Hudson is set to star in the central role of Celie — the young woman who learns how to love others, and more importantly, herself — in The Color Purple. That part was created on Broadway by LaChanze, who earned a Tony Award for her work. She was succeeded in the role by "American Idol" winner Fantasia, who drew raves for her performance.
An official announcement of the revival has not been made. The Color Purple premiered on Broadway in 2006. The Broadway revival will reflect the new, pared down incarnation of the musical that premiered to acclaim at London's Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013. It is directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle.
Oprah Winfrey, one of the producers of the original Broadway production, will co-produce the revival with Scott Sanders.
Watch Hudson's rafter-raising performance of Celie's second act show-stopper "I'm Here" at The Kennedy Center Honors.
