Felicia P. Fields (Sofia), a native Chicagoan, is making her Broadway debut in The Color Purple. As an original member of the workshop company, she originated the role of Sofia in the show’s critically acclaimed debut at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre last season. Felicia has received award nominations in Chicago for her performances as Ella Fitzgerald in Jammin’ With Pops; Katisha in the Hot Mikado; Queenie in Show Boat; Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Nell/Amelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’; Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!; and Effie Melody White in Dreamgirls, to name a few. Felicia’s stellar performance in Chicago’s Drury Lane production of Sophisticated Ladies earned her the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Musical. (The Color Purple website)
Corine Cohen: First of all, congratulations on your performance in "The Color Purple". How does it feel to play Sophia the role originated (in the film) by Oprah Winfrey?
It is very exciting. Oprah came into the show and she heard me and she said "Yes!"
I read that Oprah said "You stole the show" (Good Morning America Interview)
(Laughing) It is a great feeling. I never thought I would meet Oprah. I always watched her show, and never dreamed I would be playing her role on Broadway. It is very exciting!
It must be. Define "Hell No".
It is a freeing song for women. It is the message of freedom. When I sing "Hell No" I am singing as Felicia, not Sophia. I would never let a man hit me. Women need to stand up and not take it.
Hell, yes!!!!!!
A lot of men don’t like how they are portrayed in "The Color Purple"
but it is all about standing up for equal rights.It is a wonderful message.
It is the only way you can break the cycle.
Tell me about Oprah.
She is very supportive and encouraging and is a pleasure to work with.
Who is Felicia Fields?
Just a regular person. I believe that everyone has a gift. I am very blessed to be in this business. I am very grateful. People have embraced me and it is a wonderful feeling.
Tell me about Director Gary Griffin.
He has taken so many chances with me. He is a wonderful director. He cast me as an Angel in "A Wonderful Life" It was risky and he also cast me in Hello, Dolly. He gave me a break and I feel indebted to him.
I heard you were looking for an apt.
I have a sublet, but I need a larger space. I have a very large house and it is a major adjustment living in New York. (Since this interview I am proud to report that Felicia has found an apartment) I always joke that I wish they would let me live in my dressing room. I have everything, a couch, a bathroom a refrigerator and a microwave.
It is very cozy. "Hell No" is such a pivotal song in the show. How do you manage doing it 8 times a week?
It is exhausting. It is a physically demanding song. I rest. I don’t wake up in the morning. I try to sleep as long as I can.
What are your favorite things to do in New York?
Sleep. I don’t have any time to do things during the day. I rest.
If you had the time what would you want to see?
The Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty.
What is your favorite food and restaurant in New York?
I love to eat. I love the fried chicken and pancakes at The Park Café (861 7th Ave). I also love the food at Camino Sur (37th/8th and 9th).
Is that your favorite food?
Yes, I also love my Mother's Macaroni and Cheese.
You are making me hungry. Who do you admire most?
My mother. I would have never been in the business if it was not for her constant support. My sisters have also helped me.
That is very touching. What would you want to do next?
I love my role in "The Color Purple" but if I could do anything, I would want my own talk show.
What would it be about?
Parenting. How to raise children.
So you are really following in Oprah’s footsteps. Would you want to do anything else?
I would love to do more theater, film and TV.
What is it like to work with Brandon? In the second half of the
show you have a very touching number "Any Little Thing". You have
so much chemistry together.Thank you! Brandon is the best person to work with. We have so much fun. I follow his lead and never know how it will come out. It is always different.
It was wonderful. You both brought the house down.
We get along great. I work with the greatest team anyone could work with. Brandon and I are very close. He is always in my room. He is a very gentle soul and very funny. He makes me laugh. I want to say it has been difficult leaving my family in Chicago but several people have made New York a great place to be. Dr. Horovitz (My ENT) has been a savior to me. He has a wonderful bedside manner. I am very grateful to him.
What would be your next dream role?
I would love to be the voice of the PLANT in "Little Shop of Horrors".
Catch Felicia P.Fields in “The Color Purple”. She is a powerhouse and lovely person. It was a pleasure meeting her.
Photos: 1. Felicia P. Fields and LaChanze (by Paul Kolnik); 2. Brandon Victor Dixon and Felicia P. Fields (by Paul Kolnik)
Interview conducted by Corine Cohen
