Tichina Arnold and Jennifer Hudson

[cuz-i-can]

Posted: 3/24/16 at 3:50pm

Just recently on instagram Tichina Arnold (of martin, the wiz encores, and little shop of horror movie fame) posted a snippet of her audition tape for the Color Purple Revival. She was singing a snippet of too beautiful for words, and as lovely as she sounded (those who are familiar with her work knows she can blow) it came off as a bit of a slight and professional discourtesy to Jennifer Hudson in my opinion. I know some actors and actresses have shared audition tapes from parts they didn't get, but that's usually well after the production or movie or tv series have ended. Not at the height of its popularity.

In her caption it seemed that she was insinuating that casting politics is what cost her the part. But from my understanding Jennifer Hudson was the first person they approached about the revival so the part was always hers. I think Tichina would've made a great Shug for the OBC of the Color Purple. Outside of the scaled down effect I feel acting wise and the approach of the characters makes this production special and different from the original.

As I've stated in earlier posts regarding Ms. Hudson and from reviews what she has done with Shug in comparisons to past productions, is that she offers a softness and vulnerability to Shug. Where as other productions Shug is seen as a very aggressive over sexualized aggressive jezebel. I think Jennifer's portrayal of Shug as much of a gentler flower and spirit, really works for this revival, and the story that's taking place.

I also hear a lot of hub bub about Jennifer not having enough "heat" for the role of shug, but I think her toning down the flame vocally and instinctually provides the love story between her and Celie thats missing from the movie and the OBC.

Sorry didn't mean t ramble but do you guys have any thoughts about this or tichina arnold? Would love to hear some opinions.

Updated On: 3/24/16 at 03:50 PM