More than three-quarters of a million people have seen The Color Purple on Broadway since it opened two years ago.
And beginning this month, even more theatergoers will have the opportunity to see Oprah's Winfrey's presentation of The Color Purple, as a touring show will begin its run in Chicago.
The play, based on the 1982 book by Alice Walker, centers on Celie, a black woman in the South in the early 1900s, as she lives through abuse at the hands of family members, explores her sexuality and, ultimately, finds her own strength.
Like the New York show, the Chicago production is expected to generate high public interest. The Broadway show will have the added star power of American Idol winner Fantasia, who is expected to begin playing Celie this month. Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, will play Shug Avery in the touring cast. Williams will be joined by American Idol alum Latoya London, who will play Nettie.
Still, there are others in the Broadway production who are worth knowing. Some have ties to the Baltimore area. About this time last year, UniSun introduced readers to former Baltimorean Bahiyah Sayyed Gaines, a former Alvin Ailey dancer who made her debut in the Broadway show's ensemble.
Other ensemble members with ties to the area are:
Charles Gray
Charles Gray of Annapolis wrapped up a two-year tour with The Lion King before landing a part in the ensemble and becoming an understudy for the roles of Mister, Ol' Mister and Pa - the most prominent male roles in the production.
"I don't think there's ever been anything that's brought this many black people to Broadway," says Gray, who studied at Towson University.
He estimates the audience is 70 percent black at each show.
"It's wonderful to see [black people] experience it," he said. "They want to share with you and tell you what it's done for them ... I don't think I've ever been in any show that's had that kind of impact."
Gray headed to New York after graduating from Towson in 1982, with only his voice training and a couple of dance classes under his belt. He was not trained in acting. "The acting came with the doing," Gray says.
He's had roles in the Broadway production of Grease and the touring productions of Five Guys Named Moe, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Riverdance. He's also done some television, including Law and Order: CI and Law and Order: SVU.
Kemba Shannon
