Cincinnati Music Festival Email List

Tour Cast

	Jeannette Bayardelle (Celie), is a Hunter College graduate from NYC. This Gospel Recording artist released her debut CD entitled Praise Report in September 2005, which is available online at www.jbsinger.com. Broadway: The Color Purple (Celie). National/international tours: Big River, Rent, Sister Act. Off-Broadway: Best of Both Worlds. “Many thanks to Mom and Dad, family and friends for your love and support. Thank you Bishop Norman Lyons and Elder Sharon Lyons and the FOLC family for your prayers. ‘God you are an awesome wonder!’” www.jeannettebayardelle.com
	Felicia P. Fields (Sofia), a native Chicagoan, earned a Tony Award Nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in The Color Purple on Broadway. Her performance also earned her a 2006 Theatre World Award, a Clarence Derwent Award, two Broadway.com Awards and she was a 2006 Drama League honoree. Felicia has worked throughout the Chicagoland area and has received many Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for her performances in Jammin’ With Pops (Ella Fitzgerald), Hot Mikado (Katisha), Show Boat (Queenie), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Ma Rainey), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell/Amelia) and Dreamgirls (Effie Melody White), to name a few. Felicia’s stellar performance in Chicago’s Drury Lane production of Sophisticated Ladies earned her the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
	Michelle Williams (Shug Avery), Rockford,Ill.native Michelle Williams started singing at age 7 in her local church. Her dream to conquer the world stage was realized when she joined Destiny’s Child in 2000. She performed around the world in support of the multi-platinum success and Grammy wins for The Writing’s On The Wall, Survivor and Destiny’s Fulfilled. Michelle achieved success as a solo artist and Broadway star. In 2002, she released the #1 gospel album, Heart To Yours. In 2003 her second solo album, Do You Know, claimed the #2 spot on the Billboard Gospel Chart and she starred on Broadway in Elton John and Tim Rice’s hit, Aida. This year Michelle is looking forward to the release of her first solo collection of classic and contemporary R&B gems.
	Rufus Bonds, Jr. (Mister), returns to the Cadillac Palace Theatre where he performed the role of Mufasa in Julie Taymor’s Broadway production of The Lion King. Mr. Bonds recently won the L.A. Weekly nomination, Best Ensemble, for his work in the Los Angeles premier of Because They Have No Words, directed by Emilie Beck. Bonds received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Jim in the Los Angeles Deaf West production of Big River. He has worked with such greats as Stephen Sondheim in Merrily We Roll Along, William Finn in Romance In Hard Times and Harold Prince in Parade for which Bonds was nominated for both the Drama Desk and the FANY Award. “Through Faith all things are possible.”
	Stu James (Harpo), ...is thrilled to be a part of such a timeless and amazing story as The Color Purple. He’s a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of Morehouse College. Broadway: RENT (Benny). Off-Broadway/Regional: Barnstormer; Ain’t Misbehavin’; Once On This Island and Cotton Patch Gospel. Film: Bill Condon’s Dreamgirls; Downtown A Street Tale; House of Grim and the D.K. Holmes feature Burning Sands. TV credits: “General Hospital,” “All My Children” and “Barbershop.” Stu is now putting the finishing touches on his debut Album Love Is. He is also working on his One Man Show entitled Son of the South. He thanks God for abundance and overflow - and his family and friends for their infinite unconditional love. “And so it is!” www.myspace.com/stujameslive
	LaToya London (Nettie), Being part of The Color Purple is a dream come true and an honor for LaToya London. Now known to her fans simply as “London,” she was named the early front runner to win season three of “American Idol” by Simon Cowell and Elton John. On-air she joined the ranks of “The Three Divas” alongside Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino before she was shockingly voted off, ending up in fourth place. London later garnered a Peak Records recording deal and two Billboard-topping singles. Regional/tours: Beehive, Issues, Handles Messiah and Quincy Jones’ Blues In The Night at The Hollywood Bowl. Her debut album Love & Life is in stores now. www.latoyalondon.com
