Oprah Winfrey's big Broadway musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, 'The Color Purple,' will close on Feb. 24.
After playing 30 preview performances and 910 regular performances at the Broadway Theatre, the producers announced the shuttering this morning.
According to a production rep, the show recouped its entire $11 million investment in its first year on Broadway, having grossed over $103,000,000.
"From the day I first approached Alice Walker to turn her beloved book into a musical, and down every magical road I have traveled, my journey with 'The Color Purple' has always been unbelievably rewarding artistically, professionally and spiritually," said lead producer Scott Sanders.
"It is a tribute to Alice Walker's American masterpiece that it continues to be both socially and politically relevant...more than relevant...crucial to the American story. I am extremely proud of this new musical we have brought to life, its creative success and the way in which we have been able to expand the Broadway audience in a culturally significant way," Sanders continued.The show currently stars Chaka Khan as Sofia, BeBe Winans as Harpo, LaKisha Jones as the Church Soloist at all evening performances and Sofia at all matinee performances, Montego Glover as Nettie, Elisabeth Withers-Mendes as Shug Avery, Alton Fitzgerald White as Mister, Krisha Marcano as Squeak and Zonya Love as Celie.
Also featured in the cast of 37 are Leilani N. Bryant, Teresa Stanley, Yolanda Wyns, Larry Marshall, Deidra H. Brooks, Eric L. Christian, Latrisa A. Coleman, Ruby E. Crawford, Bobby Daye, Doug Eskew, Lavon Fisher-Wilson, Charles Gray, Gavin Gregory, Stephanie Guiland-Brown, James Harkness, Francesca Harper, Chauncey Jenkins, Ashley Reneé Jordan, Brandi Chavonne Massey, Kenya Unique Massey, Marla McReynolds, Jenny Mollet, JC Montgomery, Angela Robinson, Levensky Smith, Ricky Smith and Jamal Story.
The national tour, currently playing in Los Angeles, stars LaToya London of 'American Idol,' Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams and original workshop and Broadway stars Jeannette Bayardelle and Felicia P. Fields.
The tour is currently scheduled through 2009, and will be playing Tempe, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Though a far-fetched concept (a musical dealing with incest, domestic abuse, lesbianism and racism on The Great White Way), 'Purple' became an enormous success since debuting Dec. 1, 2005. With Winfrey's marketing magic coupled with an exceptional array of theater talent, the ambitious undertaking became the toast of Broadway.
Last summer, when 'American Idol' winner Fantasia (pictured above, alongside vocal dynamo Mendes) stepped in as a replacement for LaChanze (pictured right with Walker), a box-office frenzy ensued leading to a motley mix of avid fans.
Though the multiple Grammy Award nominated chanteuse left the show two weeks ago, an opportunity for more "stunt casting" (with other major celebrities stepping into roles) did present itself with the addition of Khan, Winans and Jones."Twenty five years ago, I read a book that changed my life: 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. I was honored to be a part of the cast of that powerful motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg,' Winfrey issued in a statement.
"When the opportunity came to help bring the musical to the Broadway stage, it was a full circle moment for me," she added. "I'm so proud to have been a part of this production that not only made Broadway history, but resonated with a new generation and touched the lives of more than 1 million theatergoers."
It's one of the most epic shows a family can see. And although its on tour, nothing compares seeing it at the Broadway Theatre.
Get your tickets immediately before they're all gone.
Comments: (6)
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By: Shanna on 1/25/2008 1:39AM
I knew the show would not last long without Fantasia's name on the marquee but never did I think it would be closing this soon.
The Color Purple has made close to half of that $100 million in the last 9 months that Fantasia was there.
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By: vi on 1/25/2008 1:42PM
getting my tickets for tempe today!!!!!!!!
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By: normanfidel on 1/26/2008 1:53AM
I thought Chaka Khan would be a big enough draw to keep the show going. I've seen it twice now, once without Fantasia, and once with her. Fantasia in the show was a definite plus but they say she missed many, many performances. I could see buying tickets only to find out Fantasia wasn't performing and being pissed. I'm on my way to NYC now and thought I should see it again with Chaka in it before it closes. Chaka and I shared a microphone 2 years ago in Los Angeles and that was an experience I will never forget. She can still blow. . .
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By: Charlene L.M. Harris on 1/26/2008 8:40PM
I saw The Color Purple this summer in Chicago at the beautiful Cadillac Palace. It was outstanding with Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child playing Shug Avery; what amazing talent from all of the actors/singers. Everyone who can should see the traveling show if it comes near you. I traveled from Denver to Chicago to see it. It was money well spent. Charlene
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By: Dana on 2/15/2008 12:46PM
I saw this show last spring in NYC with Fantasia and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes. The show was well-endowed with stage props, costumes, and strong, versatile singing. I loved the energy that was displayed through varying scenes, including humorous and dramatic scenes. Wonderful!!!
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By: The Color Purple Tickets on 5/10/2010 3:42AM
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