiful mother and daughter union was built, from the perspective of the woman who fought to make it happen. 

MotherStruck! is produced by Rosie O’Donnell in collaboration with Culture Project. Tickets are available at CultureProject.org. 

The post Staceyann Chin’s MotherStruck! Premieres Off Broadway appeared first on Broadway Black.

The genius behind “Mr. Burr, sir,” made his first late night appearance Monday night on the NBC talk show.  There has been chatter that the Carnegie Mellon graduate is a shoo-in for a Tony nomination for his fascinating portrayal of an “80-year-old white guy.”

One of the audience’s favorite numbers is Odom’s show-stopping, banjo-fueled, vaudeville-styled “The Room Where It Happens.”  When Meyers asked if this solo number was his favorite moment of the night, Odom simply replied, “God, no.”

“What’s your favorite moment,” Meyers countered.  “The end,” Odom responded casually.  “It’s such a  formidable task ahead of us each night doing this show.  Lin really laid down the gauntlet with this show. One of the things that’s so exciting about it is that it asks everything of you every single night and so that number… I never know if I’m gonna survive, if I’m gonna make it through. So when we reach the end, it’s a miracle.”

The musical about America’s Founding Fathers portrayed predominantly by a cast of color to the tune of hip hop and r&b is successfully breaking records across the board, leaving fans and critics wondering, why does it work?

“I think it’s because there’s a part of the audience that the whole time they’re kind of marveling at the fact that it works too,” Odom said with a chuckle.  “It’s something that shouldn’t work. The genius is in the incongruence.”

The sold out for YEARS Hamilton has already garnered dozens of celebrity visitors including Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and President Obama.  (The night I was there I walked by Barbara Streisand *SQUEAL*).  A couple of Odom’s favorites?  Broadway royalty Joel Grey and Liza Minelli.

“Liza shows up in a cloud of medicinal marijuana smoke, which only makes her cooler in my book,” Odom quipped with a smirk.  “And I thanked her and Joel and she asks me ‘Well, have you ever seen me live?’ and I said ‘No’ and she said ‘Well then, you still have something to look forward to.’ …. GANGSTA!  Liza is straight GANGSTA!”

I saw the show last week and to say that Odom’s performance was brilliant is an understatement.  His approach is ingeniously subtle, and his skill is mesmerizing.  You may have to sell your first born, but get tickets to see his amazing performance in Hamilton as soon as you can!

The post Leslie Odom Jr. Visits Late Night with Seth Meyers appeared first on Broadway Black.

On Nov. 10, more than 30 years after its inception, a new edition of Walker’s “The Color Purple” will be released alongside the highly anticipated musical revival.  Featuring artwork and exclusive elements from the newest stage production, the special edition, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Mariner Books, is available the same date the musical begins Broadway previews, Nov. 10th, 2015.

“The Color Purple” tells the inspirational story of Celie, who through faith and the power of love, triumphs over relentless pain and adversity to find the God-given strength she never knew she had.

Over the years, “The Color Purple” has received as much commendation as it has criticism.  In 1983, the novel received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.  Despite the stigma surrounding its themes of sexism, racism and violence, Steven Spielberg took on the courageous task of directing the film adaptation in 1985.  Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover, the film went on to receive 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, but failed to win any.

A musical adaptation of the famed novel came to Broadway in 2005, produced by Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones, Harvey Weinstein, and original film cast member, Winfrey.  Starring LaChanze as Celie, the musical also received 11 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.  LaChanze took the award for Best Actress in a Musical.

Now, following rave reviews in London, American fans of the original production are eager to experience director John Doyle’s stripped down version of The Color Purple, starring Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson and Danielle Brooks, which opens Dec. 10.

Alice Walker’s literary contribution is epic and the re-release marks the commemoration of a story that needs to be heard and hopefully will be for years to come.  I have seen the musical three times, watched the movie more times than I can count, but I must say, nothing compares to her words.  I implore you to read this beautiful novel.  Knowing it will only make every other adaptation that much more remarkable.

