Posted by | Ray Cornelius
It’s been 16 years since Heather Headley graced the Broadway stage in “Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida.” Now the Tony winning-actress and Grammy winning-singer returns as sassy and sexy Shug Avery in “The Color Purple.”
According to a recent press release, Headley will begin performances on Tuesday, May 10. The show’s current actress, Jennifer Hudson, will take her final bow on Sunday, May 8 after a hugely successful six month run. While I was not able to see her in action, I heard Jennifer was killin ’em every night with her powerhouse vocals and alluring appeal.
“These last six months have been nothing short of a dream come true. I have found an extended family in the cast of The Color Purple that will go far beyond my commitment on-stage,” said Jennifer Hudson. “I owe so much to the Broadway community and our audiences. My heart is full as I say to Broadway, ‘until we meet again.’”
Headley is as equally as excited to be joining the show which is based on Alice Walker‘s award winning book of the same name.
“I was privileged to see John Doyle’s production of THE COLOR PURPLE and was completely moved and bowled over by his beautiful work and this brilliant company,” said Ms. Headley. “I am humbled to be joining this immensely talented group of actors. I can’t think of a better way to return to the Broadway stage than in this extraordinary show, helping to tell Alice Walker’s story.”
Headley is best known for her roles as Nala in the original Broadway cast of “The Lion King” and as the Nubian princess in “Aida.” She most recently starred as Rachel Marron in the West End production of “The Bodyguard.”
Stay tuned…
Photo Credit: HeatherHeadley.com