Dreamgirls 1981 - Articles Page 6

Opened: December 20, 1981
Closing: August 11, 1985

Dreamgirls - 1981 - Broadway History , Info & More

Imperial Theatre (Broadway)
249 West 45th St. New York, NY

Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois called "The Dreams", who become music superstars. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six. It was later adapted into a motion picture from DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006.

Dreamgirls - 1981 - Broadway Cast

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Dreamgirls - 1981 - Broadway Articles Page 6

Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps to Direct New Production of DREAMGIRLS at Theatre Under The Stars
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2017


Theatre Under The Stars Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps will serve as Director for the upcoming production of the six-time Tony winning show when it hits the TUTS stage at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston next spring.

Amber Riley Forced to Sit Out DREAMGIRLS Following Pneumonia Diagnosis
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 4, 2017


Producers of the West End revival of DREAMGIRLS turned to Twitter today to announce that Amber Riley, who has missed the last several performances of the show, has been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Review Roundup: DREAMGIRLS Opens in the West End
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2016


The long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls opens tonight, Wednesday 14 December at the Savoy Theatre in London, 35 years after originally opening on Broadway.  

TV: It's Only the Beginning - Watch Highlights from DREAMGIRLS, Starring Amber Riley, in London!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Dec 14, 2016


The long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls opens tonight, Wednesday 14 December at the Savoy Theatre in London, 35 years after originally opening on Broadway. Below, watch highlights just in time for this evening's premiere, plus click here for a new batch of production shots!

Photo Flash: Got to Be Good Times! New Shots from DREAMGIRLS, Opening Tonight in the West End
by BWW News Desk - Dec 14, 2016


The long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls opens tonight, Wednesday 14 December at the Savoy Theatre in London, 35 years after originally opening on Broadway. To coincide with this evening's premiere, Sonia Friedman Productions just released brand new production shots for the show, which has been in preview performances since 19 November. Check them out below!

DREAMGIRLS, Starring Amber Riley, Officially Opens Tonight in London
by BWW News Desk - Dec 14, 2016


Sonia Friedman Productions presents the long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls, opening tonight 14 December 2016 and running at the Savoy Theatre until 6 May 2017. 

BWW Review: DREAMGIRLS, Savoy Theatre
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Dec 15, 2016


For UK audiences, Dreamgirls will be more familiar from the critically acclaimed 2006 film, but incredibly, the iconic musical started life on Broadway all the way back in 1981. The UK debut of the stage show has been a long time coming, but is resolutely worth the wait.

Photo Flash: First Look at Production Photos from West End's DREAMGIRLS
by BWW News Desk - Nov 28, 2016


Sonia Friedman Productions has today released brand new production photography for the long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls. 

DREAMGIRLS Starring Amber Riley Extends in London; Announces Lottery!
by BWW News Desk - Nov 19, 2016


Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to release more tickets for the long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls.  With the first few weeks selling out fast, the new booking period will extend performances at the Savoy Theatre until 6 May 2017. These tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 14 October 2016.

Ibinabo Jack and Liisi LaFontaine Join Amber Riley in DREAMGIRLS - Full Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Nov 19, 2016


Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to announce further casting for the long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls which will have preview performances at the Savoy Theatre from 19 November and Opening Night on Wednesday 14 December 2016.

Tickets Now Available for UK Premiere of DREAMGIRLS, Nov. 19
by BWW News Desk - Nov 19, 2016


Sonia Friedman Productions announces today that tickets for the long awaited UK premiere of Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls go on sale this week. The brand new production begins preview performances at the Savoy Theatre from 19 November with Opening Night on Wednesday 14 December 2016.

Jennifer Holliday Chats THE COLOR PURPLE, DREAMGIRLS on THEATER TALK Today
by TV News Desk - Nov 18, 2016


Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday makes her first appearance on THEATER TALK in a revelatory conversation about the creation of her career-making Broadway role as 'Effie' in the now-legendary Michael Bennett's production of Dreamgirls (1981-83), as well as her more recent 'major acting class' - the month-long rehearsal period with director John Doyle as he prepared her to take over the role of 'Shug Avery' in the current Broadway revival of The Color Purple.

Jennifer Holliday to Chat THE COLOR PURPLE, DREAMGIRLS on THEATER TALK
by TV News Desk - Nov 16, 2016


Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday makes her first appearance on THEATER TALK in a revelatory conversation about the creation of her career-making Broadway role as 'Effie' in the now-legendary Michael Bennett's production of Dreamgirls (1981-83), as well as her more recent 'major acting class' - the month-long rehearsal period with director John Doyle as he prepared her to take over the role of 'Shug Avery' in the current Broadway revival of The Color Purple.

