By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
On Feb. 18, TV One will premiere the fantastic documentary 'The Color Purple: The Color of Success' at 8 p.m. ET.
Narrated by acclaimed actor Keith David, the one-hour program -- directed and produced by Emmy Award winner Tim Miller -- explores the 25-year history and remarkable path of Alice Walker's memorable story.
Beginning with the origins of Walker's letters-based novel in 1982 and then tracing the harrowing story's incredible evolution from Pulitzer Prize-winning, best-selling novel to the 1985 multiple Academy Award-nominated film -- directed by Steven Spielberg, produced by Quincy Jones and introducing Whoopi Goldberg.
But the journey doesn't end there, 20 years later -- as the brainchild of visionary producer Scott Sanders -- the timeless story morphs into a theater sensation, leading to its landmark Broadway debut.
"We are so excited about The Color Purple: The Color of Success," TV One founder Cathy Hughes said during a private New York screening of the special earlier this week. "This special reminds us how significant this literary work is. It salutes extraordinary author Alice Walker for writing the novel 25 years ago, Steven Spielberg for the movie and Oprah Winfrey for bringing it to Broadway."
Going far beyond the Broadway Theatre's curtain, 'Color of Success' unearths rare footage of the show's original casting sessions, early show rehearsals and the cast album recording, while also capturing the staff and crew in action.
The special includes all-new interviews with the show's creative team including lead producer Sanders; playwright Marsha Norma, music composers Allee Willis, Brenda Russell and Stephen Bray, musical director Linda Twine, choreographer Donald Byrd, costume designer Paul Tazewell, and director Gary Griffin.
Spielberg, Jones, Walker and Winfrey joins a chorus of other participants recounting the 'Purple's' extraordinary history.
The special also explores the story's relevance to the African American community with candid footage of audience members and patrons visiting the Broadway production.
Featured cast members include Tony Award-winning LaChanze, who originated the role of Celie; Elisabeth Withers-Mendes who sizzles as Shug Avery, Felicia P. Fields who is astounding as Sofia, and Brandon Victor Dixon who brings a debonair charm playing Harpo -- all making their Broadway debuts. Veteran theater performer Kingsley Leggs, who plays Mister, is also featured.
The special will be available on demand several digital cable platforms, and 'The Color Purple' news special will also re-air later on Feb. 18 at midnight, Feb. 20 at noon, Feb. 22 at 11 AM, and March 3 at noon.
The black-owned TV One really upped the ante with this high quality production.
Perfect as an educational tool.
Perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
And a perfect way to celebrate Black History Month.
1. Wow. I watched that show last night. It was great. Aside from it being black, is it the only show in history to have been made from a movie and from a book? Thats a question I would like to see answered. Because TV One isnt in but so many markets, its unfortunate that the entire nation wont see this special. Maybe another channel can pick it up.
JayJay at 2:37PM on Feb 19th 2007