Annnnnd I am telling you! If you weren’t already hip to the talent that is Jennifer Hudson, the time is now, because while this isn’t her first time in NYC, she’s ready to take the city by storm. She reminisced on her first time in New York, which happened to be after she was cut from American Idol in 2004; and just how far she has come since that moment. Season 3 of American Idol is where most of us became familar with this queen, but she rose to stardom through her gutwrenching portrayal of Effie White in the 2006 blockbuster “Dreamgirls,” which starred Beyoncé and Jamie Foxx. This role went on to make her a household name and gave courage to moviegoers worldwide, convincing them that they could and should sing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” at karaoke. She did more than give life to her audiences through Effie, she became recognized for her chops as an actress. Among other awards, she won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BET Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA for this performance.

Performances for The Color Purple started earlier this month. The official opening night was December 10 at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre and tickets can be purchased here. Hudson plays Shug Avery in this minimalist and stripped-down revival of the story Oprah Winfrey helped to make so popular years ago. Adapted from the novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple shares the story of Celie and her transformation into a strong woman with a voice to be heard.  In addition to Hudson, The Color Purple stars Cynthia Erivo as Celie, & Danielle Brooks as Sofia.  As previously reported, other principal cast members  include Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo”, Isaiah Johnson as “Mister” and Joaquina Kalukango as “Nettie.” Winfrey serves as a producer as she was for the original production.

Maybe it’s the purple lipstick  or maybe it’s the hair that as of late, is always on fleek. Maybe it’s her genuine spirit. Or the undeniable talent that she has. Whatever it is, JHud is here to stay and we’re so excited to welcome her to Broadway!