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Brenda Russell

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Productions

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

Writing

Composer
Lyricist

Movies

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

Awards and Nominations

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

Brenda Russell, The Color Purple

Videos

News


PETER PAN GOES WRONG and THE COLOR PURPLE Set for Zach Theater 2026-2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 1, 2026

Zach Theater (Zach) has announcef two of the 2026-2027 Season titles in addition to the return of Austin's hottest holiday tradition, Dave Steakley's adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Zach Theater Teases PETER PAN GOES WRONG and More in 2026-2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2026

Zach Theater has revealed two titles for its 2026–2027 season, alongside the return of Austin’s popular holiday tradition, Dave Steakley’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Review: I'M HERE: BLACK BROADWAY at Signature Theatre
by Elliot Lanes - Mar 23, 2026

Besides being the premiere theatre for musicals in the DMV, Signature Theatre also has a highly successful cabaret series. For many years the series has highlighted all genres of music featuring top flight talent.
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE by Chromolume Theatre at The Zephyr
by Shari Barrett - Mar 16, 2026

Directed magnificently by Elijah Green, with energetic choreography by Katie Powers-Faulk and musical direction by Miki Yokomizo, the totally entertaining and artistically brilliant production pulled me in from the moment it started.
Photos: THE COLOR PURPLE at Chromolume Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026

Chromolume Theatre is now presenting the first production of its 2026 Season of Musicals — A Season of Identity and Expression — The Color Purple. Check out photos from the show here!
THE COLOR PURPLE Comes to the Chromolume Theatre at the Zephyr
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2026

Chromolume Theatre has announced the first production of its 2026 Season of Musicals — A Season of Identity and Expression — The Color Purple. Learn more here!
Chromolume Theatre at The Zephyr Unveils 2026 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2026

The Chromolume Theatre has announced its 2026 season of musicals at The Zephyr on Melrose in Los Angeles. Themed as a season of identify and expression, it will kick off in March with The Color Purple
THE COLOR PURPLE to Run at the California Theatre
by Gillian Blum - Dec 21, 2025

Pittsburg Theatre Company kicks off its 2026 season with The Color Purple, running January 30 to February 8 at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, CA. The show then goes on the road to the Martinez Campbell Theatre performing February 13 to 22.
Review: SAILING: YACHT ROCK at Signature
by Roger Catlin - Jul 28, 2025

The Signature cabaret succeeds because it gets the irony. Even while they play up the captain’s hats, cold drinks and ocean sunsets that help frame the genre, they realize the era’s hits can be at once catchy and silly — a good mix for a summer night of entertainment.
Video: Watch Brittney Mack Perform 'The Color Purple' at the Goodman Theatre
by Michael Major - Jul 16, 2025

Watch Brittney Mack and the cast of The Color Purple perform the reprise of the title song in The Goodman Theatre's production. Check out the video now!
Video: THE COLOR PURPLE at Goodman Theatre, Now Extended Through August 3
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 3, 2025

A new production of THE COLOR PURPLE brings Alice Walker's dynamic work to the Goodman stage, now through August 3! Watch a video montage from the production! 
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - Jul 1, 2025

Though THE COLOR PURPLE has a fair share of tragedy, the ending is heartwarming, celebratory, and puts a pin in Celie’s story — and with Brittney Mack at the lead, this musical makes that range of emotions land. 
THE COLOR PURPLE Extends Through Early August at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2025

The Color Purple will present a six-performance extension at Goodman Theatre. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets to the extended run here!
Video: Inside Rehearsals For THE COLOR PURPLE at the Goodman Theatre
by Michael Major - Jun 18, 2025

Watch a video from inside the rehearsal room of the Color Purple at the Goodman Theatre now! Brown’s 21-member company is led by prolific Chicago talent—including Brittney Mack as Celie.
THE COLOR PURPLE to Begin This Weekend at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2025

The Color Purple the musical bursts onto the Goodman stage this weekend, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, with music direction by Jermaine Hill and choreography by Breon Arzell. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE COLOR PURPLE Launches The Carnegie's 2025-26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2025

The Carnegie kicks off its 2025-26 musical theatre season with THE COLOR PURPLE, running June 27 – July 6. 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.
Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Sets Fifth Anniversary Awards Gala
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 4, 2025

The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame will celebrate its milestone fifth anniversary with a two-day awards gala at the Mead Center for American Theatre in Washington, DC Friday and Saturday, June 20-21, 2025.
THE COLOR PURPLE and More Set for Goodman Theatre Summer 2025 Line-Up
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025

Goodman Theatre has unveiled a wide-ranging July/August slate of experiences with something for everyone—from a free wondrous outdoor circus spectacle to side-splitting world-class comedic improvisation, and more.
THE COLOR PURPLE Comes to Raleigh Little Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2025

 Raleigh Little Theatre will present The Color Purple, a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, running this June. Learn more about the show here!
Brittney Mack, Aeriel Williams and More to Star in THE COLOR PURPLE at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

The Color Purple is set to take the stage of the Goodman’s Albert Theatre this summer. Lili-Anne Brown 21-member company is led by Chicago talent—including Brittney Mack and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.

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?

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

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