	Stephanie St. James (Squeak), is grateful to be a part of TCP. She’s a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter and a proud advocate for the disease endometriosis. You can learn more about her fight to raise awareness, her own personal story and struggle with the disease, and more on her credits and music at www.stjamesexperience.com. She dedicates her performance to her family, and most of all her grandmother Sofia, a holocaust survivor. She would like to take this opportunity to say, “When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” —Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist. “Peace, Love, Unity, Respect. www.stephaniestjames.com
	Lynette DuPree (Church Lady/Jarene/u/s Sophia), Broadway: Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk; Smokey Joe’s Café; A New Brain; Truly Blessed. Tours: Dreamgirls, Elmer Gantry, Carousel, House Arrest, Waiting to be Invited. Selected TV: “Desperate Housewives,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Medium,” “NYPD Blue,” “The District,” Oprah Winfrey Presents “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Film: Random Hearts, Harlem Aria, Zig Zag, Straight Out of Compton. Lynette would like to thank her loving husband, Charles Richardson, along with family and friends for their support. “All praises to Jehovah Jireh!”
	Kimberly Ann Harris (Church Lady/Doris/u/s Sophia), is an original cast member of The Color Purple on Broadway. Tours and N.Y.: The Full Monty, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Sophisticated Ladies, Blues in the Night, Ain’t Misbehavin,’ As Thousands Cheer, The Apple Tree and Carmen Jones. Regional: The Color Purple (Atlanta); Play On!, Once on This Island, Barnum, Abyssinia. TV: “Law & Order,” “Third Watch,” “One Life to Live,” etc. “Thanks to family and friends and thank you so much God.”
	Virginia Ann Woodruff (Church Lady/Darlene), Broadway: The Color Purple (original cast), All Shook Up, Smokey Joe’s Café. Off-Broadway: Crowns, Yo Alice. National tours: The Wiz, Once on This Island, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Who’s Tommy. Regional: Dreamgirls; Beehive; Signed, Sealed, Delivered; Abyssinia; And the World Goes ’Round; Ain’t Misbehavin’; Avenue X. Concerts: Broadway Divas, BIV, Michael Jackson, VEE in Concert. Film: Legally Blonde 2, Preachin’ to the Choir. “God’s been good.”
	Adam Wade (Ol' Mister), First African-American to host a game show (CBS’s “Musical Chairs”). TV favorites: “Guiding Light,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Law & Order,” “Sanford and Son,” “What’s Happening,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times.” Stage includes: Staggerlee, Guys and Dolls, Black Girl, Hamlet, Macbeth, A Lesson Before Dying, The Cherry Orchard. Adam’s career also includes directing, recording and many films. He went back to school after 40 years and earned his B.A. and Masters at Lehman and Brooklyn Colleges.
	Bridgette Bentley (Church Lady/Church Soloist/u/s Sophia), A native of Los Angeles, Calif., she is the daughter of an evangelist. Her theatrical experience includes Love Ain’t Supposed to Hurt, The Glory of Christmas at Crystal Cathedral and A Good Man is Hard to Find. TV: “The Parkers,” “Girlfriends.” The Color Purple is an awesome blessing from God to her and her beautiful daughter.
	Shani M. Borden (Swing), has trained at the Duke Ellington School of The Arts, Alvin Ailey and is a graduate of Towson University. She is pleased to make her Broadway debut by joining the extraordinary cast of The Color Purple’s first national tour and thanks her family for their continued support.
	Brian Harlan Brooks (Dance Captain/Swing), trained at Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Ailey School. His dance company credits include Philadanco!, Deeply Rooted, Donald Byrd/The Group, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance. Films: Lifted and Across the Universe. He was Site Director of Kansas City Missouri Ailey Camp. He choreographs and teaches extensively as well.
