Odds & Ends: Jennifer Hudson Talks Purple's Standing Ovations, First HBO Promo of Audra McDonald's Lady Day & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today and over the holiday weekend.

JHUD Talks Standing Ovations
Broadway's The Color Purple revival has become notorious for its mid-performance standing ovations and when one of the show's stars, Jennifer Hudson, recently stopped by The View, she talked about how the company feels about the phenom. "We're in awe every night," admitted the Oscar winner. "We can't get over it because it's such an overwhelming response and I've never seen it in a show before like that." Check out the interview below and then The Color Purple, which is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.


Derek McLane Tapped for the Oscars
Congratulations to Tony and Emmy-winning set designer Derek McLane, who will return to design the Oscars this year, for the fourth consecutive year. We can't wait to see his work on the February 28 telecast; McLane is currently represented on Broadway by China Doll and Noises Off.

Students to Capture Finding Neverland
It's a special week at Finding Neverland and not just because it's the final few days of dynamic duo Matthew Morrison and Kelsey Grammer sharing the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre's stage together! Thanks to Canon and the Situation Project, a group of students from MS 343 in the Bronx will photograph the tuner on January 22, with the pictures then being released as "official" production shots. We bet their feet aren't touching the ground!

First HBO Promo of Audra McDonald's Lady Day
We have our first teaser trailer of Mama Broadway's upcoming star turn on the small screen! Check out below a sneak peek at the HBO adaptation of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, starring six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday. The special will premiere on March 12.