On October 29th, 2015 Alice Walker and the stars of The Color Purple revival, Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson, along with the director of the Broadway revival, John Doyle will sit down at John L Tishman Auditorium at The New School for a TimesTalks conversation. Watch the live stream with us below at 7:30pm EST!

Don’t miss this exciting conversation with musical performances from the new Broadway production of “The Color Purple.” Hear Alice Walker, author of the 1982 Pulitzer Prize–winning novel; Tony Award winner John Doyle, who re–envisioned the new, critically acclaimed musical; and two of its stars – Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, and from the hit London production, British stage star Cynthia Erivo, both making their Broadway debuts. Moderated by New York Times theater reporter Michael Paulson.

The post Alice Walker’s The Color Purple Sets New Edition Release + Times Talks Livestream appeared first on Broadway Black.

Filmed on Oct. 6 and set to the musical’s title song, touching video footage of the first rehearsal for the revival of The Color Purple shows most of the cast, crew and creative team meeting each other for the very first time.  Still, as they greet each other with soft smiles and warm hugs, the viewer can’t help but get a sense of union; that this is already a family.

Joaquina Kalukango, who will take on the role of Celie’s beloved sister Nettie, shared her take on the thrilling new opportunity: “To be in a room with such great people and great friends and to take on this new telling of the story is very exciting!”

Now two weeks into rehearsal, all signs indicate that the team is having the time of their lives!  Stars Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks seem to have become fast friends, posting several pictures on Instagram of their many selfies, shopping trips and dinner dates.  Just last week, icon and show producer Oprah Winfrey surprised the cast by showing up at the studio for an impromptu sing-a-long.

Following rave reviews in London, American fans of the original production are eager to experience director John Doyle’s stripped down version of The Color Purple as it makes its way to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

As previously announced, joining Kalukango are Erivo as “Celie,” Brooks as “Sophia,” Hudson as “Shug Avery,” Isaiah Johnson as “Mister,” and Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo.” Rounding out the ensemble are Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson and Rema Webb. 

After hearing the cast together for the first time, show composers Stephen Bray and Brenda Russell and librettist Marsha Norman beamed like proud parents.

“Listening to amazing vocalists sing the music…it’s a joyful noise, right?” Bray looked to his colleagues before confirming with a smile, “it’s a joyful noise.”

Tickets for The Color Purple are available HERE.

The post WATCH: Look into the First Rehearsal of The Color Purple appeared first on Broadway Black.

Joining them in the middle of rehearsal, Winfrey greeted stars Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks before joyfully joining the beaming cast to sing the title song around the piano.  Once the song was over, the group instantly erupted in cheers and applause, having professionally waited to finish singing before giving in to their fandom. Watch the clips HERE:

@oprah just surprised our cast at #rehearsal! #OWN #Broadway #Theater #TheColorPurple

A video posted by The Color Purple (@bwaycolorpurple) on Oct 15, 2015 at 12:04pm PDT

@Oprah joins in on the song! #OWN #TheColorPurple #Theater #Broadway @daniebb3 @iamjhud @cynthiaerivo A video posted by The Color Purple (@bwaycolorpurple) on Oct 15, 2015 at 12:35pm PDT

Cheers erupt as our cast finishing rehearsing with @oprah. #OWN #Broadway #TheColorPurple #Oprah #Theater

A video posted by The Color Purple (@bwaycolorpurple) on Oct 15, 2015 at 1:59pm PDT

Unexpected blessings!! @bwaycolorpurple Mother O!

