LaToya London is Nettie in Oprah Winfrey’s presentation of “The Color Purple”
Where: The Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Aug. 9
Info: $25 to $95; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
LaToya London has earned rave revues since debuting as Nettie in “The Color Purple,” the musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Excited that Oprah Winfrey’s production is moving into the Kennedy Center Opera House for an extended stay into August, she talks about her personal connection with the character.
“I especially love the reassurance Nettie gives Celie and the strength she tries to show her sister,” she says. “Some of her advice lingers with Celie, and when they are reunited at the end, it’s evident that both have grown.
“The production grips both performers and audience because of the feeling the play gives you. It strikes your emotions with experiences that hit home. Even though you may not have gone through the same things, you know of someone who has and you’re inspired to follow the characters through their problems to the end.”
London shares the stage with Fantasia as Celie. Both endured the rigors of the “American Idol” television show, throughout Season 3 with Fantasia declared the winner and London, an audience favorite, voted off as fourth place finalist. Undeterred, she proved her talent during a post-season American Idol international tour, numerous TV and concert gigs and a recording contract.
“It was surprising to be voted off in front of all America, but it gave me another layer of confidence to continue performing and writing,” she says. “I wrote my first song at 13 and started working in studios by 18. The ideas for songs come into my head. If someone gives me a track, I’ll listen and the ideas will begin coming. I’m working on another recording, but I’m going slowly because I want to get it right.”
Growing up in the Bay Area, London was inspired to sing by listening to her aunt, who performed locally and overseas. At the age of four, she was singing around the house and by high school everyone in the community knew about her marvelous voice. Although she had little exposure to plays and acting lessons, critics frequently commend her natural acting ability and ability to immerse herself in a role.
A hard worker for Barack Obama’s election, she is thrilled to perform in Washington and hopes he and his family will attend a performance. Another secret wish is to perform at the White House. Along with the R&B, soul, blues and hip-hop numbers she belts out with perfection and her own compositions, her dream program might include some musical numbers from the show, especially the Africa medley dominated by chords she loves.
London’s dreams are boundless. Looking toward the future, she sees herself singing and acting in the theater, film and TV “with great roles and great music.” But for the present, she is proud to convey the heartwarming story of “The Color Purple” to enthusiastic audiences.
