What About Our Edges? Heather Headley’s Shug Avery Strikes Again!

Heather Headley.

HEATHER!

Ma’am!?

Last week, Broadway’s The Color Purple released the first official footage of Heather Headley as “Shug Avery” in the current Tony-nominated revival of The Color Purple.

I’m at a loss for words because this scene is “Too Beautiful For Words.” Literally. In just a clip Heather is giving me vocals, she’s giving me drama, and she’s giving me depth. Even in character, Cynthia Erivo and the rest of the cast stand back admiring the grace, beauty, and strength, yet vulnerability behind Headley’s “Shug.”

I almost ran out of the workplace and right onto the altar that has become the Bernard B Jacobs theater, because I need to give thanks to God and the company of The Color Purple! #WONTHEDOIT

Now we’ve got a new clip of Headley & Erivo singing “What About Love?” & it takes me even higher than I could possibly imagine I could go. Help me! There’s no air up here!

You know what!? We need a new cast album because this is a brand new story.

Until then, head on down 45th to take part in the spiritual experience that is The Color Purple. Shug Avery’s back in town and we’re in the first row of Harpo’s juke joint, hands extended to God, thanking him for adding a new layer of excellence to an already extraordinary show.

Headley took over the role of “Shug Avery” on May 10th, marking her return to Broadway after 10 years. In 1997, she originated the role of “Nala” in The Lion King on Broadway and the Nubian Princess in Aida in 2000, for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress. She also received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album when she released Audience of One in 2010.

Adapted from the novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple shares the story of “Celie” and her transformation into a strong woman with a voice to be heard. In addition to Headley, The Color Purple stars Erivo as “Celie” and Danielle Brooks as “Sofia,” both of which are Tony-nominated performances. As previously reported, other principal cast members include Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo”, Isaiah Johnson as “Mister” and, Joaquina Kalukango as “Nettie.” Oprah Winfrey serves as a producer, as she was for the original production.

We’ve got our tickets! Get yours HERE!