A photo posted by Danielle Brooks (@daniebb3) on Oct 16, 2015 at 9:31am PDT

“The Color Purple has long been a part of my life. From the first time I read it over 20 years ago until now, I’ve always wanted as many people as possible to experience this story.” – Oprah

The company is merely a month away from previews with opening night set for December 10.  Following rave reviews in London, American fans of the original production are eager to experience director John Doyle’s stripped down revival of The Color Purple as it makes its way to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Joining Erivo as “Celie” and Brooks as “Sophia” are previously announced Jennifer Hudson as “Shug Avery,” Isaiah Johnson as “Mister,” Joaquina Kalukango as “Nettie,” and Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo.” Rounding out the ensemble are Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson and Rema Webb. 

Visit our partner TiqIQ to purchase tickets.

 

Sing, Mama O! @bwaycolorpurple! @oprah in rehearsals! #WeAreBroadwayBlack

 

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Oct 15, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT

The post Oprah Surprises Cast of The Color Purple In Rehearsal appeared first on Broadway Black.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Steven Spielberg-directed motion picture, the musical opened at The Broadway Theatre on December 1, 2005 with a stellar cast that starred LaChanze as “Celie,” Brandon Victor Dixon as “Harpo,” Felicia P. Fields as “Sofia,” Renée Elise Goldsberry as “Nettie,” Kingsley Leggs as “Mister,” Krisha Marcano as “Squeak,” and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes as “Shug Avery.”

It was directed by Gary Griffin, produced by Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey, with choreography by Donald Byrd and musical direction by Linda Twine. Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman (‘night, Mother) penned the book for the show, with music and lyrics by celebrated songwriters and artists Stephen Bray, Allee Wills, and Brenda Russell.

Oprah, who was nominated for an Oscar as “Sofia” in the movie version, came on as an investor and producer before the show’s November 1 preview to expand its box office potential. Once she signed on, the show was titled Oprah Winfrey Presents: The Color Purple. At that time, her self-titled television show was a ratings juggernaut, averaging 9 million viewers per year. With Oprah’s name on the marquee, it was almost guaranteed a built-in audience.

Despite Oprah’s star power, the show opened to mixed reviews from the critics. Ben Brantley of the New York Times wrote,

Time doesn’t just fly in the exhaustingly eventful world of The Color Purple, it threatens to break the sound barrier. In faithfully adapting Ms. Walker’s incident-crammed 1982 Pulitzer Prizewinner about Southern black women finding their inner warriors, the show’s creators have fashioned a bright, shiny and muscular storytelling machine that is, above all, built for speed. Watching this beat-the-clock production summons the frustrations of riding through a picturesque stretch of country in a supertrain like the TGV. Thanks to the cast’s spirited way with a song, Purple strikes some sparks during its long and winding journey. But it takes a concentration and leisure the show lacks to fan sparks into a steady flame.

From Michael Feingold of The Village Voice, “The feelings that The Color Purple may arouse in you don’t disguise the fact that they’ve been gotten in a comparatively crude and unimaginative manner. The disheartening lack of quality in the material dilutes the quality of feeling with which it’s being put over and makes the meanings behind it look questionable as well.”

On a more complimentary note, Roma Torre of NY1 wrote, “As art, the show is flawed, but it’s also so full of heart, the flaws don’t seem to matter. The Color Purple sings to the soul.”

And Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press added “Fans of Walker’s novel most likely will not be disappointed in this reverent stage retelling and will embrace it heartily as a live souvenir of the original. Others may crave a little more theatrical excitement.”

However, when it came time for the Tony Awards nominations, the production received tremendous love and recognition, receiving 11 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, and Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. LaChanze won the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.

The Color Purple closed on February 24, 2008, after 30 previews and 910 regular performances. The Broadway production recouped its $11 million investment within its first year on Broadway. After its three-year Broadway run, the show went on to three national tours and several regional productions. In 2013, John Doyle directed the London production at the Meiner Chocolate Factory starring Erivo as “Celie.” It is this production that is inspiring the Broadway revival this fall.

For tickets to this upcoming production, click HERE.

The post Retrospective: The Color Purple appeared first on Broadway Black.

