Leilani N. Bryant

The Church Ladies of THE COLOR PURPLE Return to the Triad Theater 8/14

Leilani N. Bryant, Yolanda Wyns, and Teresa Stanley, were the ever-present trio in Oprah Winfrey's Broadway production of The Color Purple. They appeared virtually in every scene of the award-winning production, narrating the story of Celie (performed by American Idol Fantasia) through gossip.

The Church Ladies of THE COLOR PURPLE Return to the Triad Theater 8/14

Leilani N. Bryant, Yolanda Wyns, and Teresa Stanley, were the ever-present trio in Oprah Winfrey's Broadway production of The Color Purple. They appeared virtually in every scene of the award-winning production, narrating the story of Celie (performed by American Idol Fantasia) through gossip.

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.