It was announced earlier today that Gospel music powerhouse Tamela Mann is set to play “First Lady” in the upcoming The Color Purple movie musical.

The movie musical is an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning book and stars Fantasia and Danielle Brooks.

It depicts the lives of African American families and relationships in early twentieth-century Georgia all set to the sounds of jazz, blues and gospel.

The musical just like the original will follow Celie, as she grows up in intense poverty in the South and endures harsh treatment from her stepfather, husband and others in her life, which tests her faith in God and humankind.

Other cast members announced today that will join Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, and H.E.R.:

Stephen Hill will play Buster, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi will play a young Celie, Deon Cole as Alfonso, David Alan Grier will play Rev. Avery, and drum roll please…..Louis Gossett, Jr. as “Ol’ Mister”

Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, and Alice Walker are all signed on to produce.

The Color Purple is set to be released in December 2023. Filming starts March 21st in Atlanta.