Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Indie Wire is reporting that six-time Tony winning actress Audra McDonald is teaming up with George C. Wolfe for a making of the Harlem Renaissance musical, “Shuffle Along.” The show chronicles the debut of the historic 1921 musical written by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissles and starring entertainment legends—Josephine Baker, Adelaide Hall, and Paul Robeson. Tentatively titled, “Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed,” the new show will be written by Wolfe and choreographed by his longtime collaborator and tap dance king, Savion Glover. The original 1921 production follows a tight race between two mayoral candidates in small southern town. Previews begin March 14, 2016.
Cynthia Erivo will take on the role of Miss Celie in Oprah Winfrey’s revival of “The Color Purple”. The actress will make her Broadway debut alongside Jennifer Hudson, who is also making her Broadway debut as Shug Avery. The news was confirmed today on BroadwayWorld.com. “Celie is the heart of The Color Purple and Cynthia Erivo, an astonishingly talented young actress who will be making her Broadway debut, is thrilling in the role. She breaks the audience’s heart and heals it by the show’s finale, all while blowing the roof off the theatre with her remarkable voice. And having her joined onstage by an acclaimed actress and recording star like Jennifer Hudson – who will also be making her Broadway debut – all but guarantees some legendary musical theatre fireworks.” Previews for “The Color Purple” begin Monday, November 9.
Take a look at Erivo below singing the song, “I Am Here” from the show and tell us what you think…
height=350Photo Credit: NewNowNext.com