Casting Announced For Atlanta Engagement
At The Fabulous Fox
Photos By Paul Kolnik
(Atlanta) Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce casting information for the Atlanta date of the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The show will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre for 24 performances from July 15 through August 3.
Tickets are on sale NOW through www.ticketmaster.com and 404-817-8700. Group tickets can be purchased through the Fox Theatre Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.
Nominated for eleven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE COLOR PURPLE is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg.
It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is about hope and the healing power of love.
“We are thrilled to host the tour of THE COLOR PURPLE here in Atlanta in association with the National Black Arts Festival,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “Its powerful and timeless message is sure to resonate with our audiences. And we are thrilled to welcome this marvelous ensemble cast including Stu James, who is originally from Atlanta.”
The cast of THE COLOR PURPLE includes:
JEANNETTE BAYARDELLE (Celie) is a Hunter College graduate from NYC. This Gospel recording artist released her debut CD entitled Praise Report in September 2005, which is available online at www. jeannettebayardelle.com
FELICIA P. FIELDS (Sofia) is a native Chicagoan who earned a Tony Award Nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in The Color Purple on Broadway. Her performance also earned her a 2006 Theatre World Award, a Clarence Derwent Award, two Broadway.com Awards and she was a 2006 Drama League honoree.
ANGELA ROBINSON (Shug Avery) portrayed Shug Avery on Broadway in The Color Purple. She also appeared on Broadway in: Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, Play On! Her tour credits include: Wizard of Oz, and Dreamgirls (Deena) [Black Theatre Alliance nomination].
RUFUS BONDS, JR. (Mister) performed the role of Mufasa in Julie Taymor’s Broadway production of The Lion King. Mr. Bonds recently won the L.A. Weekly nomination, Best Ensemble, for his work in the Los Angeles premier of Because They Have No Words, directed by Emilie Beck.
STU JAMES (Harpo) is thrilled to be a part of such a timeless and amazing story as The Color Purple. He’s a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of Morehouse College. He performed on Broadway as Benny in RENT. Television audiences know him from roles on “General Hospital,” “All My Children” and “Barbershop.” Stu is currently putting the finishing touches on his debut album Love Is (www.myspace.com/stujameslive).
LATOYA LONDON (Nettie). Being part of The Color Purple is a dream come true for LaToya. Now known to her fans simply as “London,” she was named the early front runner to win season three of “American Idol” by Simon Cowell and Elton John. Her debut album Love & Life is in stores now. For more information and the latest news about Latoya visit www.latoyalondon.com
STEPHANIE ST. JAMES (Squeak) is a Los Angeles-based actress, singer and songwriter. She’s a proud advocate for the disease endometriosis. You can learn more about her campaign to raise awareness, her own personal story and struggle with the disease, and more on her acting credits and music at www.stephaniestjames.com.
THE COLOR PURPLE will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in association with the National Black Arts Festival as follows:
Tues, July 15 at 8 pm Tues, July 22 at 8 pm Tues, July 29 at 8 pm
Wed, July 16 at 8 pm Wed, July 23 at 8 pm Wed, July 30 at 8 pm
Thurs, July 17 at 8 pm Thurs, July 24 at 8 pm Thurs, July 31 at 8 pm
Fri, July 18 at 8 pm Fri, July 25 at 8 pm Fri, Aug 1 at 8 pm
Sat, July 19 at 2 pm Sat, July 26 at 2 pm Sat, Aug 2 at 2 pm
Sat, July 19 at 8 pm Sat, July 26 at 8 pm Sat, Aug 2 at 8 pm
Sun, July 20 at 1:30 pm Sun, July 27 at 1:30 pm Sun, Aug 3 at 1:30 pm
Sun, July 20 at 7 pm Sun, July 27 at 7 pm Sun, Aug 3 at 7 pm
Theater of the Stars celebrates our 56th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier regional theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about our history of excellence, visit www.theaterofthestars.com.