The wait is almost over to see three Broadway Black actresses star in The Color Purple’s revival when tickets to the musical go on sale at the end of June.
Announced earlier this year the adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and the Academy-Award-winning film, will introduce audiences to upcoming actresses and feature actresses who are already entertainment industry power players.
When the show begins previews in November new life will be given to classic, which Oprah Winfrey has signed on to produce.
The Color Purple chronicles the life of Celie, a soft spoken Georgia woman who is married off at young age, writes letters to God, and the colorful characters she meets as she grows wiser and finds her voice.
The revival cuts approximately 30 minutes of material from the original production, but makes up for it by featuring some of the most sought after Black actresses.
Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson will make her Broadway debut when she takes the role as one of show’s most out-spoken characters Shug Avery.
According to the New York Post, the actress was looking for a Broadway role, and Winfrey personally extended the offer to her after she sang, “I’m here” from The Color Purple at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors.
Rising British actress, Cynthia Erivo who starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory production in London in 2013, will reprise her role of Celie and make her Broadway debut.
Also tapped to breathe new life into the production is breakout star of the popular Netflix series Orange is the New Black Danielle Brooks.
The Julliard grad will take on the role of Sofia, the character played by Winfrey in the film adaptation.
2006 was the last time the musical was on Broadway and the production earned eleven 2006 Tony Awards nominations and grossed more than $100 million.
The Color Purple will be at the Bernard B. Jacobs theatre from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5 with tickets going on sale June 30 to the general public. However, you can order pre-sale if you are an audience rewards member. Sign up! It’s Free.
