Jeanette Bayardelle, LaToya London & Michelle Williams to Star in Color Purple Tour

The national tour of The Color Purple, which starts at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago on April 17, has found its Celie, Nettie and Shug. Jeannette Bayardelle, LaToya London and Michelle Williams will, respectively, play the roles in the production, joining previously announced player Felicia P. Fields as Sofia.

Bayardelle left the Broadway production of The Color Purple on February 18, where she had been playing the role of Celie since November 2006. An original cast member of the show, she previously toured in productions of Big River and Rent.

London, taking on the role of Celie's sister Nettie, was one of the standout finalists in the third season of American Idol, where she performed alongside Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and eventual Idol winner Fantasia, who will join the Broadway company of The Color Purple on April 10.

Part of the trio that made up the multi-platinum recording act Destiny's Child, Chicago native Williams made her Broadway debut playing the title role in Aida. She is now a solo inspirational/gospel recording artist. She takes on the Color Purple role of Shug Avery.

Also joining the tour are Rufus Bonds, Jr. as Mister, Stu James as Harpo, Stephanie St. James as Squeak, Lynette Dupree, Kimberly Ann Harris and Virginia Ann Woodruff as the Church Ladies, Bridgette Bentley as the Church Soloist and Adam Wade as Ol' Mister.