Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson to Make Broadway Debut in THE COLOR PURPLE Revival!

According to the New York Post, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will soon make her Broadway debut in an upcoming revival of THE COLOR PURPLE. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, who also produced the original 2005 production, this version of the show started at London's Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by John Doyle. Michael Riedel writes that Winfrey called Hudson personally to ask her to play 'Celie' in the musical.

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Click here to watch Hudson perform the show's 'I'm Here,' from the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Oprah Winfrey.

An Academy Award-winning actress, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and best-selling author, Jennifer Hudson is an extraordinary talent. From humble beginnings, Hudson began singing in a small Chicago church where, week after week, she brought the congregation to its feet. From there, she's gone on to worldwide acclaim.

This year was a huge success for Hudson's music career, most recently being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also honored with the privilege to perform the Presidential Inauguration, Super Bowl XLVII and the Academy Awards. In 2013, Hudson appeared in three films, "Winnie Mandela," "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete" and her return to an on-screen musical in "Black Nativity."

The musical opened on Broadway at The Broadway Theatre on December 1, 2005. It was directed by Gary Griffin, produced by Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey, with choreography byDonald Byrd and musical direction by Linda Twine. The musical closed on February 24, 2008, after 30 previews and 910 regular performances. The Broadway production recouped its $11 million investment within its first year on Broadway, and has grossed over $103 million to date.

The original Broadway production starred LaChanze as Celie, Brandon Victor Dixon as Harpo, Felicia P. Fields as Sofia, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Nettie, Kingsley Leggs as Mister, Krisha Marcano as Squeak, and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes as Shug Avery. The role of Celie has since been played by Jeannette Bayardelle, Kenita R. Miller, and from April 2007 to January 2008, Fantasia Barrino.

Photo Credit:Will Hart/NBC