Chicago was notable as a starting point of the national tour because Oprah Winfrey , a 1986 Academy Awards nominee in the film adaptation is a Chicago resident . In addition , Felicia Fields is a Chicago native and resident . It was also a homecoming for Gary Griffin . Both Fields and Griffin made their broadway theatre debuts with this musical . As a result of the Chicago connections the Chicago premiere had a star-studded red carpet with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley , Jesse Jackson , R. Kelly , and Roger Ebert . Others in attendance included United States Senator Carol Moseley Braun and Christie Hefner . Coverage of the Chicago premiere was prominent in international media
1986 Academy Awards
58th Academy Awards
The Color Purple (musical)