Mr. James, a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Morehouse College, portrayed Benny in the Broadway production of Rent. His off-Broadway and regional credits include Barnstormer, Ain't Misbehavin', Once on This Island and Cotton Patch Gospel. He also has appeared in films including Bill Condon's Dreamgirls, Downtown: A Street Tale, House of Grim and the D.K. Holmes feature Burning Sands. On television, Mr. James has appeared on General Hospital, All My Children and Barbershop. Currently, he is putting the finishing touches on his debut album, Love Is, as well as working on a one-man show called Son of the South. www.myspace.com/stujameslive

Get to know the Broadway cast of The Color Purple!

• Jeannette Bayardelle
• Michelle Williams
• Felicia Fields
• LaToya London
• Rufus Bonds Jr.
• Stu James
• Stephanie St. James
• Gary Griffin
• Alice Walker