Ruby E. Crawford

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 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.