From Broadway to Llanview: LaChanze Joins Cast of ‘One Life to Live’

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Tony Award winning Broadway star Rhonda LaChanze Sapp has been cast in a newly created role on the recently cancelled ABC soap.

According to ABC Soaps in Depth, the 49-year-old Sapp, or LaChanze as she is better known, has been cast in the recurring role of Yvette, a woman who shares “a surprising connection to someone in Llanview.” The actress is best known for her portrayal of Celie in the stage production of “The Color Purple,” where she appeared opposite former “One Life” star Renee Elise Goldsberry (ex-Evangeline).

LaChanze has also appeared in a number of other stage productions, including “Dreamgirls,” “Ragtime,” “Funny Girl,” and “The Whiz.” She has also guest starred in a several television shows, such as “Law & Order: SVU,” “Sex and the City,” and “The Cosby Show.”

A first airdate has not been announced, however, LaChanze is expected to make her Llanview debut sometime in June.

While it is rumored that LaChanze’s character Yvette will be related to James Ford’s (Nic Robuck‘s) ex-girlfriend Deanna Forbes (Nafessa Williams), SON can confirm that he will be related to another “One Life” newcomer. Barret Helms, whom we previously reported was joining the show in the contract role of Baz, tweets that “Tony Award winner LaChanze is playing my mom! Pedigree.”

To learn more about the actress, click here to visit her official website.