Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans Join the Smash Hit Musical "The Color Purple"

The producers of THE COLOR PURPLE are pleased to announce that legendary eight-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan, four-time Grammy Award winner and gospel singer BeBe Winans, and 2007 “American Idol” finalist LaKisha Jones will make their Broadway debuts in the smash hit musical starting Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway). Chaka Khan will play Sofia opposite BeBe Winans’ Harpo. Chaka’s new highly anticipated album, Funk This was released yesterday, September 25, 2007, and BeBe’s new album, Cherch was released October 30, 2007. LaKisha Jones will play the Church Soloist, who opens the show with the rousing gospel number “Mysterious Ways” at all evening performances, and Sofia at all matinee performances. Please note: Ms. Jones’ first performance will be December 19, 2007, and will play the Church Soloist at all performances through January 6, 2008. THE COLOR PURPLE will begin its third year on Broadway November 1, 2007.

Beginning its 3rd smash year on Broadway, THE COLOR PURPLE recouped its entire $11 million investment in less than a year. THE COLOR PURPLE’s first North American Tour kicked off in Chicago on April 17, 2007 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre where it plays through September 30, 2007. The tour will then continue on to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tempe, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

THE COLOR PURPLE is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich, and Todd Johnson