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.

Robinson's Broadway credits include Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, and Play On! Off-Broadway she has been seen in Radiant Baby at the Public Theater, and Call the Children Home at Primary Stages. She has appeared in the national tours of The Wizard of Oz and Dreamgirls and in New York City Center Encores! Productions of Golden Boy, Bye Bye Birdie, and Pajama Game.

The Color Purple currently stars Chaka Khan as Sofia, BeBe Winans as Harpo, LaKisha Jones as the Church Soloist at all evening performances and Sofia at all matinee performances, Montego Glover as Nettie, Alton Fitzgerald White as Mister, Krisha Marcano as Squeak and Zonya Love as Celie.

Also featured in the cast of 37 are Leilani N. Bryant, Teresa Stanley, Yolanda Wyns, Larry Marshall, Deidra H. Brooks, Eric L. Christian, LaTrisa A. Coleman, Ruby E. Crawford, Bobby Daye, Doug Eskew, Lavon Fisher-Wilson, Charles Gray, Gavin Gregory, Stephanie Guiland-Brown, James Harkness, Francesca Harper, Chauncey Jenkins, Ashley Reneé Jordan, Brandi Chavonne Massey, Kenya Unique Massey, Marla McReynolds, Jenny Mollet, JC Montgomery, Levensky Smith, Ricky Smith and Jamal Story.

The performance schedule for The Color Purple is: Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM; Sunday at 7:30PM. Please Note: There will be an added performance Tuesday, February 5 at 7PM. There will be no performance Sunday, February 10 at 7:30PM.

Tickets for The Color Purple can be purchased via Telecharge.com/ (212) 239-6200 or at The Broadway Theatre Box Office.  Tickets are $116.50 - $26.50. For more information on the show, go to www.colorpurple.com.