Jennifer Hudson Is Officially Making Her Broadway Debut in The Color Purple

Press representatives confirmed this morning's report of Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson's plans to make her Broadway debut in a revival of The Color Purple. However, she will star as Shug Avery — contrary to rumors that the role of Celie was being set aside for her.

The production — a transfer of the current Menier Chocolate Factory staging in London — is directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle and is slated to open at a yet-to-be-announced Shubert Theatre this fall. Further casting will be announced in the near future.

The Color Purple, adapted from the novel of the same name by Alice Walker, features a book by Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. It tells the story of a woman named Celie as she navigates her life in rural Georgia in the early 1900s. The original Broadway production opened with LaChanze, who won a Tony for her performance in the leading role of Celie. American Idol alum Fantasia Barrino, among other actresses, also took on the part.

Hudson came to national attention as a finalist on season three of American Idol. She went on to make her film debut portraying Effie White in the 2006 musical movie Dreamgirls, for which she earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Hudson also won a Grammy Award for her self-titled debut album, released in 2008.