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Zonya Love (Celie), feels exceedingly blessed to be debuting on Broadway in The Color Purple. Favorite theatre credits: Intimate Apparel (Mayme), Wit (Susie), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy), Crumbs from the Table of Joy ( Ermina), Children of Eden (Eve/Mama Noah), The Boys Next Door (Sheila), Kiss Me Kate (Hattie), Smokey Joe's Café (BJ). Zonya received a BFA in Theatre from North Carolina A&T State University (AGGIE PRIDE!!!), and a MFA in Theatre from The University of Nevada Las Vegas. She thanks her parents Zander Johnson Sr. and Earline Shackleford, five siblings and best friend Lelund Thompson for their continuous love and support. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!!! |
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Chaka Khan (Sofia), celebrates her 35th anniversary in the entertainment business by making her Broadway debut as Sofia in The Color Purple. One of the most distinctive voices in music history; her signature styles have resulted in creative pinnacles, unforgettable hits, critical accolades and top awards including eight Grammys. At the age of 20, she began as lead singer in the R&B, funk group, Rufus. Turning out massive hits including “Tell me Something Good”, “Sweet Thing” and “Ain’t Nobody.” Breaking out as a solo recording artist she continued to produce chart hits including, “Through The Fire,” “I Feel For You” and “I’m Every Woman.” Chaka transcends musical boundaries in every genre of music from, pop, R&B, rock, disco, fusion jazz, hip hop, classical and gospel. She has influenced an entire generation of female vocalists. Nominated for two GRAMMY awards, her latest CD, “Funk This” [autographed copies available in lobby] embodies the essence of Chaka’s fiery approach to music bringing together a selection of original compositions, collaborations and new freshly recorded classics. Autobiography, Through The Fire, was acclaimed for its soul-bearing candor and honesty, and resulted in a commitment to addressing issues of women and children at risk as seen through her dedication with the Chaka Khan Foundation. The winner of London’s Best Actress Capitol Radio Listener’s Poll Award for Mama, I Want to Sing, Soul Train’s Career Achievement Award, BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a Diamond Life Award of Excellence from the International Association of African-American Music and The World Music Awards Legend Award. Chaka Khan is a musical legend, creative entrepreneur, a visionary philanthropist, an inspired and accomplished author and iconic superstar.
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BeBe Winans (Harpo), hails from the legendary Winans family, known as the first family of gospel music. BeBe is known as a inspirational, R&B, and Gospel vocalist, songwriter, and producer. BeBe has won four Grammy Awards, ten Dove Awards, six Stellar Awards, two NAACP Awards and a Soul Train Award. BeBe not only has a successful recording career, but also hosts a highly successful syndicated radio show on which he has interviewed Chaka Khan and Oprah Winfrey. With his new role in The Color Purple, Winans returns to the stage. BeBe began his music career as a background singer for his famous brothers (The Winans). In 1987, he partnered with his sister CeCe, and formed one of the most successful gospel groups in history. The dynamic duo amassed an amazing run of hit songs, released platinum-selling albums and scored a plethora of number one hit singles. BeBe has also recorded songs with such entertainers as Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. As an actor, BeBe appeared in 2003’s The Manchurian Candidate. BeBe recently served as one of the judges and executive producers on BET’s “Sunday Best”. BeBe is excited about this new venture and where it will lead. |
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Alton Fitzgerald White (Mister), Alton comes to this very gifted company directly from a 3-year engagement as Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include Coalhouse Walker Jr.in Ragtime: The Musical, Ken in Smokey Joe’s Café (Broadway and original London company), John in Miss Saigon (original company member) and The Hawker in The Who’s Tommy. Favorite regional roles include Scott Joplin in Tin Pan Alley Rag, Jacket Robinson in The First, Athos in The 3 Musketeers and Curtis Taylor, Jr. in Dreamgirls, in addition to concert dates around the world. I love you Ma! God is good all the time! Dare to dream, it’s free! |
