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Elisabeth Withers-Mendes

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Elisabeth Withers-Mendes BIO

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes is a multi-talented performer with credits in Broadway, film, television, and music. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, Withers-Mendes began singing at a young age in her local church choir. She went on to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she honed her skills as a performer.
Withers-Mendes made her Broadway debut in the 2005 production of The Color Purple, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. She played the role of Shug Avery, a blues singer who becomes a mentor and friend to the protagonist, Celie. Withers-Mendes received critical acclaim for her performance, with The New York Times describing her as "a knockout" and Entertainment Weekly calling her "a revelation."
In addition to her work on Broadway, Withers-Mendes has also appeared in several films and television shows. She had a recurring role on the hit series The Wire, playing the character of Tosha Mitchell. She also appeared in the film Across the Universe, a musical set against the backdrop of the 1960s featuring songs by The Beatles. Withers-Mendes sang "Come Together" in the film, showcasing her powerful vocals.
Withers-Mendes has also had success as a recording artist. Her debut album, It Can Happen to Anyone, was released in 2007 and featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including will.i.am and John Legend. The album received critical acclaim and earned Withers-Mendes a Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the single "Be With You."
In recent years, Withers-Mendes has continued to perform and record music. She released a single, "Simple Things," in 2018 and has been working on new material. She also appeared in the 2019 Off-Broadway production of A Musical About Star Wars, playing the role of Princess Leia.

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes Photos

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Shug Avery


Elisabeth Withers-Mendes Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, The Color Purple


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2006 - Performance

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, The Color Purple

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, The Color Purple

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes Videos

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes News


EL COLOR PÚRPURA llega a los cines este viernes


Este viernes 9 de febrero llega a cines de toda España EL COLOR PÚRPURA, película dirigida por Sam Blitz Bazawe y producida por Oprah Winfrey que adapta el musical de Broadway basado en la novela de Alice Walker.

LaChanze and Jennifer Damiano Join Tonight's I'M STILL HERE Benefit; Online Auction and Additional Archival Footage Announced!


Learn more about all of the additional archival footage added to the event, including Ariana Grande (at age 15 making her Broadway debut) and Brynn Williams in 13; Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit, Philip Seymour Hoffman in Death of a Salesman, Brian Stokes Mitchell in Ragtime, Sutton Foster in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and more!

Henry Krieger Set for BROADWAY CLOSE UP Series at Merkin Concert Hall Tonight, 10/22


Tonight, October 22nd, 2012, Henry Krieger, composer of Dreamgirls and the cult-classic Side Show, will take part in Kaufman Center's Broadway Close Up series at Merkin Concert Hall.

Henry Krieger Set for BROADWAY CLOSE UP Series at Merkin Concert Hall, 10/22


On October 22nd, 2012, Henry Krieger, composer of Dreamgirls and the cult-classic Side Show, will take part in Kaufman Center's Broadway Close Up series at Merkin Concert Hall.

Liz Callaway, Mary Testa and More Set for BROADWAY CLOSE UP Series


For 12 years, Merkin Concert Hall's Broadway Close Up series has been taking audiences behind the scenes of classic musicals old and new with eye-opening interviews and inspiring performances. The annual Bound for Broadway show hosted by Liz Callaway gives theater lovers sneak peeks at some of the best new shows in production. This season's line-up includes:

Photo Coverage: 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' Opening Night Arrivals


The all African-American production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize winning play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof directed by multiple Emmy winner and two-time Tony nominee Debbie Allen officially opened on Thursday March 6, 2008 at the Broadhurst Theatre

TV Exclusive: Look Back at Composing The Color Purple


With the production coming to a close in New York, BroadwayWorld's own James Sims caught up with The Color Purple's composers/lyricits Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, in Los Angeles, to discuss how the pair, along with Brenda Russell and Marsha Norman (libretto), turned a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and Oscar nominated film into a Broadway musical...

