'The Color Purple On Broadway' Comes Full Circle As Jennifer Holliday Prepares To Channel Shug Avery

Just when you thought this year couldn’t get anymore exciting for Black women who rock, The Color Purple on Broadway is getting a new cast edition!

It was recently revealed that iconic actress and singer Jennifer Holliday would be joining the already star-studded Color Purple line up. Holliday will replace songstress Heather Headley to play the role of Shug Avery in the Tony award-winning production. Headley originally replaced Jennifer Hudson, who took her finally bow back in May.

Now, the cycle of phenomenal women who have graced The Color Purple on Broadway stage will continue as Holliday prepares to bring her powerhouse presence front and center this fall.

Aspiring Singer Jasmine Holloway Gets Surprised By Broadway Cast Of ‘The Color Purple’

A true veteran to the theater arena, Holliday got her start in entertainment with her first major role on the Broadway stages at the age of 19, before going on to land her most infamous starring role in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls back in 1981. Speaking on the new role, the actress says she is honored and thrilled to be joining the cast. “I was deeply moved by this truly uplifting production of The Color Purple and I am highly honored and absolutely thrilled to be joining this extraordinary cast,” said Holliday. “Nothing compares to performing before a Broadway audience and I can’t wait to return to the Broadway stage, where I started my career over 35 years ago.”

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Director John Doyle is equally as excited to have Holliday on board to add to the growing list of amazingly talented ladies. “There is a rich and significant legacy to the line of women who have been part of The Color Purple and I am very honored and excited to work with another major actress as she assumes one of its iconic roles,” Doyle said in a statement.  “I am very taken with Ms. Holliday’s approach to the character of Shug and I look forward to sharing how her integrity and experience will enrich this production of The Color Purple.