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. Additionally LaKisha Jones ("American Idol") currently playing the role of the Church Soloist, assumed the role of Sofia at all matinee performances.

The Color Purple began its third year at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) on November 1, 2007 and also stars Elisabeth Withers-Mendes as Shug Avery, Alton Fitzgerald White as Mister and Krisha Marcano as Squeak. Montego Glover began as Nettie on January 9.

The Color Purple recouped its entire $11 million investment in less than a year.  The Color Purple 's first North American Tour kicked off in Chicago on April 17, 2007 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre where it played through September 30, 2007.  The tour continued on to San Francisco and is currently playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, with future dates confirmed for Tempe, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

The Color Purple is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich, and Todd Johnson

The performance schedule for The Color Purple on Broadway is:  Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM; Sunday at 7:30PM.  Tickets for The Color Purple can be purchased via Telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200 or at The Broadway Theatre Box Office.  Tickets are $26.50 - $116.50.

As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of 'GREASE'. His Journey to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Walter moved to Manhattan and for a leading role as a Photographer & Photo Researcher. Currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and family members Dali (Jack Russell) & Gala (Schnoodle). Recently he made his Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in 'Hugh Jackman on Broadway' as well as receiving the Actors' Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award. Walter McBride Photography is syndicated worldwide by Corbis/AP.

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