	Reneé Monique Brown (Ensemble/u/s Shug Avery), is a graduate of Ohio State University and a former member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Broadway: All Shook Up. Other N.Y. credits: Harlem Song (George C. Wolfe, writer/director), Metropolitan Opera’s Samson and Delilah, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Tours: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella (u/s Eartha Kitt) and Joseph….
	Tiffany Daniels (Ensemble), is thankful and blessed to be part of this experience. Tiffany received her B.S. from Cornell University. Upon graduation she received a full dance scholarship at Hollywood’s Edge Performing Arts Center. Regional Theatre: Aida. Other: Los Angeles Laker Girl and CBS’s “Cold Case.” “Thanks to mom for constant love and friendship.”
	Quentin Earl Darrington (Pa/u/s Mister/u/s Ol’ Mister), is a native of Lakeland, Fla. and is honored to be a part of history in the making. Recent credits include: A Little Night Music (California Musical Theatre), Dreamgirls (Madame Walker Theatre), The Lion King (Broadway national tour), Abyssinia (Goodspeed) and Ragtime (Paper Mill). “Another step.…Thank you Lord!”
	Alex de Castro (Henrietta/Young Celie/Young Olivia), Native New Yorker, 12, Broadway debut playing the role of Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King and following joined The Lion King’s Cheetah Tour. Seven years of professional experience (TV, film, print, voice over, commercials and dance). Proud member of AEA, AFTRA and SAG. “Thanks Mom for always believing!” http://www.alexdecastro.tripod.com
	Lesly Terrell Donald (Bobby/Buster/u/s Harpo), Chicago native and proud U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran. Credits: Rent, Miss Saigon, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Full Monty, Porgy and Bess and Two Trains Running. Lesly has also entertained our Armed Forces with the USO. “Shout-outs to mom, dad, God, family, friends and my boo. To our brave military members, ‘I salute you—God Bless.’”
	Aliyah D. Flowers (Swing), won two titles in The Pretty Little Princess Pageant, performed with Chicago Junior Luva Bulls, recorded Stone Soup Opera with The Lyric Opera of Chicago and was cast as Addy in The American Girl Review. Aliyah also sings with the Salem Baptist Church Children’s Praise Team.
	André Garner (Swing), is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech University (B.S. Business Management). Broadway: Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Music Man, Marie Christine, Grease, Encores! Broadway Bash 2003. Off-Broadway: Little Ham, From My Hometown. He gives much love to family and friends for all the love and support. “God Bless.”
	Rhett George (Ensemble/u/s Harpo), What a beautiful story to experience every day. Broadway: Sweet Charity (Big Daddy), Wicked, Aida. Off-Broadway: Radiant Baby. Toronto: Lion King, Rent. National tour: Fame. “Giving thanks to God for his continuous blessings. Much love to family and friends.” www.Rhettgeorge.com
	Dameka Hayes (Ensemble), is overjoyed to be a part of this phenomenal cast. Some of her best-loved credits include: The Lion King (Broadway), “Scrubs” (NBC), “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” (Disney), L.A. Laker Girls and Budweiser’s “Whassup!” campaign. She thanks her husband and family for their love and support.
	LaTonya Holmes (u/s Celie/u/s Nettie), received a Joseph Jefferson Award for her portrayal of Lorrell in Dreamgirls (Marriott Lincolnshire). In addition to numerous theatrical, animation and commercial credits, she has lent her vocal talents to many top diverse recording artists. Currently, LaTonya’s music video entitled “Beautiful Day” can be seen on youtube.com. “GOD Bless!” www.latonyaholmes.com
	Jenna Ford Jackson (Ensemble/u/s Shug Avery), National tours: The Buddy Holly Story, Once on This Island. Regional: Racing Demon (Jeff Nomination), A Christmas Carol, A Raisin in the Sun, That’s Christmas, Ain’t Misbehavin.’ TV: “Cupid.” Jenna returns to the stage full-time after seven years as a stay-at-home mom. B.F.A. in Music Theatre from Roosevelt University. “Loving little is much!”
