Heather Headley is heading back to Broadway!
The Tony Award-winning singer-actress will replace Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery in the current Broadway revival of The Color Purple.
‘The Color Purple’ Turns 30! Margaret ‘Shug’ Avery Relives the Memories
She joins Cynthia Ervio (Celie) and Orange is the New Black actress Danielle Brooks (Miss Sofia).
“I am humbled to be joining this immensely talented group of actors,” said Headley. “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.”
Hudson has been starring in the production since its December 2015 opening and will make her final performance on Sunday, May 8.
“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,” Hudson said. “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 made her Broadway debut in 1997 playing Nala in the The Lion King. Since then she has starred in several Broadway productions, including Aida—for which she won a Tony Award for. This will be her first appearance on Broadway since winning the Tony Award for Outstanding Actress.
No news as to what is next for the our beloved JHud, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed it’s new music!
WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.