| |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
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. Broadway: The Color Purple (Celie). National/international tours: Big River, Rent, Sister Act. Off-Broadway: Best of Both Worlds. “Many thanks to Mom and Dad, family and friends for your love and support. Thank you Bishop Norman Lyons and Elder Sharon Lyons and the FOLC family for your prayers. ‘God you are an awesome wonder!’” |
| |
|
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. |
| |
|
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 Big River. 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 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. Broadway: RENT (Benny). Off-Broadway/Regional: Barnstormer; Ain’t Misbehavin’; Once On This Island and Cotton Patch Gospel. Film: Bill Condon’s Dreamgirls; Downtown A Street Tale; House of Grim and the D.K. Holmes feature Burning Sands. TV credits: “General Hospital,” “All My Children” and “Barbershop.” Stu is now putting the finishing touches on his debut Album Love Is (www.myspace.com/stujameslive). He is also working on his One Man Show entitled Son of the South. He thanks God for abundance and overflow - and his family and friends for their infinite unconditional love. “And so it is!”
|
| |
|
LaToya London (Nettie), Being part of The Color Purple is a dream come true and an honor for LaToya London. 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. On-air she joined the ranks of “The Three Divas” alongside Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino before she was shockingly voted off, ending up in fourth place. London later garnered a Peak Records recording deal and two Billboard-topping singles. Regional/tours: Beehive, Issues, Handles Messiah and Quincy Jones’ Blues In The Night at The Hollywood Bowl. Her debut album Love & Life is in stores now. www.latoyalondon.com
|
| |
|
Stephanie St. James (Squeak), is grateful to be a part of TCP. She’s a Los Angeles-based actress/singer/songwriter and 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. She dedicates her performance to her family, and the memory of her grandmother Sofia, who was a holocaust survivor. She would like to take this opportunity to say, “When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” —Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist. “Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.” |
| |
| Ensemble |
|
Lynette DuPree (Church Lady/Jarene/u/s Sophia), 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 Sophia), 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.” |
| |
|
Adam Wade (Ol' Mister), First African-American to host a game show (CBS’s “Musical Chairs”). TV favorites: “Guiding Light,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Law & Order,” “Sanford and Son,” “What’s Happening,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times.” Stage includes: Staggerlee, Guys and Dolls, Black Girl, Hamlet, Macbeth, A Lesson Before Dying, The Cherry Orchard. Adam’s career also includes directing, recording (hit record: “Ruby”) and many films, and he is a two-time AUDELCO winner. He went back to school after 40 years and earned his B.A. and Masters at Lehman and Brooklyn Colleges. |
| |
|
Bridgette Bentley (Church Lady/Church Soloist/u/s Sophia), A native of Los Angeles, Calif., she is the daughter of an evangelist. Her theatrical experience includes Love Ain’t Supposed to Hurt, The Glory of Christmas at Crystal Cathedral and A Good Man is Hard to Find. TV: “The Parkers,” “Girlfriends.” The Color Purple is an awesome blessing from God to her and her beautiful daughter. www.myspace.com/bridgettebentley, www.bridgettebentley.com |
| |
|
Shani M. Borden (Swing), has trained at the Duke Ellington School of The Arts, Alvin Ailey and is a graduate of Towson University. She is pleased to make her Broadway debut by joining the extraordinary cast of The Color Purple’s first national tour and thanks her family for their continued support. |
| |
|
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. |
| |
|
Reneé Monique Brown (Ensemble/u/s Shug Avery), is a graduate of Ohio State University and a former member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Broadway: All Shook Up. Other N.Y. credits: Harlem Song (George C. Wolfe, writer/director), Metropolitan Opera’s Samson and Delilah, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Tours: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella (u/s Eartha Kitt) and Joseph…. Film: Oprah’s Beloved. |
| |
|
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. |
| |
|
Tiffany Daniels (Ensemble), 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.” |
| |
|
Quentin Earl Darrington (Pa/u/s Mister/u/s Ol’ Mister), is a native of Lakeland, Fla. and is honored to be a part of history in the making. Recent credits include: A Little Night Music (California Musical Theatre), Dreamgirls (Madame Walker Theatre), The Lion King (Broadway national tour), Abyssinia (Goodspeed) and Ragtime (Paper Mill). “Another step.…Thank you Lord!” |
| |
|