As Broadway prepares for the return of The Color Purple this fall, let’s look back at the history of this incredible American story and its impact over the years.

The Color Purple is a novel written by Alice Walker. Born in 1944 to parents who were Georgia sharecroppers, Walker was riveted by stories from her parents, grandparents, and extended family about their youth and childhood experiences. However, she did not see any of these types of stories represented in literature at the time. Walker wanted to write a novel describing the struggles of 3 generations of Georgia sharecroppers and was determined to have their stories heard in their speech. In a recent Huffington Post interview, Walker says, “What I would like people to understand when they read The Color Purple, is that there are all these terrible things that can actually happen to us, and yet life is so incredibly magical and abundant and present that we can still be very happy.”

The novel was published in 1982 and became an international best seller with over 5 million copies sold. The following year, it won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. This reception garnered the attention of filmmaker Steven Spielberg who met with Walker with the hope of adapting her novel into a film. In 1985, The Color Purple premiered in movie theaters and starred Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and introduced film audiences to Whoopi Goldberg as ‘Celie’. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, but won none- however, it has stood the test of time becoming one of the most iconic films in the American cinema.

Nearly 20 years after the novel was published, Walker was approached by producer Scott Sanders about adapting her book into a Broadway musical. Walker was initially reluctant to this idea and took some convincing from Sanders that it could be an amazing concept. After some time, she gave her consent and it took almost 2 years to assemble a creative team. It was important to Sanders that this team included artists of color and female artists as it would best capture this story. Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman (‘night, Mother) penned the book for the show, with music and lyrics by Stephen Bray, Allee Wills and Brenda Russell; Gary Griffin signed on as director with Donald Byrd choreographing; music director extraordinaire Linda Twine also joined the creative team. The production gained another producer in Quincy Jones who composed the music for the 1985 film, and had its out-of-town tryout in 2004 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. The following year, Oprah Winfrey joined the production team and in 2005, Oprah Winfrey Presents: The Color Purple debuted on Broadway. The production earned 10 Tony nominations in 2006 and LaChanze won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her portayal of ‘Celie’.

In addition to its 3-year Broadway run, The Color Purple went on to 3 national tours, several regional productions, and in 2013- John Doyle directed the London production at the Meiner Chocolate Factory starring Cynthia Erivo as ‘Celie’. It is this production that is inspiring the upcoming Broadway revival this fall with Erivo reprising her role and joined by Jennifer Hudson as ‘Shug’ and Danielle Brooks as ‘Sophia’.
Now that we are all caught up on the extensive history of this phenomenal piece, be sure to get your tickets to The Color Purple which begins previews November 10! Visit www.colorpurple.com for more details.

Can’t wait til November? Check out the production trailer here

The post From A Book To Broadway: The Journey of The Color Purple appeared first on Broadway Black.

As we previously reported, Diggs, who first appeared on Broadway in Rent, is the first African-American to take on the transgender rock singer role. This will be the first time audiences have seen Diggs on the stage since he starred in 2005’s A Soldier’s Play.

There has been some discussion that Diggs’ portrayal of “Hedwig” contributes to the emasculation of African-American men. The list of Black male performers who have cross-dressed in roles is long and has had some accusing these performers of perpetuating racial stereotypes.

Comedian Dave Chappelle, who refused to wear a dress while filming “Blue Streak” with Martin Lawrence, once told Oprah Winfrey that “I don’t need no dress to be funny,” and suggested that Black male performers who cross-dressed for roles had negative effects on the black male image.

However, for Diggs, Hedwig is a role that he told the New York Times “is everything I’ve ever wished for.” He further added that he’d told his ex-wife Tony-winning actress Idina Menzel “‘I want a chance to show everybody everything. I can dance and I can sing, and everybody knows I can act.’ ’’

Judging from the reviews and reactions he’s gotten from social media, it’s a chance he won’t regret taking.

