Chicago Gears Up for The Color Purple Tour with Group Sales Event

On Monday, March 20, Broadway In Chicago welcomed 1,500 community group leaders to the Cadillac Palace Theatre at an exclusive event to kick off the national tour of the Broadway musical The Color Purple. This launch event booked more than $1.1 million in tickets for the tour that premieres at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in April 2007.

"The group leaders, whose organizations range from schools to social clubs, traveled from various regions of the tri-state area to gather information on the production. They were treated to a presentation from The Color Purple Lead Producer Scott Sanders and Director Gary Griffin, who spoke of the show's evolution and their excitement about beginning the tour in Chicago. Cast members from the Broadway production then performed a selection of songs to the captivated crowd," according to press notes.

"The impact The Color Purple has already made here in Chicago a full year before it opens once again demonstrates both the broad range and the steadfast commitment of our theatre audience," says Broadway In Chicago Vice President Eileen LaCario.

The national tour of the Broadway smash hit musical The Color Purple will premiere in April 2007 at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre in association with Broadway In Chicago. This long-run engagement will have an initial block of tickets on sale through June 2007, and the Chicago run will be followed by engagements in other major cities across the country.

Tour casting will be announced at a later date. The original cast recording is available on EMI/Angel Records.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Alice Walker novel and the Oscar-winning 1985 Steven Speilberg film that it inspired, the Broadway production of The Color Purple features LaChanze as Celie, the musical's central character in its story of incest, pain, love and redemption. The hit show boasts Oprah Winfrey (who was featured in the film) among its producing team. Darlesia Cearcy, Kingsley Leggs, Brandon Dixon, Felicia P. Fields, Elizabeth Withers-Mendes and Krisha Marcano are among the show's cast, as well.

The Color Purple is directed by Gary Griffin, while Marsha Norman (Pulitzer Prize-winner for 'night, Mother, The Secret Garden) wrote the book. The show's eclectic score, which blends gospel, pop, ragtime and blues, was penned by pop tunesmiths Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Donald Byrd is The Color Purple's choreographer, while the design team design team comprises John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting), and Jon Weston (sound). Orchestrations were provided by Jonathan Tunick, Kevin Stites is the music supervisor and Linda Twine the musical director.

Only groups of 20 or more can book now by calling (312) 977-1710. The Color Purple will be part of the 2006-2007 Neumann Homes Broadway In Chicago Season Series on sale this spring. For more information, go to www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Tickets will be on-sale to the general public later this year.

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