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Montego Glover (Nettie/u/s Celie), Broadway Debut! Off-Broadway & New York: Dreamgirls: 20th Anniversary Concert; The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel/Lucille Lortel Award Nomination); Radiant Baby (workshop) & Ghetto Superstar both with the Public Theatre. Regional credits include: Aida (4 productions, IRNE Award Winner), Once On This Island (Helen Hayes Award Nomination), Ragtime, West Side Story, Dreamgirls, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Oklahoma!, Ain't Misbehavin', A Midsummer Night's Dream, Jesus Christ Superstar, Into the Woods, and Cookin' at the Cookery (IRNE & Dora Award Nominations). Three World Premieres: Saint Heaven, The Conservationist, and Memphis (IRNE & San Francisco Theatre Critics' Award Nominations). Recordings and Concerts: Dreamgirls, Festival of the Lion King and Magic in the Streets (Disney), The Pirates of Penzance, BIV, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 100 Years of Harold Arlen, and Chicago Humanities Festival. Commericals include: Charmin, Wishbone, Verizon, Ebay, Toyota, Home Depot, Pepsi, Hershey's and Nickelodeon. TV & Film: The Guiding Light, The Wonderful World of Disney, and Flicker Flutter with the Raw Impressions Film Festival. Graduate of Florida State University's Bachelor of Fine Arts Music Theatre program. Love & gratitude to family and friends! Visit www.MontegoGlover.com. |
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Angela Robinson (Shug Avery), Broadway: Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, Play On! Off-Broadway: Radiant Baby (Public Theater), Call the Children Home (Primary Stages). National tours: Wizard of Oz, Dreamgirls. Encores!: Golden Boy, Bye Bye Birdie, Pajama Game. Many regional credits. Thanks: my family, my Scotty, my El Shaddai. |
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Krisha Marcano (Squeak), is proud to be a part of The Color Purple, in her first principal role on Broadway. She trained at the Caribbean School of Dance in Trinidad and holds a BFA from SUNY Purchase. She continued her education at the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Credits include the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Broadway: Fosse (1st national tour), Aida, Sweet Charity, The Apple Tree, Purlie, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Color Purple (Atlanta). Love and thanks to her beautiful family and friends. |
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Teresa Stanley (Church Lady/Darlene/Ensemble), Broadway debut. A Florida native, her first musical production was Purlie, in which she played the role of Luttibelle. She has since appeared as leading roles in The Wiz, Into the Woods, and Dreamgirls, to name a few. God is good to me! |
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Leilani N. Bryant (Church Lady/Daisy/Ensemble/Jarene), Broadway debut. Leilani has recently performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra of Jacksonville, Florida and for the Florida Jasper Awards. Leilani wishes to thank her family and friends of Jacksonville, Florida for their encouragement and support. Very special thanks to God Almighty, mother Doris 'Moe' Thomas, sisters Shawana Scott and Carlette Thomas, pastors Paul and Sharon Zink, and last but certainly not least Ms. Roslyn Burrough (Auntie Roz) and conductor Linda Twine. To God be the glory for the things He has done and will continue to do. |
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Larry Marshall (Ol' Mister), was last seen in Mother Courage at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. Select Broadway credits: Porgy and Bess (Tony and Drama Desk nominations), The Full Monty, Rockaby Hamlet, Hair, Two Gentleman of Verona, Big Deal, Comin’ Uptown, Threepenny Opera (with Sting). Off Broadway credits include: Spell #7, Haggadah Cantata, Lullaby and Goodnight all at The Public Theater. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Portland Stage, The Folger Library Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival. His film credits include: “The Cotton Club, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Panic in Needle Park” among many others. He was recently the Associate Director (and played Rum) in the Kennedy Center’s Carmen Jones with Vanessa Williams. He was the Associate Director for the New York Harlem Theatre’s Porgy and Bess and has staged productions that have played most of the major opera houses in Europe.
