Jennifer Hudson is 'Excited But Nervous' to Make Broadway Debut in THE COLOR PURPLE

Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson stopped by this morning's TODAY to chat with Kathie Lee and Hoda about moving to New York to star in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple this fall. The singer tells the hosts she hopes to live up to the expectations of the great show. "I'm excited but I'm nervous," says Hudson. "Broadway is the hardest thing to do in entertainment. Live every night!" Watch the appearance below!

Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her performance in 'Dreamgirls', will make her Broadway debut in the role of 'Shug Avery' in the upcoming revival of The Color Purple, produced by Oprah Winfrey, who also produced the original 2005 production.

An Academy Award-winning actress, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and best-selling author, Jennifer Hudson was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She perofmred at 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.

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