Jennifer Hudson to Play Final Performance as Shug Avery in THE COLOR PURPLE Today

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will take her final bow as Shug Avery in the acclaimed revival of THE COLOR PURPLE today, May 8th, 2016. This performance marked Hudson's Broadway debut.

When announcing her departure, Hudson said, "These last six months have been nothing short of a dream come true. I have found an extended family in the cast of The Color Purple that will go far beyond my commitment on-stage. I owe so much to the Broadway community and our audiences. My heart is full as I say to Broadway, 'until we meet again.'"

Beginning performances Tuesday, May 10, Tony and Grammy Award winner HEATHER HEADLEY will assume the role of Shug Avery in John Doyle's critically acclaimed production of the Broadway musical,The Color Purple. This is Ms. Headley's first appearance on Broadway since winning the 2000 Tony Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her performance in Aida.

Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning novel and the Warner Bros. / Amblin Entertainment motion picture, The Color Purple is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

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.

THE COLOR PURPLE opened to ecstatic reviews on December 10th at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th street).

Photo Credit: Walter McBride