LaKisha Jones to join 'Color Purple' on Broadway
The Associated Press
5:48 PM EDT, September 25, 2007
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Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Furl Google Newsvine Reddit Spurl Yahoo Print Single page view Reprints Reader feedback Text size: NEW YORK - Get ready for some cast changes -- all Broadway debuts -- in the New York company of "The Color Purple."

Grammy winners Chaka Khan and BeBe Winans will join the hit musical on Jan. 9, 2008, at the Broadway Theater, producer Scott Sanders announced Tuesday. The twosome will portray the battling lovebirds, Sofia and Harpo, in the show, which is based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Meanwhile, "American Idol" finalist LaKisha Jones of Fort Meade will come aboard Dec. 19 to play the Church Soloist, a woman who opens the musical with a rousing gospel number. Jones will play the role at all performances through Jan. 6. Starting Jan. 9, she will play the Church Soloist at evening performances and Sofia at matinees.



"The Color Purple" currently stars Fantasia as Celie, a determined woman who, in Walker's heartfelt tale of abuse and perseverance, triumphs over adversity.

good for Chaka!

I love Chaka, but think she is a bit old for the role. Looking foward to seeing her on Bdwy, properly miked & mixed. That alone will be a treat. Oprah has proved that here is an black theatre audience out here. I hope this leads to more plays-so far it has seemed to hurt other productions.

Nevermind, I just read who she's gonna play.
[Edited 9/27/07 11:43am]

How long will she be in this role for? Me & a friend are planning a trip to NYC and will go see TCP when we're there... but we don't want to see Chaka Khan in it.

Imelda said:

Whats wrong with Chaka Khan? :<
Just curious

She opened at a Mary J Blige concert once and made our ears bleed.

Powerful voice, yes... but it was excruciating to sit and listen to her belt/wail out a big note every 30 seconds. Tiring too. Maybe she'll be different on Broadway but my friend's too protective of TCP to risk it.