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Yolanda Wyns (Doris), Off-Broadway: Black Nativity, God’s Creation, and Sing About Love. She began singing as a little girl in church, later touring with Freddie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, and Angie Stone. Her recordings include, “Many Faces,” and her gospel release, “A Live Recording of Praise and Worship.” www.yolandawyns.com |
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LaKisha Jones (Church Soloist/Ensemble/u/s Sofia), began singing at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church at age five. She was formally trained in classical music, but favored singing gospel music. Jones graduated in 1998 and attended the University of Michigan-Flint, majoring in music. A single mother, her four year old daughter Brionne encouraged her to try-out for “American Idol” where she went on to be one of the final four contestants in the 2007 season of the hit show. Ms. Jones is currently touring with American Idols Live. LaKisha is working on her first album. |
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Deidra H. Brooks (Swing/u/s Shug Avery), is making her Broadway debut in The Color Purple. She is a gospel singer, evangelist, pastor’s wife and proud mother. She has been blessed to perform in such musicals as: Dreamgirls, Tap Dance Kid, Beehive, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Smokey Joe’s Café. She is returning to performing after a 10-year break. She would like to thank her Pastor/husband for all of his love, prayers and support. Much love to her Mother, family & friends who knew this was a God-Move! She is especially grateful to Kennedy Pugh and Ray Kennedy for their pushing and praying! To God be the glory for the things He has done! |
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Eric L. Christian (Swing), I am incredibly blessed to be a part of such an amazing project. This will be my first original Broadway production. I’ve been a part of other shows, such as Hairspray, The Lion King, Aida, Chicago and Carousel, but there’s something about your first that you never forget. “Look What God Has Done. |
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Latrisa A. Coleman (Ensemble), a native of Fort Pierce, FL, received her BFA from Towson State University. Her work includes Broadway: The Lion King; Off- Broadway: Chicago (Mona), On Strivers Row (Cobina) and Beehive, directed by Debbie Allen. LaTrisa danced on full scholarship at the Ailey School. Dance Co.: Ailey II, Spirit Wings Dance Company, Baltimore Dance Theater and King Ballet. |
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Ruby E. Crawford (Mister Daughter), is honored and blessed for her Broadway debut! Movies: Bolden and The Scripture Cake. Community Theater: The Wiz, The Wizard of Oz, Millennium Holiday. Regional Commercial: Mike Easley for Governor. National Ad Campaign: Health Tex. Special thanks to God, my parents and brother Anthony II, family and friends, Bernard Telsey Casting, Nancy at Carson/Adler, Terri Dollak at KU Talent, Dauna B. Jessup at Fine Arts Center of Triad, and Robert Marks, vocal coach. |
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Bobby Daye (Swing), A proud member of AEA, he has enjoyed a career onstage in The Lion King, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dreamgirls. Film: The Elevator, In God’s Hands. As a songwriter, he wrote the theme to the ABC soap “Loving.” Thank God for longevity. |
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Doug Eskew (Ensemble/Preacher/u/s Ol’ Mister), Broadway: Big Moe in Five Guys Named Moe, Truly Blessed. Off-Broadway: Thunder Knocking on the Door, Josephine Song. National tours: Cats, Dreamgirls, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Five Guys Named Moe (NAACP nomination and L.A. Ovation Award). Regional credits: Polk County, Crowns, Golden Boy and Thunder Knocking on the Door (Helen Hayes nomination). |
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LaVon Fisher-Wilson (Swing), is pleased to be making her Broadway debut. She received the Suzi Award in Atlanta, Georgia for her portrayal of Gran Mimi in Jelly’s Last Jam at the Alliance. Other performing credits: Once On This Island (Asaka), Chicago (Mama Morton), Crowns (Velma, Jeanette), Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope (Pat), Dreamgirls (Effie u.s. – West Coast Tour), Tommy (Acid Queen) and Beehive (Tina, Aretha track). LaVon would like to thank her loving husband Darrell and her family and friends for all their loving support. |
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Guy Fortt (Swing), Guy is proud to be making his Broadway debut in The Color Purple! Stage: Seven Guitars, Strivers Row, and A Soldier’s Play; Film: The Interpreter, The Devil Wears Prada, and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007); Television: The Sopranos (final season) and Third Watch. Guy received his theatrical training at Shaw University in North Carolina. Love to wife, Tabitha, and my beautiful children! Look what God has done! |
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Gavin Gregory (Buster/Ensemble/u/s Harpo), Broadway debut. Theatre: The Lion King national tour, A Christmas Carol (Featured Vocalist), Violet (Flick), Chess, Once Upon a Mattress (Sir Harry), Keep the Faith (A. Phillip Randolph), Black Nativity (Deacon Wiseman). TV/film: “Dawson’s Creek,” The Cold Dish. Willie and Nellie’s son. Special thanks to Royal Caribbean. www.gavingregory.com |
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Charles Gray (Ensemble/u/s Mister), Broadway: Grease (Teen Angel). National tours: The Lion King, Five Guys Named Moe, Joseph and the Amazing…, Riverdance, A Brief History of White Music. Off-Broadway: Batboy, The Long Road Home. TV: “Law & Order: CI” and “SVU,” “Link.” Various voiceovers and recordings. I’m still here! Thank God. |
