Quotes by Scott Sanders

“Youre about the one millionth person who has said that to me in the eight years Ive been working on this,”

“Based on what Oprah has seen in rehearsals, she has been very enthusiastic about everything the show is doing creatively,”

“We have to have a popular price for this show so that anyone who wants to see ‘The Color Purple,’ regardless of their income level, can afford to come,”

“I always thought Celies journey was universal,”

“We all have obstacles to overcome and while our lifes journey may not be identical to Celie, I think that triumph over adversity and moving on and finding self-love and yourself and your voice is something that we all need to do. I didnt feel like it was a black story or a womans story, I thought it was universal and always thought the story sang, that it had so much music in its soul.”

“[Though an arduous journey for Sanders, the humble impresario noted his is a backseat on the producing team.] I actually asked her if she would put her name above the title as a presenter as well as a producer and she said I cant do that to you, youve been working on this for eight years, Id never do that. ... My name doesnt sell two tickets, put your name on the marquee.”

“Were filming her show Nov. 8 and I think it airs Nov. 11.”

“Were just incorporating so many things into one event — its not just music, its not just performance art.”

“The only person I told was [director] Gary Griffin. She took her jet in, we hid in the next room. And I came in and asked the cast to get on the stage and said Someone called me out of the blue about a week ago and said they really love the show and heard great things about it from friends and she wants to get involved and I want you to meet your newest producer. That door opened, Oprah Winfrey walked in and the cast went insane.”

“I dont want people to get the notion were getting fat and happy. The budget is lean. Its more honest in where costs are being incurred and clearer on where the costs are.”