THE COLOR PURPLE, Starring Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson and More, Begins Previews Tonight

The Color Purple begins preview performances tonight, November 10, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th street). Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe award winner JENNIFER HUDSON will make 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 this fall's highly anticipated production. All three women will be making their Broadway debuts.

They are joined by ISAIAH JOHNSON (The Merchant of Venice, Peter and the Starcatcher) in the role of 'Mister;' JOAQUINA KALUKANGO (Encores! Wild Party, Holler If Ya Hear Me) as 'Nettie;' and KYLE SCATLIFFE (LES MISERABLES) will be taking on the role of 'Harpo.'

The company also includes Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson, and Rema Webb.

THE COLOR PURPLE will officially open on Thursday, December 10 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th street).

THE COLOR PURPLE has scenic design by John Doyle, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by Jane Cox, sound design by Gregory Clarke, and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. The Color Purple will feature music supervision by Catherine Jayes and Music Direction by Jason Michael Webb. Casting by Telsey + Company/Justin Huff, CSA.

Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning novel and the Warner Bros. / Amblin Entertainment motion picture, The Color Purple is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

THE COLOR PURPLE is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life.

John Doyle's critically acclaimed production opened in summer 2013 in London at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

THE COLOR PURPLE is produced by Scott Sanders Productions, Roy Furman, Oprah Winfrey, David Babani, Tom Siracusa, Caiola Productions, James Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Darren Bagert, Candy Spelling, Adam Zotovich, Eric Falkenstein/Morris Berchard, Just For Laughs Theatricals/Tanya Link Productions, Adam S. Gordon, Jam Theatricals, Independent Presenters Network.

CYNTHIA ERIVO is appearing with the support of Actors' Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors' Equity Association for its assistance of this production.