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Todrick D. Hall (Bobby/Ensemble/u/s Harpo), Broadway debut. Hall has made his way around the world performing at Disney World and on cruise ships for Royal Caribbean and Holland America. Todrick would like to thank GOD, his mother, Sheena, his amazing family and Pat Carthel for their never ending love and support. He would like to dedicate this performance to Ethel, may she watch proudly from heaven above. |
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James Harkness (Ensemble), feels blessed to, once again, be a part of The Color Purple. Other projects include Aida (B’way, 1st nat’l tour), Dreamgirls 20th Anniversary Concert (Actors’ Fund), Purlie (Encores!). Thank you KSA and the powers that be. Thanks to my “Beneficiary,” the Willet. Love and gratitude to Chuck. Always, Mom. |
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Francesca Harper (Ensemble/Squeak/u/s Shug Avery), Companies: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Frankfurt Ballet(Principal). Broadway: Fosse, The Frogs (Virilla u/s), All Shook Up (Sylvia). Off-Broadway: House Arrest, Beehive. TV and film: “Essence Awards,” The Producers. Choreography: The Alvin Ailey Company. She is the artistic director of the Francesca Harper Project. Love u Mom, Eric, Mama and Margo. www.francescaharper.com |
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Ashley Renee Jordan (Swing), The twelve year old native of Mississippi made her Broadway debut as Young Nala of The Lion King at the age of ten. She is delighted to join the Broadway cast of The Color Purple. Commercial credits include: Macy's, Cosmic Catch (Nickelodeon), Chuck E Cheese. Ashley enjoys reading and creative writing. Praise God for unlimited blessings and thanks to my mother and family! |
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Brandi Chavonne Massey (u/s Celie/u/s Nettie), This performance is dedicated, in loving memory, to her grandmother and brothers. Broadway credits include Wicked; Caroline, or Change; Jekyll & Hyde; and the West End’s The Lion King. Off-Broadway: Caroline, or Change; Ghetto Superstar; Carmen Jones; and Hair. Favorite regional credits: Lorrell in Dreamgirls, starring Jennifer Holliday and Cindy Heron; Dorothy in The Wiz, directed by George Faison; Timoune in Once on This Island. You can find her on many recordings, including Strictly R&B, The 20th Dreamgirls Anniversary Concert and Hair Benefit Concert along with Linda Eders’ Christmas CD. She gives thanks to God, Mommie, the Entertainment Group, friends and family. |
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Kenya Unique Massey (Ensemble), Broadway: Fascinating Rhythm, Aida, and Never Gonna Dance. Regional: Sweet Charity, Elaborate Lives – the Legend of Aida, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough. Kenya attended the LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and Columbia University, where she received a B.A. in education/sociology. Thank you, mommy, for being my rock…and thank you Ray, Shai and Nia for being the loves of my life. |
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Marla McReynolds (Ensemble), is honored to make her Broadway debut with The Color Purple! Favorite credits include West Side Story, Asia/Europe tour (Francisca, u/s Consuelo), A Funny Thing Happened… (Vibrata) and Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Many thanks to my family and friends for their continued love and support, and above all,
glory and thanks be to God! |
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Jenny Mollet (Swing/Young Harpo), is proud to be making her B’way debut. TV: Tony Danza Show, Macy’s Parade, Theatre: High School Musical, Back to School Tour, Nutcracker. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Aliya Perry, Amelia DeMayo, and Shirley Grant Management. |
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JC Montgomery (Ensemble/Grady/Pa/u/s Mister), Broadway: Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Swing!, Parade, Thou Shalt Not and The Boys From Syracuse. Tours: Les Misérables and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Television: “Another World,” “Law & Order: CI.” Film: The Producers and numerous national and regional commercials. Love to my wife Kim and our boys Marcus and Trevor. |
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Levensky Smith (Ensemble), Some of his stage credits include: The original Broadway cast of The Lion King, Purlie (Encores), A Little Princess (Theatreworks), Aida (First National Tour), Fame The Musical (Australian and European Tours) and Cats on Broadway. All praises are given to the Creator for continued grace! Thanks to ma, Mary L. Smith for her unwavering love and support. Peace to dad, Joseph W. Smith. Levensky is honored to be joining the cast of The Color Purple. Mr. Smith resides in NYC. |
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Ricky Smith (Young Harpo), is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut in The Color Purple. He was most recently seen as Archie in Captain Louie. Ricky has participated in AEA readings of And A Child Shall Lead Them and Jamaica, and won a halftime talent competition at MSG. Ricky is deeply grateful to his parents, sisters and brother who get him to rehearsals and auditions, and Abrams Artists and Sinclair Management. |
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Jamal Story (Assistant Dance Captain/Ensemble), After graduating from Southern Methodist University with degrees in dance performance and communication arts, Jamal Story danced with Donald Byrd/The Group in New York. During Madonna’s 2001 Drowned World Tour and Cher’s Living Proof: Farewell Tour, Jamal maintained his concert roots, working with Complexions and other dance companies when possible. Jamal is blessed to make his Broadway debut in The Color Purple. |
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