Award-winning actress will join the cast of “The Color Purple” on May 10.
Beginning Tuesday, May 10, Heather Headley will assume the role of Shug Avery in the Broadway musical The Color Purple. It’s the first time since her performance in Aida, which earned her the 2000 Tony Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.
“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,” said Headley. Her role as Shug Avery will add to the impressive list of theatrical and musical accomplishments. Heather Headley debuted on Broadway in the role of Nala in the original cast of The Lion King, later moving to Aida that brought her two Tony Awards. In 2002 she released a debut album, scoring a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, who made her critically-acclaimed Broadway debut in the role of Shug Avery, will complete her six month run on Sunday, May 8 and will give her final performance that afternoon.
The Color Purple is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life.
Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, the production stars the “incandescent new star” (Ben Brantley, The New York Times) Cynthia Erivo in “a performance big enough to play in the Grand Canyon” (Terry Teachout, Wall Street Journal), and the “powerhouse” (Linda Winer, Newsday) Danielle Brooks, who “shakes the house in a thrilling Broadway debut” (Marilyn Stasio, Variety). Ms. Erivo and Ms. Brooks made their Broadway debuts with this production.
Tickets starting at $75 are available here.