Destiny's Michelle to Act in Musical

01 March 2007

Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child will make her acting debut in the production of 'The Colour Purple'.

The singer's role in the Chicago production will be of sexy blues singer Shug Avery.

The production is based on Alice Walker's novel of the same name, and is currently running on Broadway. The Chicago season begins on April 17.

The shows producer Scott Sanders said of casting Williams "I've always like the idea of finding an actress for that role that really brings out that sort of otherworldly sensibility." He said she was a natural choice because the character Shug is supposed to have seen the world, "and so Michelle, living outside the Broadway community, but yet having the capabilities and the chops to both sing and act it, we just thought was great."

On getting the part, Michelle said, "This is just a dream come true. I could not pass up the opportunity to do 'The Color Purple'. To have the privilege of even auditioning was an honor for me."

Michelle joins fellow Destiny's Child member Beyonce in pursuing acting.