Alex de Castro (Henrietta/Young Celie/Young Olivia), Native New Yorker, 12, Broadway debut playing the role of Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King and following joined The Lion King’s Cheetah Tour. Seven years of professional experience (TV, film, print, voice over, commercials and dance). Proud member of AEA, AFTRA and SAG. “Thanks Mom for always believing!” http://www.alexdecastro.tripod.com
|
| |
|
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 |
| |
|
Aliyah D. Flowers (Swing), won two titles in The Pretty Little Princess Pageant, performed with Chicago Junior Luva Bulls, recorded Stone Soup Opera with The Lyric Opera of Chicago and was cast as Addy in The American Girl Review. Aliyah also sings with the Salem Baptist Church Children’s Praise Team. |
| |
|
André Garner (Swing), is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech University (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.” |
| |
|
Rhett George (Ensemble/u/s Harpo), What a beautiful story to experience every day. Broadway: Sweet Charity (Big Daddy), Wicked, Aida. Off-Broadway: Radiant Baby. Toronto: Lion King, Rent. National tour: Fame. “Giving thanks to God for his continuous blessings. Much love to family and friends.” www.Rhettgeorgeonline.com |
| |
|
Stephanie Guiland Brown (Assistant Dance Captain), Broadway debut: The Color Purple. Training: The Joffrey School; the Dance Theatre of Harlem; LaGuardia HS for the Arts; mentored by Madame Gabriela Darvash; member of Donald Byrd/The Group and Complexions. Choreographic assistant for Mr. Byrd on numerous projects, for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Spectrum. Proud member of Actors’ Equity. |
| |
|
Dameka Hayes (Ensemble), 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 husband and family for their love and support. |
| |
|
LaTonya Holmes (u/s Celie/u/s Nettie), just released her debut CD entitled Love Me Just For Me, which is available online at www.latonyaholmes.com. She executive produced the project, co-wrote six of the seven all-original selections, co-arranged and co produced all the lead and background vocals. LaTonya thanks GOD for her family, friends and hometown, Warner Robins, Ga. for their everlasting love and support. |
| |
|
Jenna Ford Jackson (Ensemble/u/s Shug Avery), National tours: The Buddy Holly Story, Once on This Island. Regional: Racing Demon (Jeff Nomination), A Christmas Carol, A Raisin in the Sun, That’s Christmas, Ain’t Misbehavin.’ TV: “Cupid.” Jenna returns to the stage full-time after seven years as a stay-at-home mom. B.F.A. in Music Theatre from Roosevelt University. “Loving little is much!” |
| |
|
Trent Armand Kendall (Preacher/u/s Ol’ Mister), Broadway/NY: Into the Woods (Steward/Baker u/s) – NAACP Best Supporting Actor Nominee, Wizard of Oz, Purlie! (Encores), Chess, Hair, Best Little Whorehouse (in concert). Off B’Way: Bat Boy, Nunsense A-men! London: Five Guys Named Moe, Hey Mr. Producer!. National Tour: Smokey Joe’s Café, Joseph… TV/FILM: “Law & Order,” “Strangers with Candy,” “VH1 Big in ’04,” Pink Panther, True Dreams. www.pictureincomplete.com |
| |
|
Grasan Kingsberry (Ensemble), Native of Charlotte, N.C. Broadway: The Color Purple (original cast), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (original cast), Aida (u/s Amonasro). TV: “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Good Morning America.” Film: I Am Legend. Grasan is a grad of The Juilliard School. “I thank everyone who’s inspired, supported and believed in me! Blessed to be living a dream!” |
| |
|
Keith Byron Kirk (Grady/u/s Mister), Broadway: The Grapes of Wrath, The Piano Lesson, King David, The Civil War, Miss Saigon. Off-Broadway: A New Brain, Elegies. Tours: Miss Saigon (Jeff Award), Evita (Che), Parade (Jim Conley), The Civil War (Frederick Douglass). Playwright: As Reaper in Summer Grain (2005 O’Neill Playwright’s Conference), Ft. Lonesome, Parable, The Civil War. |
| |
|
Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (Ensemble), 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-Wallace College. Special thanks to JC, Mama, Danielle/TalentWorks, Telsey casting, and all of his supportive friends and family. “Awww Lawd..I'm HERE!” |
| |
|
Diamond White (Ensemble), is very humble and honored to be a part of The Color Purple. She has been seen on nationwide network news, on “The Maury Povich Kids Idol Show” and “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.” Diamond thanks God for the love. |
| |
|
Mariama Whyte (Swing/u/s Celie/u/s Nettie), is thrilled to be part of The Color Purple. National tours: The Lion King (Rafiki, Shenzi Cover). New York: All God’s Chillun Got Wings (Bank Street Theatre). Regional: The Amen Corner (Cleveland Play House). A Cleveland native with a B.A. in English from the College of Wooster, Mariama thanks her family and friends for unconditional love and support. “For Lubabalo and Micaiah, Ndiyakuthanda.” |
| |
|
Anthony Williams II (Ensemble/Young Harpo), is 12 years old and a member of Maywood Fine Arts Association, where he has done many shows. In 2003 he was awarded “Kid Performer of the Year” by the Chocolate Chip Performing Arts Company. He would like to thank God for making his dreams possible. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
