Jennifer Holliday joins Cynthia Erivo in The Color Purple on Broadway!

Aaaand we are telling you... that Jennifer Holliday is back in town!

The Broadway diva, who originated the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls, is taking over as Shug Avery from Heather Headley in The Color Purple.

Holliday will play her first performance at New York's Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 4th October, after Headley leaves on 2nd October. Jennifer Hudson, who played Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls, originated the role of Shug in this production. Holliday previously played Sofia in The Color Purple's 2014 U.S. tour. She was last seen on Broadway in 2001 when she starred in Chicago. 

Press Night Pics: Disney's Aladdin opens in the West End

Last night, (15th June), Disney’s Aladdin celebrated its West End opening at the Prince Edward Theatre. 

As well as composer Alan Menken and director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw, guests included John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Tom and Giovanna Fletcher, Andrew Scott, Luke Evans, Cynthia Erivo, Jenni Falconer, Preeya Kalidas, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Katherine Kelly, Ricky Wilson and Rufus Hound. Check out images below (click picture to enlarge).

Tony Awards 2016: Full winners list

Last night James Corden hosted the 2016 Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre. Hamilton triumphed in a whopping eleven categories! Check out the full winners list below.

Best Musical
Hamilton

Best Leading Actress in a Musical
Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple

Best Leading Actor in a Musical 
Leslie Odom Jr., Hamilton

Best Revival of a Musical 
The Color Purple

Best Play

The Humans by Stephen Karam

Best Revival of a Play

A View From the Bridge

Best Leading Actor in a Play

Frank Langella, The Father

VIDEO: Cynthia Erivo performs 'I'm Here' on The Late Show

Cynthia Erivo recently dropped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to give a jaw-droppingly incredible rendition of 'I'm Here' from The Color Purple. Watch the performance below. Erivo recently received a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Celie in the show. She first played the role in London before being cast in The Color Purple's Broadway revival. 

Video: Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson & The Color Purple cast pay tribute to Prince

Last night (21st April), Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson and the Broadway cast of The Color Purple paid tribute to Prince with an insane rendition of 'Purple Rain'. No other words are needed - watch the video below.

Broadway Review: The Color Purple starring Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson

The Color Purple
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 30th March 2016
★★★★★

Having first played London's Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013, John Doyle's stripped back, stylistic production of The Color Purple has made it to Broadway with West End star Cynthia Erivo reprising her performance. Adapted from Alice Walker, The Color Purple tells a heartbreaking story; whilst it is gut wrenching, the piece also inspires and and is spiritually uplifting.

When I saw Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Marsha Norman's show in London I remember writing that I'd never experienced an audience reaction like it; however, seeing The Color Purple on Broadway was a whole different ball game. From the second the lights went down and the first number began the audience went crazy - the way this show connects with people is extraordinary. 

Erivo stars as Celie who is put through the most horrific emotional turmoils; after having an awful upbringing, Celie is married off to a man who beats her. On top of that she thinks her sister is dead and has no idea about the well-being of her two children. The piece follows Celie's life between 1914 and 1945, you can't help but be moved by her story as she ventures down her path to self acceptance. 

Editor's Blog: Top 6 Theatrical Highlights of 2015

6

Kay Murphy saves the day!

Back in November I bought a last minute ticket to see Xanadu at the Southwark Playhouse as I enjoyed the show so much first time round. Before the show director Paul Warwick Griffin announced that cast member Alison Jiear was indisposed so actress Kay Murphy had learnt the role in 24 hours and would be stepping in. Murphy threw herself into each and every number and performed the entire show without a script in hand! She had the time of her life; pulling off the choreography and dazzling with her faultless vocals, providing a night to remember! Click here to read more.

