Clara Ward

Jennifer Hudson appeared on The View today to discuss her performance as Aretha Franklin in the recent Respect biopic. Watch Hudson discuss the singer's impact and Franklin's friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the new interview now!

Jennifer Hudson talks about when she first met Aretha Franklin, the role the artist's music played in her life and returning to the stage.

Earlier this week, the New York Theatre community gathered for a private screening of the upcoming film RESPECT, which is out in theatres starting today, August 13. Star of the film, Jennifer Hudson, director Liesl Tommy and more were on hand for the big night.

The Franklin sisters collaborate on writing the title song in this new clip from the biopic.

Hear Hudson sing one of Aretha Franklin's most iconic songs.

Additional guests for next week's shows include Whitney Cummings, Sanaa Lathan, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Julianne Moore.

Jennifer Hudson belts out Aretha Franklin's most iconic song, 'Respect,' in this new clip from the film of the same name.

McDonald is the recipient of a record-breaking six Tony Awards; Hudson won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White in Dreamgirls; and Burgess is known for Broadway roles in The Little Mermaid and Jersey Boys.

With a story by Callie Khouri (Oscar® winner for Writing, Thelma & Louise) and Tracey Scott Wilson, and screenplay written by Tracey Scott Wilson. Wilson and Tommy have worked together creatively since the 2009 play The Good Negro written by Wilson, directed by Tommy at The Public Theatre.

MGM and Bron Studios have announced the final casting for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson, according to Deadline.

Neuka Bowie Mitchell, a Bayer executive and daughter of St. Louis-born soul singer Fontella Bass, has been elected to the Arts and Education Council's board of directors.

The dynamic Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir, under the direction of Kim Pitts-Wiley and Delbert Collins, presents COLORWAYS, It's 10th Annual Greatness of Gospel Concert.

The dynamic Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir, under the direction of Kim Pitts-Wiley and Delbert Collins, presents COLORWAYS, It's 10th Annual Greatness of Gospel Concert.

10 On Tuesday with Doug Peck

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents an evening with Antoinette Montague. Spend Valentine's Day with your special loved one at Dorthaan's Place, where the jazz brunch series hosts Newark-born vocalist Antoinette Montague, a jazz singer who moves effortlessly between gutsy blues and hushed romantic ballads.

Oscar®, Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominee Elizabeth McGovern returns to host the second season of Smithsonian Channel's MILLION DOLLAR AMERICAN PRINCESSES

While watching THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS, the African-American version of Sophocles' OEDIPUS AT COLONUS as created by Lee Breuer (with music by Bob Telson), I was reminded of the reimagining of the Old Testament by Marc Connelly in the 1930 Pulitzer Prize-winning THE GREEN PASTURES. Like GOSPEL, THE GREEN PASTURES serves up time-honored material by transposing it to a religious setting;. PASTURES relates the Old Testament as envisioned by a young Afro-American boy; thus, Heaven is one big fish fry. When I first saw the 1936 film version (which Connelly, a white man, scripted for Warners' director William Keighley), I found it a special experience -- a wonderful all-black cast was an anomaly for a young viewer in the late 1950's and early i60's; now, with the passage of time (and legislation), I can understand why modern audiences would find it politically incorrect (though that cast is still peopled with some amazing talent). Interestingly, Mr. Breuer eschews following Connelly's suit, and though he utilizes a Black minister and church service to tell his tale, he focuses instead on an ancient Greek tragedy rather than the Old -- or New -- Testament.

Woodie King Jr's National Black Touring Circuit's 2014 Black History Month Play Festival, in conjunction with Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group, will present "The Great Divas of Gospel" on Saturday, February 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 23 at 3:00pm at the New York Academy of Medicine, 103rd St. & Fifth Avenue.

The National Black Touring Circuit's 2014 Black History Month Play Festival will hold poetry, music and drama performances in Harlem that celebrate acclaimed poet Amiri Baraka, legendary singer Billie Holiday, the Great Divas of Gospel and Ossie Davis' renowned play 'The People of Clarendon County' from February 7 - March 2.