Brenda Russell News

THE COLOR PURPLE has won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The original production ran on Broadway in 2005 and earned eleven 2006 Tony Awards nominations.

The Drama League (Executive Artistic Director, Gabriel Shelian-Shanks) gathers today for the 82nd Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony, hosted by 2016 Tony® Award-nominees, Zachary Levi (She Loves Me) and Megan Hilty (Noises Off), in the Broadway Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Times Square (1535 Broadway). 

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will take her final bow as Shug Avery in the acclaimed revival of THE COLOR PURPLE today, May 8th, 2016. This performance marked Hudson's Broadway debut.

BroadwayWorld is thrilled to announce that THE COLOR PURPLE's Carrie Compere is taking over our Twitter account @BroadwayWorld tomorrow (May 7th) to give our readers a behind the scenes look at a two show day on Broadway! Live from inside The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Compere will be tweeting photos, videos, and fun facts all about the show!

On this morning's TODAY, actress Cynthia Erivo and the cast of Broadway show THE COLOR PURPLE are in the studio just in time to celebrate the news that Erivo and the show itself have just received Tony nominations!

The Broadway star graciously explains how maintaining her health must take priority over signing autographs.

Following tonight's performance of THE COLOR PURPLE, the musical's cast took an extended stay on stage in order to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Prince, who died earlier today at 57. Led by stars Jennifer Hudson, a friend of the late artist, and Cynthia Erivo, the company performed a stunning rendition of Prince's beloved song 'Purple Rain.' You can watch the emotional tribute in its entirety below.

The 2016 Drama League Award Nominees for Outstanding Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award were just announced this morning at Sardi's, by Aladdin stars Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed and James Monroe Iglehart. Check out the full list of nominees below!

THE COLOR PURPLE's critically lauded revival is currently impressing audiences eight times a week at the Jacobs in New York City. The show is one of Broadway's most popular shows, making tickets somewhat scarce. So, if you're like me, you haven't been able to see it. Luckily, Broadway Records has recorded the revival cast and released THE COLOR PURPLE (New Broadway Cast Recording).

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Travis Moser in "This Can't Be Love: The Songs of Rodgers and Hart," a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, on Wednesday, May 4th at 9:30pm.

Danielle Brooks stopped by last night's LATE NIGHT and explained how her Broadway musical inspired her to pursue acting.

THE COLOR PURPLE recorded its official Broadway cast album in December, and it is available online and in stores today, February 19, released by Broadway Records. The album is produced by six-time Grammy Award winner Frank Filipetti. 

THE COLOR PURPLE recently recorded its official cast album, which will be released by Broadway Records on February 19 and can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com and atwww.BroadwayRecords.com. Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, the production stars Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, and Danielle Brooks- all making their Broadway debuts. The company just got together for a listening party and BroadwayWorld was there to celebrate. Check out photos from the special night below!

THE COLOR PURPLE recently recorded its official cast album, which was released by Broadway Records last month and can be purchased at Amazon.com and at www.BroadwayRecords.com. Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, the production stars Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, and Danielle Brooks- all making their Broadway debuts. The company just got together for a listening party and BroadwayWorld was there to celebrate. Check out photos from the special night below!

The actors are joined by composer/lyricist Brenda Russell and producer Scott Sanders in a discussion moderated by activist writer Michaela Angela Davis.

Hudson shared that while she feels sad the long-running FOX singing competition is coming to an end, she hopes to make an appearance in the final season.

THE COLOR PURPLE, which opened last night to ecstatic reviews, will record its official cast album this Monday, December 14, 2015.  The new Broadway cast recording will be released by Broadway Records on January 29, 2016and can pre-ordered at Amazon.com and at www.BroadwayRecords.com.  The album is being produced by six-time Grammy Award winner Frank Filipetti.

The new Broadway revival of THE COLOR PURPLE opened just last night, December 10, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 W 45th Street). Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe award winner Jennifer Hudson makes her Broadway debut opposite Cynthia Erivo, the breakout star of John Doyle's acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory production, and Orange is the New Black's Danielle Brooks, in the highly anticipated production of The Color Purple. All three women are make their Broadway debuts. BroadwayWorld was there for the unforgettable night and you can go inside the first official curtain call below!

Cynthia Erivo gives an exemplary acting performance in Doyle's concert-like production.

The new Broadway revival of THE COLOR PURPLE opens tonight, December 10, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 W 45th Street). Let's see what the critics had to say...