5

Bradley Jaden steals show after show

Since taking over as Enjolras in the West End production of Les Miserables back in June, Bradley Jaden has been proving himself as a leading man worth keeping an eye on. I've seen Jaden pop up in various one-night-only Sunday night concerts this year, and each time he has stolen the show. In West End Heroes (click here to read review) Jaden made a huge impression with his performances of 'Who I'd Be' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' whilst in Kings Of Broadway (click here to read review) he rightfully received one of the evening's biggest applauses for his rendition of  'Maria'. I recently caught Les Mis and Jaden was, without doubt, the strongest Enjolras I have seen for a long time. The future certainly looks bright for Bradley Jaden; if Jason Robert Brown's musical The Bridges of Madison County ever finds its way to London Jaden would make a perfect Robert. Read our interview with Bradley Jaden. 

4

Green girls shine 

The Color Purple starring Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson to release cast recording

It has been announced that a cast recording is being made for the Broadway revival of The Color Purple.

The album will be released on Friday 29th January 2016 with Broadway records. The musical officially opened on Broadway earlier this week on 3rd December to critical acclaim.

The cast is led by Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson as Celie and Shug Avery with Danielle Brooks (Sofia), Isaiah Johnson (Mister), Joaquina Kalukango (Nettie) and Kyle Scatliffe (Harpo). 

Completing the cast are: Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson, and Rema Webb.

WOWZERS! Watch Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson sing 'The Color Purple' live

This morning (24th November) Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson were guests on Good Morning America to perform the title song from The Color Purple. The duo are both currently making their Broadway debuts in the musical which is in previews ahead of opening night on 10th December. Watch their roof-raising performance below!

Starring alongside Erivo and Hudson as Celie and Shug Avery are Danielle Brooks (Sofia), Isaiah Johnson (Mister), Joaquina Kalukango (Nettie) and Kyle Scatliffe (Harpo). The show is directed by John Doyle who also directed The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Erivo. 

Full casting announced for The Color Purple's Broadway revival starring Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson

Full casting has been announced for the Broadway revival of The Color Purple.

As previously announced West End actress Cynthia Erivo will play Celie, reprising her performance from the musical's London run. 

The cast also includes Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Shug Avery), Orange Is the New Black star Danielle Brooks (Sofia), Isaiah Johnson (Mister), Joaquina Kalukango (Nettie) and Kyle Scatliffe (Harpo).

Scott Alan to release new album with Cynthia Erivo & Oliver Tompsett

Scott Alan has announced that he is releasing his seventh album next month. 

Hot on the heels of his recent residency at the London Hippodrome, the US composer has teamed up with West End stars Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett to record the album.

Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett sing Scott Alan will feature six new songs and six re-imagined songs from Alan's back catalogue. The album is due to be released digitally on 6th October 2015. Check out the track listing below:

Cynthia Erivo to stream Farewell London concert online

It has been announced that Cynthia Erivo's sold out Farewell London concert will be live streamed online. 

The concert, which takes place at 11pm on 21st September 2015 at the London Hippodrome, can be streamed online anywhere in the world for a £10 charge.

Two days before flying off to New York to recreate her performance as Celie in The Color Purple, Erivo will perform alongside a selection of special guests including Richard Fleeshman (A Damsel in Distress), Eva Noblezada (Miss Saigon), Tyrone Huntley (The Book of Mormon), Nathan James (Superstar), Alison Jiear (Jerry Springer), Dean John Wilson (Here Lies Love) and Sam Bailey (X Factor).

Cynthia Erivo announces Farewell London concert

It has been announced that Cynthia Erivo will perform a 'Farewell London' concert at the London Hippodrome on 21st September 2015 at 11pm.

Two days before flying off to New York to recreate her performance as Celie in The Color Purple, Erivo will perform alongside a selection of special guests.

Erivo first played Celie in The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory. In the Broadway revival she will star alongside Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery and Danielle Brooks as Sofia. The show opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 3rd December 2015 (previews from 9th November).

Watch Jennifer Hudson & Cynthia Erivo perform title song from The Color Purple

Entertainment Weekly have released an exclusive music video of Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo performing the title song from The Color Purple. Watch the video below.

Hudson and Erivo will star as Shug Avery and Celie in The Color Purple's Broadway revival which opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 3rd December 2015 (previews from 9th November). The show is directed by John Doyle who also directed The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Erivo.

