"The Color Purple" musical, with St. Louis' Trent Armand Kendall as Preacher; photo by Paul Kolnik

There’s little rest for the busy cast of the phenomenal “The Color Purple” at the Fox Theatre.

Monday night, the production’s dark night, many of the performers were at the St. Louis Zoo’s Living World for a concert titled “Love is on the Way,” a benefit for the St. Louis Black Rep.

St. Louis native Trent Armand Kendall, who is Preacher in the cast, told the crowd when he learned “The Color Purple” would play the Fox Theatre, he knew he had to do something special for the Black Rep, despite limited time (the play is not a Black Rep production).

“This fills your soul up, and gives us energy for days to come,” said Kendall said. He sang “King of the World” from “Songs for a New World.”

The evening featured cast members such as Stu James (Harpo), Adam Wade (Ol’ Mister), Carol Dennis (church soloist), Lynette Dupree (Church Lady Jarene), Grasan Kingsberry (Older Adam), Horace V. Rogers (Grady), Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (ensemble), and many more.

They performed pop, R&B and jazz songs by the likes of Stevie Wonder, John Legend, George Benson, James Ingram, and others. Backing them were Black Rep musicians.

“American Idol” finalist LaToya London wasn’t present; she was out of town for an audition.

Good vibes and music flowed all night, though the crowd wasn’t overflowing, something Black Rep founder Ron Himes commented on as he put out his plea to support the Black Rep.

Angela Robinson, who plays popular character Shug, called both Kendall and the Black Rep jewels.

The event raised $30,000 for the Black Rep. Get more information at www.theblackrep.org.

“The Color Purple” runs through Nov. 2. Get tickets through MetroTix outlets.