Sheryl Lee Ralph Says ‘Challenging’ Work on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Octet” Took Her Back to ‘“Dreamgirls” Days’ (Exclusive)

**Sheryl Lee Ralph Takes on Challenging Role in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Upcoming Musical Film ‘Octet’**

Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, best known for her role in the hit series “Abbott Elementary,” is set to return to the musical stage in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s highly anticipated film adaptation of “Octet.” Speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet at the 8th Annual African American Film Critics Association TV Honors, Ralph shared her thoughts on the demanding nature of the role, drawing parallels with her iconic performance in “Dreamgirls.”

Ralph, now 69, expressed both excitement and apprehension about taking on this new venture. She candidly admitted to feeling “frightened” as she prepared for the musical film. “Working with Lin-Manuel Miranda and that cast… was one of the most challenging things I have ever done in a very long time,” she reflected, highlighting the depth of her emotions during the process. “It frightened me to my core,” she continued, although she noted that the experience ultimately left her feeling enriched and grateful.

The actress, who gained significant acclaim for her role in the original “Dreamgirls” production, compared the rigorous singing and dancing requirements of “Octet” to those she faced in her earlier career. Ralph reminisced about the last time she was part of such an intense musical experience, saying, “It had been a very long time since I had heard, ‘A five, six, seven, eight.’” The prospect of singing and dancing throughout the entire film was overwhelming but served as a reminder of her roots in musical theatre.

“Here we grow again,” Ralph added, laughing, as she recalled the challenges that lay ahead. Her journey in the arts has come full circle, as she transitions from the vibrant days of “Dreamgirls” to embracing a new role in Miranda’s project.

Miranda’s “Octet,” which originally premiered Off-Broadway in 2019, centres around a group of eight internet-obsessed individuals who meet in a church basement and decide to lock away their phones. It explores themes of digital dependency, and the synopsis describes how these characters navigate their compulsions, relying solely on the power of their voices to communicate.

The film is poised to feature a stellar cast, including Rachel Zegler, Amanda Seyfried, Jonathan Groff, and Phillipa Soo, among others. Reflecting on the contemporary issue of screen addiction, Ralph acknowledged the relevance of the film’s themes. While she believes it will encourage audiences to reflect on their own online behaviours, she claims to manage her internet usage quite well. “I don’t fight with people who don’t see things my way. I don’t have to be right,” she stated, referring to her approach to online interactions.

Despite her impressive track record, including a Tony Award nomination for “Dreamgirls” in 1982, Ralph is as eager as ever to step back into the musical spotlight. With Miranda at the helm, she feels optimistic about the creative direction of the project. “I’m all the better for having taken that difficult journey,” she noted, hinting at the transformative powers of art.

While a release date for “Octet” has yet to be announced, there is considerable anticipation surrounding the film. Ralph’s participation adds another layer of excitement, drawing in both her long-time fans and new audiences. It remains clear that her passion for performance continues to resonate, inspiring many within the entertainment industry and beyond.

With “Octet” on the horizon, Sheryl Lee Ralph is not only revisiting her theatrical roots but also tackling one of the most pressing issues of our digital age. The upcoming film stands to be a poignant exploration of the human experience in a technology-driven world, brought to life by a talented ensemble and the visionary mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda. As audiences await its release, the insights gained from Ralph’s experiences will surely enhance the film’s overall impact.