Further casting announced for Broadway revival of The Color Purple

Further casting has been announced for the Broadway revival of The Color Purple starring Cynthia Erivo as Celie, Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery and Danielle Brooks as Sofia.

Joining the cast are: Isaiah Johnson (The Merchant of Venice) as Mister, Joaquina Kalukango (The Wild Party) as Nettie and Kyle Scatliffe (Les Misérables) as Harpo. Final casting to be announced.

The show is directed by John Doyle who also directed The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Erivo. The Color Purple opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 3rd December 2015 (previews from 9th November). Oprah Winfrey is producing the production (she also produced the original 2005 Broadway production).

Review: Songs For A New World at the St James Theatre

Songs For A New World 
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 24th July 2015
★★★★

Written by Jason Robert Brown when he was only twenty-five, Songs For A New World has become truly iconic. I had forgotten just how many incredibly written numbers are in the show, which is celebrating twenty years since its off-Broadway premiere.

Editor's Blog: Another standing ovation for Cynthia Erivo, Connie Fisher sings once more & Wicked launches For Good programme

Cynthia Erivo

Yesterday (19th July), Cynthia Erivo took to the stage at the Charing Cross Theatre for her final London solo concert appearance before heading off to Broadway. Following in the footsteps of Gavin Creel, Janie Dee, Louise Dearman and Kerry Ellis, Erivo's show was part of the ongoing Singular Sensations series which sees West End stars perform a selection of songs and being interviewed by Edward Seckerson.

Kicking things off with 'Don't Rain On My Parade' from Funny Girl (Erivo later admitted Fanny Brice is a role she would love to sink her teeth into), the West End and soon-to-be Broadway star was on top form (as usual). Being interviewed live in a spotlight in front of a packed audience must be a little daunting, yet Erivo took it all in her stride and soon warmed to the atmosphere. She is a beautiful storyteller, bouncing off the audience who were engaged throughout.

Sneak peek at... Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson & Danielle Brooks in The Color Purple

Watch BuzzFeed's new video below to take a sneak peek at the Broadway revival of The Color Purple starring Cynthia Erivo (I Can't Sing/Sister Act), Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls/American Idol) and Danielle Brooks (Orange Is the New Black).

In the video the three performers pose for a photoshoot whilst Hudson sings 'Too Beautiful For Words' from the musical's score.

The Color Purple is directed by John Doyle who also directed The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Erivo. The Color Purple opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 3rd December 2015 (previews from 9th November). Oprah Winfrey is producing the production (she also produced the original 2005 Broadway production).

Danielle Brooks joins Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson in The Color Purple on Broadway

It has been announced that Danielle Brooks will star as Sofia in the upcoming Broadway revival of The Color Purple.

Best known for starring in Orange Is the New Black, Brooks joins West End star Cynthia Erivo as Celie and Academy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery. All three performers are making their Broadway debuts. 

Speaking to Essence,  Brooks said: "[The Color Purple] was actually the first Broadway show that I saw 10 years ago, and to now get to step into the part… my heart flutters every time I think about it."

The show is directed by John Doyle who also directed The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Erivo. The Color Purple opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 3rd December 2015 (previews from 9th November). Oprah Winfrey is producing the production (she also produced the original 2005 Broadway production).

Cynthia Erivo, Jenna Russell, Damian Humbley & Dean-John Wilson to star in Songs for a New World

Casting has been announced for the London revival of Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown.

Directed by Adam Lenson, the musical runs at the St. James Theatre between 22nd July and 8th August 2015.

The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Jenna Russell, Damian Humbley and Dean-John Wilson, alongside a five piece band.

Cynthia Erivo is set to reprise her performance in The Colour Purple on Broadway this autumn, starring alongside Jennifer Hudson. Her other theatre credits include Henry IV (Donmar Warehouse); Dessa Rose (Trafalgar Studios); Sister Act: The Musical (UK Tour); The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Gielgud Theatre). Her television credits include The Tunnel (Kudos) and Mr Selfridge (ITV).