THE COLOR PURPLE Welcomes New 'Mister' on Broadway Tonight

Beginning performances tonight, November 15, Nathaniel Stampley will assume the role of Mister in John Doyle's Tony Award-winning production of the Broadway musical, The Color Purple. Isaiah Johnson, who originated the role, gave his final performance on Sunday, November 13.

Nathaniel Stampley assumes the role of Mister after performing in the original company of the 2005 Broadway production of The Color Purple. He has also performed on Broadway in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess and The Lion King. Nathaniel appeared in the national tour of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess as Porgy. His off-Broadway and regional credits include Big Love (Signature Theatre), City Center's Encores!'s Fiorello! and Lost in the Stars, First Noel (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Man of La Mancha (Jeff Award, Marriott Theatre), Pacific Overtures (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Dreamgirls and Man of La Mancha, and Apple Tree Theatre's Violet and Big River (Jeff Award nomination). He is a graduate of UW-Madison and a Ten Chimneys Fellow.

THE COLOR PURPLE opened to rapturous reviews on December 10th at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th street), under the direction of Tony Award winner John Doyle.

The production stars Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo and Grammy and Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday.

THE COLOR PURPLE received Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Cynthia Erivo). The production also received nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Danielle Brooks), and Best Direction of a Musical (John Doyle).

The company of The Color Purple also includes Jennie Harney, Kyle Scatliffe, Phoenix Best, DWayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, J. Daughtry, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevin Mambo, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson, and Rema Webb.

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 features music supervision by Catherine Jayes and Music Direction by Jason Michael Webb. Casting by Telsey + Company/Justin Huff, CSA.

The new Broadway cast recording released by Broadway Records is now available on Amazon.com and www.BroadwayRecords.com. The album is produced by six-time Grammy Award winner Frank Filipetti.

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.

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