Actor LaChanze first won a Tony Award in 2006 as Celie in the original production of The Color Purple. By that time she’d already established herself as a force onstage, thanks to appearing in shows like Dreamgirls and originating the role of Ti Moune in the original Broadway production of Once On This Island. Now, the diva is back as Diva Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, the oldest of three versions of Donna who is looking back on her life as the queen of disco.

Read: LACHANZE TALKS ABOUT PLAYING THE QUEEN OF DISCO IN THIS MOMENT OF FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

While LaChanze has led companies on Broadway before, there is one thing that makes this experience stand out. “Feeling that feminine energy, that feminine strength, is something I've never felt onstage before. It's unique, it's beautiful, it's great, and it's different. And it's something I think, in this time, is hugely appreciated," she says.

“We have a cast of some of the most impactful women. We have a predominantly female cast and the women are all colors, ages, stages in their lives, but are bringing ferocious talent to the stage.”

The cast sees women play male characters from Donna Summer’s true life story, as well as other important female characters.

Watch the full video interview for more from LaChanze.