While Michelle Williams is performing in "The Color Purple," she is also working on another solo project to be released by the end of this year. She says her album, which has an R&B flavor, will also have a Chicago vibe to it since she is recording it here in the city. Michelle says singing and acting isn't just it for her that she wants to embrace all that life has to offer. Lou got the behind the scenes look into what a dark day with Ms. Williams is all about!
Like the lyrics in the award winning song Michelle Williams is just that, an independent woman. This Rockford, IL native of Destiny’s Child fame is by all means the epitome of a hard working woman. She has traveled around the globe, performed on prestigious stages and won several Grammy Awards.
Today, this platinum selling recording artist is back on stage here in Chicago turning heads as she portrays Shug Avery in “The Color Purple.”
190 North met up with her at Rockit in Chicago for an exclusive look into her life post Destiny’s Child and to see how it feels treading new water.
“It feels awesome to be doing the Color Purple here in Chicago. Its such a wonderful feeling because the color purple is so legendary and then being in a place like Chicago that has so much history in the fact that it was close to home for me – close to Rockford.”
Petite in size, Michelle Williams always dreamed of being a big star. As a child, she sang with her church choir and even performed in a few other groups before Destiny’s Child came calling. After her stint with the group, Michelle traded in her microphone for screenplays hoping to pursue a career in acting. However, her road to stardom was an uphill battle after several movie producers refused to cast her in any films.
“They didn’t care that I came from Destiny’s Child – they had a movie to produce – they wanted a good film – they had a sitcom to produce. It was very humbling, trust me it was very humbling.”
Devastated yet determined, Michelle set out on a mission to master the craft of acting. So with acting coach in tow, she traded in the glitz and glamour for Acting 101 and studied diligently in LA for a shot at what she describes “the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I appreciate what I’m doing now because I worked hard for it - I mean I made sure nobody else was going to get this part.”
And with that determination and will, she embodied the role of Shug Avery and impressed the musical’s director.
What Michelle thought was her biggest challenge – making the director believe she was actually Shug Avery was nothing compared to what she was required to do – perform a nude scene on stage – and kiss another woman.
“Every time it comes to that part, I’d say okay I’ll kiss you tomorrow. Okay, okay, the next day and then finally the director was like we got comfortable and it was fine.”
Day in and day out, rehearsal after performance after finale, Michelle Williams has been devoting 100% to Shug Avery. However once the curtain closes, she quickly transforms into the glamour girl who gets all dolled up even if her escape is merely a shopping spree on Rush Street.
“There’s nothing better than to shop on Rush Street…they got everything you need.”
As for the future, she is fearless and ready to embrace all that life has to offer.
“Something I dream of doing is being on the big screen. If they present me with the right role – I would do it – absolutely. Acting and singing isn’t just it for me. I want to be able to do it all.”
For now, Michelle is enjoying the success of The Color Purple because it tells the universal story of perseverance and living life to its fullest which is something she feels so passionately about.
“I’m very proud to be part of the Color Purple – to see a cast of African Americans – and we’re all coming along, getting along and we’re all looking out for each other. I think it’s very and then to tell a story about victory – it’s about everybody in the show persevering through obstacles. Every race and every sex can identify with the story and I think that’s what makes me smile – that’s what makes me proud.”
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