`Color Purple' gets new cast members

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 Jan. 9, 2008, at the Broadway Theater, 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 Dec. 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 Jan. 6. Starting Jan. 9, she will play the Church Soloist at evening performances and Sofia at matinees.

"The Color Purple" currently stars Fantasia as Celie, a determined woman who, in Walker's heartfelt tale of abuse and perseverance, triumphs over adversity.