As Actors Equity puts it, “swings are those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members. Often the most important to cast because of the nature of the job, a Swing must have a wide vocal range, be able to dance and be able to step into a role from young child to an older character, male or female. A Swing also must know the smallest detail of every ‘track.’ Essentially, the Swing must be able to do it all and must be ready to go on at a moment’s notice.”

So in honor of #NationalSwingDay here’s a few of our favorite swing testimonials from some Broadway Black stars!

Rachel Oneika Phillips

Yesterday was declared #NationalSwingDay by the Actors Equity Association. My Broadway debut was a dream come true…and that dream in reality was some of the hardest and most rewarding artistic experiences of my life. Brought on as a Swing and Understudy I rehearsed relentlessly to learn 8 female tracks and 2 lead roles in FELA! The Musical. Trust me, it is not for the faint of heart. One of my proudest accomplishments. Big respect to those who dare, can and do! As Equity puts it, “Swings are those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members. Often the most important to cast because of the nature of the job, a Swing must have a wide vocal range, be able to dance and be able to step into a role from young child to an older character, male or female. A Swing also must know the smallest detail of every ‘track.’ Essentially, the Swing must be able to do it all and must be ready to go on at a moment’s notice.” #EquityTeamSwing #TBT #FELA! #Kikelomo #bereadyatamomentsnotice #swingnation #blocstars

A photo posted by Rachel Oneika Phillips (@dragonpassionfruit) on Jan 14, 2016 at 1:23pm PST

Phoenix Best

Well I did it!! I made my official Broadway Debut tonight! I can’t believe that I finally achieved me dream! The biggest plus is that I got to do it with this girl by my side! This is the ultimate post for “swings doin things”! I love my color purple family! 1-6-16 is a day I will never forget! @bwaycolorpurple #thecolorpurple #broadway #swings #debut A photo posted by Phoenix Best (@misspheeny) on Jan 6, 2016 at 7:21pm PST

Trisha Jeffery

Once upon a time, I did it, too… And we were #Fierce Happy National Swing Day!!! The show must always go on! #nationalswingday #swingnation #swingsrock

A photo posted by Trisha Jeffrey (@trishajeffrey) on Jan 13, 2016 at 3:10pm PST

Tracie Thoms

In honor of #NationalSwingDay, here’s me as a swing in “Leader Of The Pack” at Towson Dinner Theatre in like, 1993! Yassss #DoeEyes!!! #Beehive #TheyPushedMeIntoPositionInEveryDanceNumber A photo posted by Tracie Thoms (@traciethoms) on Jan 13, 2016 at 9:49am PST

Jaquez Rudolpho

Happy National Swing Day! Almost two years ago I made my Broadway debut in Motown the musical as a swing. It wasn’t easy but I had blast. Swinging to me was like arithmetic, geography, art and music seamlessly fused together to make going on (sometimes at a minutes notice) a joy! Honoring the unsung heroes of MT #equityteamswing #swingnation #nationalswingday #musicaltheatre

A photo posted by Jaquez (@justjaquez) on Jan 13, 2016 at 8:36am PST

The post Broadway Black Celebrates National Swing Day appeared first on Broadway Black.

We at Broadway Black have kept you in the loop chronicling every tweet, every article, every interview, every post surrounding the highly anticipated arrival, and now the opportunity to experience what I predict can only be described as “getting your ENTIRE life” is now upon us.

John Doyle’s “stripped down” adaptation of the 2005 Tony nominated piece cuts approximately 30 minutes of material from the original Broadway production.  Even so, breathtaking sneak peeks and coverage of the rehearsal process would indicate that this brilliant cast will deliver everything we need.

Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Oscar-nominated film, 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.

According to press notes, “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.”

Joining Erivo as “Celie,” Brooks as “Sophia” and Hudson as “Shug Avery,” are Isaiah Johnson as “Mister,” Joaquina Kalukango as “Nettie,” and Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo.” Rounding off the ensemble are Dwayne Clark (Spiderman), Lawrence Clayton (Bells Are Ringing), Carrie Compere (Holler If Ya Hear Me), Bre Jackson (Book of Mormon), Grasan Kingsberry (The Color Purple original 2005 cast), Kevyn Morrow (A Chorus Line), 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 also be making their Broadway debuts.

We’ve got our tickets HERE! Make sure to get them NOW!

The post The Color Purple Begins Previews Marking JHud Broadway Debut 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.