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Brenda Russell

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Brenda Russell Productions

 
[Broadway, 2005] [Replacement]
Composer/Lyricist[Replacement]

Writing

Composer
Lyricist

Brenda Russell Movies

American Hot Wax
[ 1978 ] Member of The Delights
Liberty Heights
[ 1999 ] Singer
The Color Purple
[ 2023 ] music and lyrics by

Brenda Russell Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Brenda Russell, The Color Purple

Brenda Russell Videos

Brenda Russell News


Photos: Melba Moore And Kathy Sledge Sit Down for UNSCRIPTED LIVE At Lincoln Center


Tony Award-winning vocalist Melba Moore and GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer Kathy Sledge joined award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sekou Luke (Notes from Harlem) and noted music journalist Christian John Wikane (PopMatters) in the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on Saturday, April 6 for the fourth edition of 'Unscripted Live,' the live branch of 'Unscripted: Conversations with Christian John Wikane,' an interview series that spotlights the stories of legendary and innovative artists. The evening was featured as part of Lincoln Center's 2024 American Songbook. See photos from inside the event!

Video: First Look At Theater Latté Da's Production Of THE COLOR PURPLE


Get a first look at THE COLOR PURPLE, running now through May 5 at Theater Latté Da. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, THE COLOR PURPLE is a stirring family chronicle following the inspirational Celie as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope, to discover her own unique voice and place in the world.

Pittsburgh CLO Announces Three New Programs To Make Theater More Family Accessible


Pittsburgh CLO is implementing changes to make theater more accessible for families. Discover how they're removing barriers and promoting inclusivity in the world of Broadway.

Nashville Repertory Theatre's Stellar 39th Season Continues With Superb Prooduction of THE COLOR PURPLE


Led by a bravura performance from Carli Hardon, Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of The Color Purple – the musical based on the beloved Alice Walker novel – is yet another extraordinary success from the professional company in the midst of its 39th season. Directed with complete self-assurance and confidence by Reggie Law, with evocative and energetic choreography by Joi Ware and the musical direction of Dion Treece that results in one of the most emphatically sung shows in Nashville Rep history.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Receives Grant To Celebrate Multiple Summer Programs


The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has received a grant from Air Products, enabling it to celebrate multiple summer programs.

World Premiere & More Set for Actors Theatre of Louisville 2024-25 Season


Actors Theatre of Louisville has revealed its 2024-25 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Helen Hunt-Led BETRAYAL & More Set for Goodman Theatre 2024/25 Season


The Goodman Theatre has revealed its 2024/25 season! See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Theater Latte Da


What did our critic think of THE COLOR PURPLE at Theater Latte Da?

Pittsburgh CLO Announces WEST SIDE STORY And More For 2024 Summer Season


Pittsburgh CLO has your summer mapped out promising an array of captivating productions across the city's Cultural District. Pittsburgh CLO continues their long-standing commitment of creating Broadway caliber shows made by Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh, and in partnership with Pittsburgh.

Rehearsals Now In Progress For Theater Latté Da Production Of THE COLOR PURPLE Opening In March


THEATER LATTÉ DA begins rehearsals for THE COLOR PURPLE, the Broadway musical adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, opening on March 23, 2024.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Presents An Emotional Journey of Resilience and Love in THE COLOR PURPLE


The musical adaptation of Alice Walker's The Color Purple, featuring a book by Marsha Norman and music & lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, directed by Amina Robinson running July 17 to August 4 on the Main Stage.

THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical Sets Max Streaming Premiere Date


Warner Bros. Pictures’ THE COLOR PURPLE movie musical will make its streaming debut on Max next week. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones, the film is a bold new take on the classic story of love and resilience, adapted from the beloved novel and the Broadway musical.

Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Garden Theater


A show about domestic violence and oppression doesn’t sound like a cheery night at the theater. Here’s what makes the show work: the music and lyrics, especially in the opening three numbers, are about as uplifting as one can get in a show and secondly, there are opportunities for redemption for every character

Watch the First 10 Minutes of THE COLOR PURPLE With Whoopi Goldberg, 'Mysterious Ways' & More


The first 10 minutes of The Color Purple have been released, featuring Whoopi Goldberg's cameo and the opening number, 'Mysterious Ways.' The video also features Tamela Mann, Halle Bailey, David Alan Grier, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Deon Cole. It opens with Bailey and Mpasi singing 'Huckleberry Pie' as Celie and Nettie.

Theater Latté Da Unveils Creative Team For THE COLOR PURPLE


THEATER LATTÉ DA presents the Broadway musical adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple, opening on March 23, 2024 in partnership with Geva Theatre.

How to Watch THE COLOR PURPLE at Home With Hours of Bonus Footage


The digital and physical releases will include hours of bonus features, including a behind the scenes look at turning Alice Walker's novel into a musical. The dozens of features will also have three featurettes with director Blitz Bazawule, producer Orpah Winfrey, the filmmakers and the star-studded cast. Find out how you can watch at home!

Video: Watch Fantasia's 'Superpower (I)' Music Video From THE COLOR PURPLE


Superpower (I) features a tour de force performance by Fantasia, the film's central star. Written and produced by lauded hitmaker The-Dream (Rhianna, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey), the song unites all the emotion of the film into a powerful crescendo and has been shortlisted for Oscar consideration. Watch the new music video now!

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' Comes to Laguna Playhouse


Laguna Playhouse presents the first show of the new year with the roof-raising musical revue, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', music by Thomas “Fats” Waller. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!

LaChanze Speaks Up About THE COLOR PURPLE Royalties For 'I'm Here'; Says She 'Was a Huge Part at Writing' the Song


LaChanze is speaking up about the mark she made on The Color Purple musical. The actress and producer, who won a Tony Award for playing the role of Celie in the original Broadway production, states that she added lyrics to 'I'm Here.'

THE COLOR PURPLE Tops Christmas Day Box Office With $18 Million Debut; Ties With LES MISERABLES


The Color Purple topped the Christmas Day box office with a $18 million debut. The film's debut was 'much bigger' than was anticipated, tying with 2012's Les Miserables film for Christmas Day grosses in movie theaters. The film stars Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Colman Domingo, and more.

Brenda Russell FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Brenda Russell written?

Brenda Russell has written 1 shows including The Color Purple (Composer).

What awards has Brenda Russell been nominated for?

Brenda Russell has been nominated for the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Color Purple.

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