Felicia P. Fields to Exit Color Purple in January; Will Star in Tour

Felicia P. Fields, who received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in The Color Purple, will leave the Broadway production of the musical on Sunday, January 28. However, she will recreate her role in the national tour, which is set to kick of on April 17 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago — Fields’ hometown.

She will be replaced on Broadway by NaTasha Yvette Williams, who is currently starring as Sylvia in the national tour of All Shook Up. Williams’ other credits include Seussical, Cinderella, and Parade. The Color Purple will mark her Broadway debut.

As previously announced, three of the show’s other original stars are leaving the Broadway production early next month. LaChanze, who won the 2006 Tony Award as Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Celie, will leave following the matinee on Sunday, November 5; Jeannette I. Bayardelle will take over the role on Tuesday, November 7. On that same date, Kingsley Leggs and Lou Myers will respectively be succeeded by Alton Fitzgerald White and Larry Marshall in the roles of Mister and Ol’ Mister.