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Brenda Russell

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Photos

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


THE COLOR PURPLE Songwriter Brenda Russell Releases New Single

With the release of her latest single, the soulful and sensual romance “You Know What It’s Like,” Brenda Russell makes a triumphant return to the refined classic blend of adult contemporary R&B and urban jazz. Listen to the new single from The Color Purple songwriter now.
Review: BEYOND THE RAINBOW at 54 Below is Sam Harris at His Most Intimate

I left this show feeling that I had experienced something true and honest from an artist who is largely associated with his dazzling style. This show presents Sam Harris as a remarkable and sensitive artist in addition to being a flawless showman.
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at The Black Theatre Troupe

The Black Theatre Troupe's production of THE COLOR PURPLE is a rousing and emotionally powerful show, thanks to a brilliant cast and the keen direction of Karen Davis Jones and the musical direction of Brenda Hankins.
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Tempe Center For The Arts

Phoenix Arizona’s The Black Theatre Troupe presents THE COLOR PURPLE at Tempe Center for the Arts, which opened to a full house Friday, October 15, 2024. This excellent production runs through November 3, 2024. With matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays, this production is worth seeing, twice.
THE COLOR PURPLE & More Set for Black Theatre Troupe 2024-25 Season

Black Theatre Troupe has revealed its 2024-25 lineup, marking its 55th season! See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
THE COLOR PURPLE at Sedos Features the First Ever All-Black Cast of An Amateur Musical in the UK

Sedos, London's leading amateur theatre company, has announced their cast of The Color Purple. This is a momentous and significant development in the diversity of amateur dramatics, not just in London but in the UK. In their 119-year history, Sedos has never had an all-Black cast nor an all-Black creative team, until now.
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE Brings All the Feels at Pittsburgh CLO

As a literature major, part of me has always found it unbelievable that tight, two-hour adaptations of Alice Walker's The Color Purple have been so successful. The novel is sprawling, complex and dense, with an epistolary structure not unlike the similarly tricky-to-adapt Dracula. Nonetheless, my structural cynicism is always proved wrong.
Arts Garage in Delray Beach is Offering Two Theatrical Productions in June

Arts Garage will present two stirring and thought-provoking theatrical events next month. Learn more about them here!
New Village Arts Presents THE COLOR PURPLE

New Village Arts will present the San Diego Professional Premiere of the groundbreaking musical: THE COLOR PURPLE, based on the novel by Alice Walker.
THE COLOR PURPLE to be Presented at Arts Garage in June

Arts Garage is presenting another stirring and thought-provoking theatrical event—with general admission tickets priced at only $10 each. Learn more about The Color Purple and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Melba Moore And Kathy Sledge Sit Down for UNSCRIPTED LIVE At Lincoln Center

Tony Award-winning vocalist Melba Moore and GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer Kathy Sledge joined award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sekou Luke (Notes from Harlem) and noted music journalist Christian John Wikane (PopMatters) in the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on Saturday, April 6 for the fourth edition of 'Unscripted Live,' the live branch of 'Unscripted: Conversations with Christian John Wikane,' an interview series that spotlights the stories of legendary and innovative artists. The evening was featured as part of Lincoln Center's 2024 American Songbook. See photos from inside the event!
Video: First Look At Theater Latté Da's Production Of THE COLOR PURPLE

Get a first look at THE COLOR PURPLE, running now through May 5 at Theater Latté Da. 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, THE COLOR PURPLE is a stirring family chronicle following the inspirational Celie as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope, to discover her own unique voice and place in the world.
Pittsburgh CLO Announces Three New Programs To Make Theater More Family Accessible

Pittsburgh CLO is implementing changes to make theater more accessible for families. Discover how they're removing barriers and promoting inclusivity in the world of Broadway.
Nashville Repertory Theatre's Stellar 39th Season Continues With Superb Prooduction of THE COLOR PURPLE

Led by a bravura performance from Carli Hardon, Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of The Color Purple – the musical based on the beloved Alice Walker novel – is yet another extraordinary success from the professional company in the midst of its 39th season. Directed with complete self-assurance and confidence by Reggie Law, with evocative and energetic choreography by Joi Ware and the musical direction of Dion Treece that results in one of the most emphatically sung shows in Nashville Rep history.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Receives Grant To Celebrate Multiple Summer Programs

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has received a grant from Air Products, enabling it to celebrate multiple summer programs.
World Premiere & More Set for Actors Theatre of Louisville 2024-25 Season

Actors Theatre of Louisville has revealed its 2024-25 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Helen Hunt-Led BETRAYAL & More Set for Goodman Theatre 2024/25 Season

The Goodman Theatre has revealed its 2024/25 season! See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Theater Latte Da

What did our critic think of THE COLOR PURPLE at Theater Latte Da?
Pittsburgh CLO Announces WEST SIDE STORY And More For 2024 Summer Season

Pittsburgh CLO has your summer mapped out promising an array of captivating productions across the city's Cultural District. Pittsburgh CLO continues their long-standing commitment of creating Broadway caliber shows made by Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh, and in partnership with Pittsburgh.
Rehearsals Now In Progress For Theater Latté Da Production Of THE COLOR PURPLE Opening In March

THEATER LATTÉ DA begins rehearsals for THE COLOR PURPLE, the Broadway musical adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, opening on March 23, 2024.

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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