Jennifer Hudson made her debut as Shug Avery on the Broadway musical version of The Color Purple Thursday, Dec. 10. At the afterparty, she and her costars and a few supporters posed for photos.
Hudson graced the carpet in a purple Zac Posen Resort 2016 Magenta Silk Faille Architectural Gown that reached the ground. “Orange Is the New Black” actress Danielle Brooks, who starred as Sofia, wore a gorgeous printed dress. Cynthia Erivo, who portrayed Celie, had on a tight-fitting, white, strapless garment.
Several OITNB actresses showed up to support Brooks, including Laverne Cox, Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, and Samira Wiley. Other famous faces spotted included Phylicia Rashad, Freddie Jackson, Gabourey Sidibe and Alice Walker.
The musical, based on Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, has received rave reviews. The New York Times says the popular story has been “born again” through the recent Broadway production. The Hollywood Reporter says the production is “characterized by its grace, restraint and soaring spirituality.”
Check out the red carpet pics below.