Kenita R. Miller to Play Celie in The Color Purple Starting 2/20

Kenita R. Miller will assume the role of Celie in The Color Purple on February 20. Jeannette Bayardelle, who has been playing the part since November 6, will play her final performance with the Broadway cast on February 18.

Miller made her Broadway debut in the original company of The Color Purple as an understudy for the roles of Celie and her sister, Nettie. She went on for original star LaChanze often, including a well-documented appearance in the final press preview of the show Broadway.com's critic caught that performance, praising that Miller "tore up the role." She previously was seen in the off-Broadway musicals Dessa Rose, in which she also understudied LaChanze, and Best of Both Worlds. Other credits include national tours of The Civil War and Ragtime as well as regional stagings of Once on This Island and Smokey Joe's Café. Miller initially left the company of The Color Purple last November.

Broadway's The Color Purple currently stars Bayardelle, Elisabeth Withers-Mendes as Shug Avery, NaTasha Yvette Williams Sofia, Darlesia Cearcy Nettie, Alton Fitzgerald White Mister, Chaz Lamar Shepherd Harpo, Krisha Marcano Squeak and Larry Marshall Ol' Mister.