The Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as the Queen of Soul, arrived in theatres August 13. Ahead of the film’s release, the theatre community took in a private screening at the SVA Theatre August 11. Flip through the gallery below to see Broadway favorites and more celebrating the release below.
Respect traces the life of Aretha Franklin as she grows up in Detroit and eventually becomes one of the world's most beloved singers. The film was written by Tracey Scott Wilson and directed by Liesl Tommy.
In addition to Hudson, the film stars Audra McDonald as her mother Barbara Franklin, Forest Whitaker as her father C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as her husband Ted White, and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington. The cast is filled with many additional theatre favorites, including Heather Headley as Clara Ward, Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin, Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin, Skye Dakota Turner as Young Aretha, Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin, Tituss Burgess as Rev. James Cleveland, and Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler.
