Amber Riley may be best known for her role as Mercedes on the cult-TV show Glee, but she’s prepping to take her vocal talents to the stage for a short stint.
Slated to appear in Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club Parade from November 14-18, Riley says she couldn’t say “no” to the amazing opportunity. “New York City Center came to me with the opportunity to join the amazing cast of Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club Parade,” the actress told ESSENCE.com at the Verizon Wireless Day in the Life Ceremony. “When I found out that the incomparable Wynton Marsalis was the musical director, I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I love all the music, but I’m also looking forward to the glamorous hair, makeup and fashion.”
For the Glee fanatics reading this post, don’t fret, she’s still planning to shimmer and shine on the show’s upcoming season, which premieres on August 23 at 9 p.m. “At the end of last season, we found out Mercedes landed a recording contract as a backup singer and was moving to L.A.,” said Riley.
But she’s keeping her lips sealed on any specific details. “I’m as excited as the fans to see Mercedes journey towards her dreams,” she quipped.
Will you be catching Amber Riley on stage and on Glee this fall?