Kenita R. Miller (Celie), Kenita is ecstatic to be rejoining The Color Purple family! Training: Eastman School of Music, AMDA. B'way/Off B'way: Xanadu (Erato/Kira Cover), The Color Purple (Celie), Dessa Rose ( Dessa ), Best of Both Worlds (Rain). Tours: The Civil War, Ragtime (Sarah) also at Papermill Playhouse, and Cardiff, Wales concert premiere. Regional: Once on This Island (Timoune), Smokey Joe's Café (Brenda). “Thanks to her husband Justin, family & friends, and most of all God for the gift of life and song!”
Felicia P. Fields (Sofia), a native Chicagoan, 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.Felicia has worked throughout the Chicagoland area and has received many Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for her performances in Jammin’ With Pops (Ella Fitzgerald), Hot Mikado (Katisha), Show Boat (Queenie), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Ma Rainey), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell/Amelia) and Dreamgirls (Effie Melody White), to name a few. Felicia’s stellar performance in Chicago’s Drury Lane production of Sophisticated Ladies earned her the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Angela Robinson (Shug Avery), Broadway: The Color Purple (Shug Avery/1st replacement), Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, Play On! Off-Broadway: Radiant Baby (Diva Woman) at The Public [AUDELCO nomination], Call The Children Home at Primary Stages. Tours: Wizard of Oz, Dreamgirls (Deena) [Black Theatre Alliance nomination]. Regional: Baltimore Center Stage, George Street, Paper Mill, Pittsburgh Public, The Alliance, The Alley, Crossroads, Prince Music Theatre, TheatreWorks CA, Montclair TheatreFest. Television: “Another Bed,” “A Diva’s Christmas Carol,” “Law & Order: SVU.” Concerts: Golden Boy, Pajama Game, Bye Bye Birdie at Encores!, A Little Night Music (Petra) with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Graduate: Florida A&M University and The William Esper Studio. Love to Family, Scotty, and El Shaddai.
La Toya London (Nettie), Being part of The Color Purple has been an honor for La Toya London. She was named the early front runner to win season three of “American Idol” by Simon Cowell, Elton John, and fans. On-air she joined the ranks of “The Three Divas” alongside Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino before she was shockingly voted off, coming in fourth place. La Toya later garnered a Peak Records recording deal and two Billboard-topping singles. Regional/Tours: Handel’s Messiah, Quincy Jones’ Blues In The Night at The Hollywood Bowl, Issues We All Got ‘Em, and Beehive. www.latoyalondon.com
Rufus Bonds, Jr. (Mister), returns to the Cadillac Palace Theatre where he 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. Bonds received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Jim in the Los Angeles Deaf West production of BigRiver. He has worked with such greats as Stephen Sondheim in Merrily We Roll Along, William Finn in Romance In Hard Times and Harold Prince in Parade for which Bonds was nominated for both the Drama Desk and the FANY Award. “Through Faith all things are possible.”
Stu James (Harpo), is thankful to reprise the role of Harpo after returning from filming the upcoming L.C. Forrest Indie Feature, Epidemic Chronicle. He earned an NAACP Theatre Award Nomination for his portrayal of Harpo. He is a native of Atlanta, GA. and a graduate of Morehouse College. Broadway: RENT (Benjamin Coffin III). Off-Broadway/Regional: Barnstormer, Once On This Island, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Cotton Patch Gospel. Film: Bill Condon’s Dreamgirls; Downtown A Street Tale. TV: “General Hospital,” “All My Children,” and “Barbershop.” Stu is putting the finishing touches on his debut album “Love Is” (www.stujames.net ). He thanks God for abundance and overflow, and his family (Happy 100th Big Mama), friends and Williams Talent Agency for believing in him!!! “And So It Is!!!
Tiffany Daniels (Squeak),
is thankful and blessed to be part of this experience. Tiffany received her B.S. from Cornell University. Upon graduation she received a full dance scholarship at Hollywood’s Edge Performing Arts Center. Regional Theatre: Aida. Other: Los Angeles Laker Girl and CBS’s “Cold Case.” “Thanks to mom for constant love and friendship.”
Lynette DuPree (Church Lady Jarene/u/s Sofia),Lynette will play the role of Sofia from 5/26 - 6/7. Broadway: Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk; Smokey Joe’s Café; A New Brain; Truly Blessed. Tours: Dreamgirls, Elmer Gantry, Carousel, House Arrest, Waiting to be Invited. Selected TV: “Desperate Housewives,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Medium,” “NYPD Blue,” “The District,” Oprah Winfrey Presents “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Film: Random Hearts, Harlem Aria, Zig Zag, Straight Out of Compton. Lynette would like to thank her loving husband, Charles Richardson, along with family and friends for their support. “All praises to Jehovah Jireh!”
