::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . (NEW YORK, NY) - November 01, 2016 -  Sheryl Lee Ralph , who was  Tony -nominated for her performance as  Deena Jones  in the original company of the award-winning musical  Dreamgirls , will join the cast of the hit  Broadway  musical " WICKED " opening tonight. Beginning tonight, Sheryl Lee Ralph will step into the role of  Madame Morrible . She succeeds Tony winner  Judy Kaye , who will played her final performance October 30. Ralph will enjoy a six month residency in the role. Ralph returned to Broadway in 2002, originating the role of  Muzzy Van Hossmere  in the Tony-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. On television, she starred as  Dee  on "Moesha," Claudette on  Ray Donovan  and  Maggie  on "Instant Mom." Her film credits include "To Sleep with Anger," for which she won an Independent Spirit Award. Most recently, Ralph wrapped filming "Step Sisters" a...

buzzz worthy. . . (NEW YORK, NY) - October 17, 2016 -  Sheryl Lee Ralph , who was  Tony -nominated for her performance as  Deena Jones  in the original company of the award-winning musical  Dreamgirls , will join the cast of the hit Broadway musical Wicked next month.   Beginning November 1, Ralph will step into the role of  Madame Morrible . She succeeds Tony winner  Judy Kaye , who will play her final performance October 30.   Ralph returned to Broadway in 2002, originating the role of  Muzzy Van Hossmere  in the Tony-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. On television, she starred as  Dee  on "Moesha," Claudette on  Ray Donovan  and Maggie  on "Instant Mom." Her film credits include "To Sleep with Anger," for which she won an Independent Spirit Award. Most recently, Ralph wrapped filming "Step Sisters" and "Villa Capri," opposite  Morgan Freeman .   ...

buzzz worthy. . . Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson will be  starring in the reboot of "The Color Purple."  Producers confirmed rumors  that the "Dream Girl" actress would be taking on the role of Shug Avery in the Oprah Winfrey backed production Friday.  Hudson tweeted that she was excited to be a part of the play in the coming fall. Hudson is not the only American Alum to be associate with the Broadway version of the play based on the book written by Alice Walker.  Fantasia once played in the lead role as Celie.