By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Don't think that Fantasia Barrino is the only young powerhouse starring in 'The Color Purple.'
A treasure trove of powerful voices have been assembled for the national touring version of Broadway's 'The Color Purple.'
It was announced today that Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams and 'American Idol: Season Three' finalist LaToya London will join recent Broadway cast members Jeannette Bayardelle and Felicia P. Fields in the acclaimed musical when it opens at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre on April 17.
The engagement is scheduled to run through July 22 before embarking on a national trek.
London will play the role of Nettie, and Williams, who previously starred in Broadway's 'AIDA,' will take on the role of Shug Avery.
Bayardelle will play the lead role of Celie, which she recently played on Broadway when the show's original star LaChanze left.
Fields reprises her Tony Award nominated role as Sofia.
The touring cast also includes Rufus Bonds, Jr. as Mister; Stu James as Harpo; Stephanie St. James as Squeak; Lynette Dupree, Kimberly Ann Harris and Virginia Ann Woodruff as the Church Ladies; Bridgette Bentley as the Church Soloist; and Adam Wade as Ol' Mister.
The tour is produced by media mogul Oprah Winfrey, power producer Scott Sanders, music legend Quincy Jones, and Hollywood film honcho Harvey Weinstein, in special association with AEG Live.
Based on the best-selling Alice Walker novel (which was made into a 1985 film by Steven Spielberg), 'The Color Purple: The Musical' features a score by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman.
Gary Griffin directed on Broadway and will also direct the tour.
1. I think that is going to be a powerhouse performance play with the big talents they have casted in it. I know I am going to have to take a lil 4 hour trip over to Chicago to see that. I wish the cast much success.
Mr. Jae at 8:19AM on Mar 1st 2007