Taraji P. Henson's Performance in The Color Purple Musical Adaptation

Taraji P. Henson's Work with Vocal Coach Stevie Mackey

The Color Purple actor Taraji P. Henson lauds her vocal coach in a new behind-the-scenes video. Henson stars as Shug Avery in the acclaimed Blitz Bazawule-directed musical adaptation of The Color Purple, which revolves around Celie Harris-Johnson and other Black women in her life as they try to find happiness in the South in the early 1900s. In addition to Henson, the movie's cast includes Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, and Halle Bailey.

Fantasia as Celie Harris Johnson singing in The Color Purple

Now, Henson shares a behind-the-scenes look at her work with The Color Purple’s vocal coach Stevie Mackey. Taking to Instagram, Henson shared a video of her rehearsals with Mackey. In the video, Henson is singing sections from her The Color Purple anthem “What About Love?” as Mackey gives her kind corrections, which she takes in well. In addition to the video, Henson wrote an enthusiastic appreciation post for Mackey. Henson called her vocal coach “the man behind #ShugAveryvoice,” and said that Mackey “helped [her] to unlock some thangs vocally.” She said that she was “forever grateful” for her coach in a post that thanked him well.

The Color Purple characters looking in awe in the back of a convertible

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Henson's Performance Reception and Comparison to Co-Stars

Henson’s Shug Avery is one of the most vibrant characters in The Color Purple. She is a jazz singer whose biggest number is “What About Love?”, the song that Henson sings in the video above. As The Color Purple begins its successful theatrical run, Henson is getting praise for her performance in her role, earning some early award buzz for a Best Supporting Actress nomination heading into award season, even if being snubbed a Golden Globe nomination.

Danielle Brooks wearing a plaid dress in The Color Purple

Acting in The Color Purple is no easy feat for Henson, as she must act alongside much more experienced singers. While Henson’s vocal strength has been showcased in some of her roles in her career, both Barrino and Brooks have experience being in the Broadway version of The Color Purple. Bailey is also known for her vocal talents, as she began as a singer before jumping into acting, and playing Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid in early 2023.

Halle Bailey as young Nettie, holding a baby in The Color Purple 2023

Henson stands up well against her talented co-stars, who are also getting praise for the role. Both Barrino and Brooks scored Golden Globe nominations for their work in The Color Purple, and will be in contention for Oscar nods when the nominations list is released next month. Overall, the ensemble of The Color Purple has been recognized as incredibly strong, particularly as the movie scores far higher Rotten Tomatoes scores than Steven Spielberg's original.

Closeup of Colman Domingo wearing a hat and looking wistful in The Color Purple

How Are Henson & The Color Purple Cast’s Performances Being Received?

Henson’s Shug Avery is one of the most vibrant characters in The Color Purple. She is a jazz singer whose biggest number is “What About Love?”, the song that Henson sings in the video above. As The Color Purple begins its successful theatrical run, Henson is getting praise for her performance in her role, earning some early award buzz for a Best Supporting Actress nomination heading into award season, even if being snubbed a Golden Globe nomination.

Acting in The Color Purple is no easy feat for Henson, as she must act alongside much more experienced singers. While Henson’s vocal strength has been showcased in some of her roles in her career, both Barrino and Brooks have experience being in the Broadway version of The Color Purple. Bailey is also known for her vocal talents, as she began as a singer before jumping into acting, and playing Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid in early 2023.

Henson stands up well against her talented co-stars, who are also getting praise for the role. Both Barrino and Brooks scored Golden Globe nominations for their work in The Color Purple, and will be in contention for Oscar nods when the nominations list is released next month. Overall, the ensemble of The Color Purple has been recognized as incredibly strong, particularly as the movie scores far higher Rotten Tomatoes scores than Steven Spielberg's original.