From “Idol” to Purple
LaToya London makes her musical mark

LaToya London, an “American Idol” contestant, appears in The Color Purple at the Arsht.

Miami audiences will recognize a familiar face (and voice) when the touring production of The Color Purple pulls into the Arsht Center next week for a one-week run. Third season “American Idol” finalist LaToya London will be lending some star power to the national tour of the Oprah Winfrey production that shook up Broadway just a few seasons ago.

As younger sister Nettie, London portrays a self-sufficient and learned woman in the racially divided South. Through soulful songs, she proves to be the rock of the family and eventually finds the love she had been content without for decades.

MiamiARTzine.com recently spoke with London about the differences between reality competition and the stage, the challenges of touring, and her expectations in Miami.

You became a household name on “American Idol.” How was “American Idol” different from touring with The Color Purple?
With “American Idol,” it was all about a different song each week. We were focusing on one thing for maybe five days and then on to something new. It was very nerve wracking—an up and down rollercoaster. With a musical, it’s different because you’re sticking to the same script and settling into a role. You get the chance to own it and become comfortable with it.

As a singer, was it an easy transition to acting roles?
I jumped right into it. I just naturally had a niche for acting and it was something I always wanted to do. I didn’t have to go through rigorous training, though; it came second nature. It’s something I love and I want to continue. I started with another play with music in it and then did Beehive and then on to The Color Purple. I would love to do film and television and continue with an album.

Even as an accomplished vocalist, it must be a challenge doing six or seven shows each week while on the road.
Absolutely, you have to get plenty of rest and eat properly. The main challenge is being away from home and our families and sacrificing, but we’re doing what we love and that’s why we’re here. It’s definitely an experience that people look at and say, ‘I’d love to see the country.’ But, I can say I’ve been to just about every state between 2004 and now. It’s something I can look back at and be proud and happy about. It’s been a great experience.

Kenita R. Miller as Celie and LaToya London as Nettie in the first national tour of The Color Purple, which is playing at the Arsht Center through Sunday, November 1. Photo: Paul Kolnik.

What do you enjoy most about touring with The Color Purple?
The music is very soulful. The only thing, you can’t just wail out as if it was your own concert, but it helps that the music is fun and entertaining. It’s rhythm and blues and it’s nice. Naturally, it’s a good fit for me.

Are there in roles you’ve been dying to sing?
There are actually a few roles in this show that I’d love to do: Celie, to experience that whole emotional side of acting. You really have to channel so much emotion; Shug, which is such a different character from Celie; and I’d really love to be one of the Church Ladies, the church gossips. They’re hilarious, kind of like comic relief. They get to sing in harmony and the harmonies are intricate, they’re awesome. It was something I was raised signing in choirs and I’d love to do that.

Are you looking forward to performing in Miami at the Arsht Center?
Definitely. All of us are. It’s not cold, first of all. So, hopefully, it will stay like that. We’d like to enjoy the sunshine, the beautiful people and the food.

The Color Purple runs through Sunday, November 1 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. For more information, visit www.arshtcenter.org.

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