Jennifer Holliday joins Broadway revival of 'The Color Purple'

NEW YORK, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Jennifer Holliday is set to return to Broadway for the first time in 15 years by joining the ongoing stage revival of The Color Purple.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Holliday will be replacing Tony winner Heather Headley in the role of singer Shug Avery who wins the heart of main protagonist Celie, starting on Oct. 4.

"There is a rich and significant legacy to the line of women who have been part of The Color Purple, and I am very honored and excited to work with another major actress as she assumes one of its iconic roles. I am very taken with Ms. Holliday's approach to the character of Shug and I look forward to sharing how her integrity and experience will enrich this production of The Color Purple," said director John Doyle in a statement.

"Nothing compares to performing before a Broadway audience and I can't wait to return to the Broadway stage, where I started my career over 35 years ago," Holliday added.

Holliday is best known for her role as Effie White in the original 1981 stage production of Dreamgirls.

Interestingly, actress Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for portraying Effie in the 2006 film version of Dreamgirls, originally appeared as Shug in this new version of The Color Purple before exiting in May. That is when Headley stepped in as a replacement.