Kimberly Ann Harris (Church Lady Doris/u/s Sofia), is an original cast member of The Color Purple on Broadway. Tours and N.Y.: The Full Monty, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Sophisticated Ladies, Blues in the Night, Ain’t Misbehavin,’ As Thousands Cheer, The Apple Tree and Carmen Jones. Regional: The Color Purple (Atlanta); Play On!, Once on This Island, Barnum, Abyssinia. TV: “Law & Order,” “Third Watch,” “One Life to Live,” etc. Kimberly also writes and has directed several productions. “Thanks to family and friends and thank you so much God.”
Virginia Ann Woodruff (Church Lady Darlene), Broadway: The Color Purple (original cast), All Shook Up, Smokey Joe’s Café. Off-Broadway: Crowns, Yo Alice. National tours: The Wiz, Once on This Island, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Who’s Tommy. Regional: Dreamgirls; Beehive; Signed, Sealed, Delivered; Abyssinia; And the World Goes ’Round; Ain’t Misbehavin’; Avenue X. Concerts: Broadway Divas, BIV, Michael Jackson, VEE in Concert. Film: Legally Blonde 2, Preachin’ to the Choir. “God’s been good.”
Mike Hodge (Ol' Mister),
is quite happy to be on the Boards again after years of recurring work on “Law and Order” (all three programs) and an upcoming movie called Adam. Broadway: August Wilson’s King Headley, Fences and A Few Good Men. Off-Broadway: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Soaps: “Loving,” “One Life To Live,” and “As The World Turns.” There’ve also been lots of commercials and voice-overs.
Carol Dennis (Church Soloist/Ensemble/u/s Sofia), originated the role of the Church Soloist on Broadway. She received 2003 and 2004 Ovation Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for Raisin and Hot Mikado. Broadway: Street Corner Symphony, Big River, The Wiz, Once on This Island. Additional theatre: Moms, The River. Toured/recorded with Dylan, Springsteen, Wonder, Pastor Andrae Crouch. TV/film: "Good News," HBO’s "The Josephine Baker Story" (the soundtrack voice of Josephine Baker).
Brian Harlan Brooks (Dance Captain/Swing), trained at Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Ailey School. His dance company credits include Philadanco!, Deeply Rooted, Donald Byrd/The Group, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance. Films: Lifted and Across the Universe. He was Site Director of Kansas City Missouri Ailey Camp. He choreographs and teaches extensively as well.
Darius Crenshaw (Ensemble), Broadway debut in The Color Purple. Attended School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, followed by the School of American Ballet under Stanley Williams, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Peter Martins (Mae L. Wien award winner). New York City Ballet (8 years) and Cincinnati Ballet (soloist). Currently dancing in film, Los Angeles Opera, and Los Angeles Ballet.
David Aron Damane (Pa/u/s Mister/u/s Ol’ Mister), Broadway: Big River, The Life, Riverdance, Porgy & Bess, A Christmas Carol. Off-Broadway: Dinah Was, Living In the Wind, Abyssinia. National: Big River, Riverdance, Stratford Shakespeare, Ford’s Theatre, Goodspeed, Papermill, North Shore, Kennedy Center. TV: “Law & Order,” “SVU,” “All My Children,” “Guiding Light,” “Hope & Faith,” “America,” etc.
Lesly Terrell Donald (Bobby/Buster/u/s Harpo), Chicago native and proud U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran. Credits: Rent, Miss Saigon, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Full Monty, Porgy and Bess and Two Trains Running. Lesly has also entertained our Armed Forces with the USO. “Shout-outs to mom, dad, God, family, friends and my boo. To our brave military members, ‘I salute you—God Bless.’” www.myspace.com/ltdonald
Anika Ellis (Ensemble/u/s Shug Avery), Film: I Am Legend, Asst. Choreographer/Director to Otis Sallid - International Film Festival. World Premiere: Trip of Love (Jennifer). Broadway: The Color Purple, Sweet Charity (Helene u/s), AIDA (Nehebka). Tours: Fosse, AIDA. Regional: Dreamgirls (Lorrell), A Chorus Line (Sheila). “I graciously thank God, my heavenly angel, family and friends for EVERYTHING.”
André Garner (Swing/u/s Harpo), is a proud graduate of VirginiaTechUniversity (B.S. Business Management). Broadway: Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Music Man, Marie Christine, Grease, Encores! Broadway Bash 2003. Off-Broadway: Little Ham, From My Hometown. He gives much love to family and friends for all the love and support. “God Bless.”
LaTrisa A. Harper (Swing/u/s Nettie/u/s Squeak), a Fort Pierce, FL native, danced on full scholarship at The Ailey School and was a member Ailey II. Broadway: The Color Purple (original cast). Featured performer in The Lion King. Broadway workshop: Beehive with Debbie Allen. Tour: Chicago (Mona). Play: On Strivers Row (Cobina). BFA Towson State University. Proud AEA member.
