LaToya London couldn't catch the season finale of "American Idol." The season three finalist was busy working.
She wasn't too upset about it, though, because she loves her job.
London now works as many former idols do — treading the boards, along with alums like Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis.
She's one of the stars of the first national tour of "The Color Purple." The stage version of the controversial Alice Walker novel turned Steven Spielberg movie comes to Boston on June 16 for a near two-week run.
The Oprah Winfrey-produced phenom also stars three actresses from the acclaimed Broadway musical — Kenita R. Miller, Felicia P. Fields and Angela Robinson.
And yes, London did get to meet the Big O herself.
"I met her opening night," London said. "It was pretty great."
Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "The Color Purple" opened Dec. 1, 2005 at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for more than two years.
The story follows Celie, a woman who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous Grammy-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, "The Color Purple" carries the subtitle "The Musical About Love."
Miller plays Celie, joined by Fields, returning in her Tony nominated role as Sofia, and Robinson as Shug Avery.
Rufus Bonds Jr. (who played Mufasa in the Broadway production of "The Lion King") will play Mister, while London plays the role of Celie's sister, Nettie.
"The acting part has been very exciting, very fun," London said. "I always thought I had it in me."
Though the musical deals with issues of rape and incest, London said that isn't the only thing "The Color Purple" is about. She describes it as hopeful, filled with joy, redemption and even some comic relief.
"It's not emotionally draining," she said. "If anything, it's inspiring."
London uses the stage lessons she learned on "Idol" — bringing in that "je ne sais quoi" Simon Cowell always mentions — in her current turn in "The Color Purple."
"Every experience you have helps you with the future," said London, who competed on "American Idol" against Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino.
"It ('Idol') definitely prepares you for the entertainment world you are about to get into," she said.
London continues to work on her career as a recording artist. She is currently working on her own album, independently.
"I am very excited to be the CEO of my stuff," she said.
If you go
What: "The Color Purple"
When: June 16 through June 28.
Where: Citi Performing Arts Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston.
How: Tickets range from $28 to $100. Available at the box office, by phone 866-348-9738 or online at www.citicenter.org.
