Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Ciarahas joined the cast of the upcomingThe Color Purplemovie musical, starringFantasia Barrino.
The Grammy winner, 36, will play Nettie, the younger sister of Celie (Barrino),Entertainment Weeklyreported.
“Honored to be a part of this beautiful ensemble and historic film,The Color Purple,” Ciaratweetedfollowing the announcement. “Truly grateful.”
According toEW, production on the film is scheduled to begin this month in Georgia. Marcus Gardley has written the screenplay for the film, adapted from the award-winningBroadwaymusical based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel.The Color Purpleran on Broadway from 2005 to 2008 with Tony Award winnerLaChanzein the leading role; it was revived in 2015 withCynthia Erivoalso earning a Tony for her acclaimed portrayal of Celie.
TheAmerican Idolseason 3 winner said thatThe Color Purplewas the first musical she ever saw. “I had seen the movie, but it’s such an inspirational play,“she said in 2007. “I was crying. I was saying, ‘Oh, Lord, I hope I’m not the only one crying!’ "
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During her run in the show, she opened up to PEOPLE about the wisdom she received from her mentor Winfrey, who also was a producer.
“Oprah gave me a lot of advice. She sat me down … Just, you know, how a lady should carry herself. How to manage your money. How to not put your trust in everybody. Just watch your back,” Barrino said at the time.
“But most of all, you have to watch what you do. You have to carry yourself in such a way. You have to just watch your every move and carry yourself as a lady,” Barrino added. “So other young ladies who are watching you will know this is how you do it.”
source: people.com