Phyre Hawkins (Swing/u/s Celie), a Flint, MI native, is honored to be a part of TCP. After graduating The American Academy of Dramatic Arts she performed with Avenue Q (Las Vegas) and several shows with The Classical Theatre of Harlem. She thanks God for “Faith and Favor” and her family for their unending love, support, and PRAYERS.
Dameka Hayes (Ensemble/u/s Squeak), is overjoyed to be a part of this phenomenal cast. Some of her best-loved credits include: The Lion King (Broadway), “Scrubs” (NBC), “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” (Disney), L.A. Laker Girls and Budweiser’s “Whassup!” campaign. She thanks her friends and family for their love and support.
Tim Hunter (Ensemble),
Broadway/Tours: The Lion King, Aida, The Gershwins Fascinating Rhythm, Cats, Miss Saigon, Sarafina and Dreamgirls. TV/Film: "30 rock," Confessions of a Shopaholic. Commercials: American Express, Kodak, Pontiac Buick, Mylanta, and Fruitopia. Upcoming film: Monogamy. Tim is thrilled to join this company and thanks his family and friends for their love and support.
Chauncey Jenkins (Ensemble), feels blessed to once again be apart of The Color Purple. Broadway: The Color Purple (Bobby/Ensemble). National Tours: MAMMA MIA! (Eddie). Regional: Grease, South Pacific, West Side Story. BFA from Wright State University. Thank You Mom, Sam Turk, and LB for all your love.
Trent Armand Kendall (Preacher/u/s Ol’ Mister),Originally from St. Louis, MO. University of MO – Columbia (BFA). Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, TV/Film, National Commercials. [TrentKendall.com] Debut CD: Introducing Trent Kendall, So Much To Say available on iTunes (Dress Circle ’96). Recent release: Picture Incomplete – a one man musical (LML Music) [www.LMLmusic.com]
Brandi Chavonne Massey (u/s Celie/u/s Nettie),
A graduate of Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts and an alumnus of AMDA. London: Disney’s The Lion King (Nala). Broadway: The Color Purple (Celie/Nettie); Wicked (Elphaba); Caroline, or Change (The Radio); Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy). NY: Baby (Pam); Hair (Dionne); Carmen Jones (Myrt); Ball w/ L.L. Cool J / Savion Glover (Muse). Regional: Dream Girls (Lorrell), Bubbling Brown Sugar (Young Irene); The Wiz (Dorothy); Once on This Island (TiMoune); Cinderella (Cinderella); Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette); Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene); BIV. Thanks to: God, Mom, Friends, family, TEG
Sumayah McRae (Assistant Dance Captain/Squeak), is honored to be a part of The Color Purple. B.F.A. The JuilliardSchool. Concert Dance, Parsons Dance Co., Pascal Rioult and BattleWorks. Sumayah assisted Robert Battle and David Parsons in setting works on Ailey I and II. Theatre credits: The Lion King (Gazelle) first national tour.
Reva Rice (Ensemble/u/s Shug Avery),
Broadway: Starlight Express (original, Pearl, and London’s West End ), Fosse (starring lead), Chicago (Velma Kelly and Nat’l tour). 1st Nat’l tours starring roles: Starlight Express, Smokey Joe’s Café, Fosse. Las Vegas starring roles: Starlight Express, Sign, Sealed Delivered, Spamalot. Helen Hayes Award, Joseph Jeffrey Award, Black Theaters Alliance Award nominee.
Horace V. Rogers (Grady/u/s Mister),RENT (Collins), The Lion King (Mufasa), Brooklyn, Tarzan. Television: “Star Search”(Male-Vocalist), Showtime’s “Soul Food.” Recordings: Willie Nelson, BeBe & CeCe Winans’ Greatest Hits,“Son of Man,” Tarzan CD (Soloist). Thanks to The National Black Theater Festivalwww.nbtf.org. John, Marion, Heather: FBI Agency. “This is for my ‘Sunny Sun Son’ Mpho.”
Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (Ensemble/u/s Harpo), is thrilled and honored to join The Color Purple family. Favorite roles: Pepe (TUTS), Richie (CDT), Asher (Joseph...National Tour).Training: B.M. in Musical Theatre from Baldwin-WallaceCollege.Special thanks to JC, Mama, Danielle/TalentWorks, Telsey casting, and all of his supportive friends and family.“Awww Lawd..I'm HERE!”
Hollie E. Wright (Ensemble), a Philadelphia native, earned BFA in Dance Education from The University of the Arts. Company work: principle dancer with The Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco). Broadway credit: Hot Feet, cover to and performed the leading role. TV and Film: Bridezilla Promo, Beloved, Podcastgo.com, The Great Observer. Thanks her family, mentors. “Dreams Do Come True!”