	Trent Armand Kendall (Preacher/u/s Ol’ Mister), Broadway: Into The Woods (NAACP nominee Best Supporting Actor/Musical), The Wizard of Oz (Lion), Purlie. Off-Broadway: Bat Boy, Nunsense A-men! London: Five Guys Named Moe, Hey Mr. Producer! Tours: Smokey Joe’s Café, Joseph…. Regional: Lil’ Abner, Ain’t Misbehavin,’ Children of Eden, Diva Diaries. TV/film: “Law & Order,” VH1’s “Big in ’04,” “Strangers with Candy,” Five Guys Named Moe, Hey Mr. Producer! www.trentkendall.com
	Grasan Kingsberry (Ensemble), Native of Charlotte, N.C. Broadway: The Color Purple (original cast), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (original cast), Aida (u/s Amonasro). TV: “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Good Morning America.” Film: I Am Legend. Grasan is a grad of The Juilliard School. “I thank everyone who’s inspired, supported and believed in me! Blessed to be living a dream!”
	Keith Byron Kirk (Grady/u/s Mister), Broadway: The Grapes of Wrath, The Piano Lesson, King David, The Civil War, Miss Saigon. Off-Broadway: A New Brain, Elegies. Tours: Miss Saigon (Jeff Award), Evita (Che), Parade (Jim Conley), The Civil War (Frederick Douglass). Playwright: As Reaper in Summer Grain (2005 O’Neill Playwright’s Conference), Ft. Lonesome, Parable, The Civil War.
	Sumayah McRae (Assistant Dance Captain/Ensemble), is honored to be a part of The Color Purple. B.F.A. The Juilliard School. Concert Dance, Parsons Dance Co., Pascal Rioult and BattleWorks. Sumayah assisted Robert Battle and David Parsons in setting works on Ailey I and II. Theatre credits: The Lion King (Gazelle) first national tour.
	Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (Ensemble), is thrilled and honored to join The Color Purple family. Favorite roles: Pepe (TUTS), Richie (CDT), Asher (Joseph...National Tour). Training: B.M. in Musical Theatre from Baldwin-Wallace College. Special thanks to JC, Mama, Danielle/TalentWorks, Telsey casting, and all of his supportive friends and family. “Awww Lawd..I'm HERE!”
	Anthony Wayne (Ensemble), Tours: Fame (Tyrone), Smokey Joe’s Café, The Will Rogers Follies. Regional: A Chorus Line (Richie), Once on This Island (Papa Ge), Aida (MSMT), Beauty and the Beast (ASF), Swing! (TUTS). Training: B.F.A. (Musical Theatre), Shenandoah Conservatory, The Ailey School and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. “For The Gary/Green Families.” Acts 3:16. A Norfolk, Va. native. www.awayne.com
	Diamond White (Ensemble), is very humble and honored to be a part of The Color Purple. She has been seen on nationwide network news, on “The Maury Povich Kids Idol Show” and “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.” Diamond thanks God for the love.
	Mariama Whyte (Swing/u/s Celie/u/s Nettie), is thrilled to be part of The Color Purple. National tours: The Lion King (Rafiki, Shenzi Cover). New York: All God’s Chillun Got Wings (Bank Street Theatre). Regional: The Amen Corner (Cleveland Play House). A Cleveland native with a B.A. in English from the College of Wooster, Mariama thanks her family and friends for unconditional love and support. “For Lubabalo and Micaiah, Ndiyakuthanda.”
	Anthony Williams II (Ensemble), is 11 years old and a member of Maywood Fine Arts Association, where he has done many shows. In 2003 he was awarded “Kid Performer of the Year” by the Chocolate Chip Performing Arts Company. He would like to thank God for making his dreams possible.