Angela Robinson is Shug while Withers-Mendes is On-Leave


Original The Color Purple Broadway cast member, Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, who has played the role of Shug Avery since the musical began performances at the Broadway Theatre in November 2005 and throughout its entire record-breaking run, will begin a hiatus from the role on Thursday, January 31, 2008. The Tony nominated actress will return to the role for the final two performances of The Color Purple on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Beginning on Friday, February 1, 2008, Angela Robinson assumes the role of Shug Avery while Withers-Mendes is on leave.

'The Color Purple' Fades, to Close on Broadway Feb.24


The producers of The Color Purple announced today that the show will play its final performance on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 7:30pm, after playing 30 preview performances and 910 regular performances at the Broadway Theatre.

Photo Coverage: 'The Color Purple' with Khan & Winans Bows & Reception


Zonya Love made her Broadway debut as Celie, alongside recording-stars Chaka Khan as Sofia and BeBe Winans as Harpo yesterday, Wednesday January 9, 2008, in the smash hit musical 'The Color Purple' with LaKisha Jones, and produced by Oprah Winfrey.

Photo Coverage: 'The Color Purple' with Khan & Winans Arrivals


Zonya Love made her Broadway debut as Celie, alongside recording-stars Chaka Khan as Sofia and BeBe Winans as Harpo yesterday, Wednesday January 9, 2008, in the smash hit musical The Color Purple.

Love, Khan & Winans Debut in 'The Color Purple' Jan.9


Zonya Love makes her Broadway debut as Celie alongside Chaka Khan as Sofia and BeBe Winans as Harpo Wednesday January 9, 2008, in the smash hit musical The Color Purple. Additionally LaKisha Jones, currently playing the Church Soloist, assumes the role of Sofia at all matinee performances.

Zonya Love Debuts as Celie in 'Purple' Jan.9 with Chaka Khan, Winans & Jones


The producers of The Color Purple are pleased to announce that Zonya Love will make her Broadway debut as Celie in the smash hit musical starting Wednesday, January 9, 2008, alongside Chaka Khan as Sofia and BeBe Winans as Harpo.

Photo Coverage: 'The Color Purple' Christmas Party


Producer Scott Sanders hosted a Christmas Party for the cast of The Color Purple at his Chelsea loft apartment on Saturday, December 8.

Oprah to Produce 'Color Purple' Musical Movie?


The LA Times reports Oprah Winfrey, legendary American talk-show host and producer of Broadway's The Color Purple, may be planning a stage-to-screen adaptation of the hit musical production.

Photo Coverage: Broadway on Broadway 2007 Backstage


On Sunday, September 16, thousands upon thousands of fans of Broadway assembled in Times Square for the 16th Annual Broadway on Broadway Concert presented by Continental Airlines and hosted by Hairspray's Lance Bass. BroadwayWorld brings you photos backstage with stars from such shows as Les Miserables, Curtains, Chicago, Mary Poppins, Rent, Legally Blonde, The Drowsy Chaperone and more!

Photo Coverage: Broadway on Broadway 2007


On Sunday, September 16th, thousands upon thousands of fans of Broadway assembled in Times Square for the 16th Annual Broadway on Broadway Concert presented by Continental Airlines and hosted by Hairspray's Lance Bass. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of on-stage performances from the concert.

Photo Coverage: Fantasia Opens in The Color Purple


American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino made Broadway debut in the starring role of Celie in The Color Purple on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 7pm, at the Broadway Theatre!

Kenita R. Miller is The Color Purple's New Celie


On February 20th, Kenita R. Miller will join the cast of The Color Purple as Celie. Jeannette Bayardelle, who currently plays the role, leaves the cast on February 18th.

Fantasia Barrino to Join The Color Purple This Spring?


Fantasia Barrino may be the latest 'American Idol' veteran to find work on Broadway, if she is cast as Celie in The Color Purple

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Elisabeth Withers-Mendes been in?

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Elisabeth Withers-Mendes been in?

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Elisabeth Withers-Mendes been nominated for?

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes has been nominated for several awards for her performance in "The Color Purple," including Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Performance at the Theatre World Awards, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards.

What awards has Elisabeth Withers-Mendes won?

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes won a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for her role in The Color Purple.

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