Steel Magnolias Director Kenny Leon on Why Condola Rashad Is the 'Next Major Star' and His Upcoming Tupac Musical

Now that the TV remake of Steel Magnolias has scored big ratings, Tony nominee Condola Rashad's profile can only continue to rise. The movie, in which Rashad plays young bride Shelby, marked a reunion for the actress and her Stick Fly director Kenny Leon. Broadway.com chatted with Leon at the film’s recent world premiere to get his opinion on working with Rashad.

“I love Condola,” Leon exclaimed. “She’s the next major star. I told her, 'I have to be able to work with you. You can’t just work with everyone else.' I want to do a musical and a couple more projects with her. She’s the most talented young person I know."

So is there a part for Rashad in Leon’s next project? Though Leon wouldn't say if Rashad will be part of Holler If You Hear Me, a musical based on the music of late rapper Tupac Shakur, he did reveal some details about the Broadway-bound musical.

“Tupac was a prophet and I want everyone to see that,” Leon explained of the project. “[Holler If Ya Hear Me] is a present day musical using all of Tupac’s music, but Tupac is not a character in the musical. Film producer Eric Gold is producing it, and hopefully it will go really soon. This time next week I'll have something to tell you.”

Mr. Leon, you have us on the edge of our seats!