Debut performance – Sold Out!

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“Flawless, intense and devilishly funny….”

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After the show

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“UNBELIEVABLE”

@HedwigOnBway WAS UNBELIEVABLE pic.twitter.com/ftbEnwKPDi

— Alex Robertson (@A_Rob98) July 26, 2015

“One glistening mofo”

@TayeDiggs is one glistening mofo. He added a new flavor to @HedwigOnBway. #TheFlavorIsChocolate #MoreShowsNeedIt

— Keith Livingston (@The_RunnerUp) July 25, 2015

https://twitter.com/jhoffert/status/624794080615231488

You can see Diggs in Hedwig at the Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th St. New York, New York 10036. For ticket information visit HedwigBroadway.com.

#Repost @izzifeld ・・・ Saw Taye Diggs as Hedwig last night and he was incredible and the show was amazing! Still can’t believe we were 5th row! #hedwigonbroadway #tayediggs

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 30, 2015 at 7:04am PDT

#Repost @nicolebridgeford ・・・ #NationalLipstickDay #HEDWIG #tayediggs

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 29, 2015 at 12:40pm PDT

#Repost @hedwigonbway ・・・ I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly roll Taye Diggs is #HedwigOnBway Tues-Fri 8 PM, Sat 2 & 8 PM, Sun 3 PM @tayediggsinsta photo: Joan Marcus

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 28, 2015 at 2:49pm PDT

#Repost @thephansyd ・・・ Here is Taye Diggs as Hedwig. #tayediggs #hedwigandtheangryinch #hedwig #hedwigonbway #hedwigbroadway #broadway #musical #musicals ——– #PlanetHedwig #NewDiggs

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 27, 2015 at 8:50am PDT

#Repost @teamcurtains ・・・ Ok Gurl! #TayeDiggs is fierce on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Would you pay to see it?

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 26, 2015 at 4:34am PDT

#Repost @jasorude ・・・ I need answers #TayeDiggs

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 23, 2015 at 8:19pm PDT

#Repost @sladeny ・・・ First and only time I’ve ever taken a pic in a theater but HOLY SHIT I HAD TO.

A photo posted by Taye Diggs (@tayediggsinsta) on Jul 23, 2015 at 8:11pm PDT

The post Taye Diggs’ Hedwig Debut is a Hit appeared first on Broadway Black.

Announced earlier this year the adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and the Academy-Award-winning film, will introduce audiences to upcoming actresses and feature actresses who are already entertainment industry power players.

When the show begins previews in November new life will be given to classic, which Oprah Winfrey has signed on to produce.

The Color Purple chronicles the life of Celie, a soft spoken Georgia woman who is married off at young age, writes letters to God, and the colorful characters she meets as she grows wiser and finds her voice.

The revival cuts approximately 30 minutes of material from the original production, but makes up for it by featuring some of the most sought after Black actresses.

Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson will make her Broadway debut when she takes the role as one of show’s most out-spoken characters Shug Avery.

According to the New York Post, the actress was looking for a Broadway role, and Winfrey personally extended the offer to her after she sang, “I’m here” from The Color Purple at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors.

Rising British actress, Cynthia Erivo who starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory production in London in 2013, will reprise her role of Celie and make her Broadway debut.

Also tapped to breathe new life into the production is breakout star of the popular Netflix series Orange is the New Black Danielle Brooks.

The Julliard grad will take on the role of Sofia, the character played by Winfrey in the film adaptation.

2006 was the last time the musical was on Broadway and the production earned eleven 2006 Tony Awards nominations and grossed more than $100 million.

The Color Purple will be at the Bernard B. Jacobs theatre from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5 with tickets going on sale June 30 to the general public. However, you can order pre-sale if you are an audience rewards member. Sign up! It’s Free.

The post On Sale Now!: The Color Purple Revival With Jennifer Hudson appeared first on Broadway Black.