Chaka Khan to
Appear in Color Purple

Get ready for some cast changes -- all Broadway debuts -- in the New York company of The Color Purple.

Grammy winners Chaka Khan and BeBe Winans will join the hit musical on January 9 at the Broadway Theatre, producer Scott Sanders announced Tuesday. The twosome will portray the battling lovebirds, Sofia and Harpo, in the show, which is based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Meanwhile, American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones will come aboard December 19 to play the Church Soloist, a woman who opens the musical with a rousing gospel number. Jones will play the role at all performances through January 6. Starting January 9, she will play the Church Soloist at evening performances and Sofia at matinees.

The Color Purple stars American Idol winner Fantasia as Celie, a determined woman who triumphs over adversity in Walker's heartfelt tale of abuse and perseverance. (AP)