Jennifer Hudson ‘reliving’ ‘Dreamgirls’ era with broadway revival

Jennifer Hudson is revisiting Dreamgirls in a new way after signing on to produce the musical’s first-ever Broadway revival, set to open in fall 2026.

The Oscar-winner, who won the Academy Award for playing Effie White in the 2006 film alongside Beyoncé and Anika Noni Rose, reflected on the opportunity while speaking to PEOPLE.

For Hudson, “a huge reason” to join the project was to present the classic musical to a new generation and create a new generation of the Dreamettes, the girl group comprised of Effie, Deena, and Anika.

“That’s a huge reason why I wanted to be a part of it, because it’s so life-changing and I can’t wait to just sit and witness the new Dreamettes and how life-changing it’ll be for them,” she said.

Another reason for this project is that Hudson will be “able to look through the lens from a production, producer perspective is a dream for me.”

She said the new role feels “like reliving” her earlier experience, “but in a different way.” The singer, actress, and talk show host will now play a direct part in shaping the careers of the performers who will step into the roles she once shared with Beyoncé and Anika Noni Rose.

Moreover, reflecting on what the actress who plays Effie needs, she says the star needs to be a complete package.

“Definitely to just have a presence out of this world like Effie does, that voice of course. Then that spark that Effie has, that presence,” Hudson shared.