Tony-Nominated Loretta Ables Sayre Set for Blue Note Hawaii Debut on 11/14
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 9, 2016


Tony-nominated Broadway actress Loretta Ables Sayre is scheduled to make her Blue Note debut in Waikiki on Nov. 14 with shows at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Ables Sayre's performances will feature jazz standard selections from the Great American Songbook. Joining Loretta will be Hawaii-based musicians Jim Howard on piano, Dean Taba on bass and Darryl Pellegrini on drums.

DREAMGIRLS Starring Amber Riley Extends in London; Announces Lottery!
by BWW News Desk - Oct 13, 2016


Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to release more tickets for the long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls.  With the first few weeks selling out fast, the new booking period will extend performances at the Savoy Theatre until 6 May 2017. These tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 14 October 2016.

Photo Flash: West End DREAMGIRLS Begins Rehearsals
by Liz Cearns - Oct 5, 2016


The long-awaited UK premiere of Dreamgirls has preview performances at the Savoy Theatre from 19 November and Opening Night on Wednesday 14 December 2016. On Monday October 3rd, Sonia Friedman Productions were delighted to assemble the full company for the first day of rehearsals.

Andrew Samonksy, Jason Graae, Beverly Ward and More to Star in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Concert at Rubicon
by BWW News Desk - Oct 1, 2016


The 2015-16 Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company concludes with a concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.

Andrew Samonksy, Jason Graae, Beverly Ward and More to Star in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Concert at Rubicon
by BWW News Desk - Sep 23, 2016


The 2015-16 Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company concludes with a concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.

Lyric Stage Announces Cast, Creative Team for COMPANY
by BWW News Desk - Sep 2, 2016


The Lyric Stage Company of Boston announces the cast & creative team for COMPANY, with Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM and Book by GEORGE FURTH. Directed by Spiro Veloudos with music director Catherine Stornetta and choreography & musical staging by Rachel Bertone, COMPANY will run September 2 - October 9, 2016.

Lyric Stage Announces Cast, Creative Team for COMPANY
by BWW News Desk - Aug 15, 2016


The Lyric Stage Company of Boston announces the cast & creative team for COMPANY, with Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM and Book by GEORGE FURTH. Directed by Spiro Veloudos with music director Catherine Stornetta and choreography & musical staging by Rachel Bertone, COMPANY will run September 2 - October 9, 2016.

Lillias White Visits Trent Armand Kendall's BROADWAY DOWNLOAD Radio Show
by BWW News Desk - Jul 18, 2016


The world has loved the show-stopping Lillias White since she made her Broadway debut in Barnum in 1981. A Brooklyn native, White understudied the role of Effie in the original 1981 production of Dreamgirls and performed in the role in the 1987 revival. Since, Lillias White has taken television, film, and the stage by storm!

BWW Review: DREAMGIRLS Reunite Triumphantly to Celebrate 35th Anniversary of the Broadway Show
by Don Grigware - Jul 12, 2016


Not in the least hard to fathom that the Dreamgirls' 35th anniversary concert presented under the auspices of Chris Isaacson Presents Broadway Under the Stars was a sellout. With Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday all headlining, who would not want to be there to marvel at the ageless talent of these amazing Broadway superstars? Directed by Iona Morris, choreographed by Lee Martino and musically directed by Kenneth Crouch, the evening also featured a bevy of other singing and dancing talents such as Frenchie Davis, Matt Zarley and a special fun appearance by Mary Wilson.

Writers Theatre Extends Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 6, 2016


Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, announces a one-week extension to Company, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production is directed by William Brown. Company features original orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, Orchestral Reductions by Ian Weinberger, music direction by Tom Vendafreddo and choreography by Brock Clawson. The show, originally slated to run through July 31, 2016, will add an additional week, through August 7, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 6/28/16- DREAMGIRLS
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 28, 2016


Today in 1987, the FIRST Broadway revival of Dreamgirls opened at the Ambassador Theatre, where it ran for 177 performances. Dreamgirls features music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois called 'The Dreams', who become music superstars. The musical opened on December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre, and was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six. It was later adapted into a motion picture from DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006. The 1987 cast featured Lillias White as 'Effie.'

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Kathy Brier Set for Broadway Download Today
by BWW News Desk - Jun 22, 2016


The original 'Dream' Sheryl Lee Ralph and Hairspray's Kathy Brier are the guests for this week's TRENT ARMAND KENDALL Broadway Download, a new entertainment based digital radio show co-hosted by Richard E. Waits, every Wednesday, 5:00-5:55 PM. www.cityworldradio.com

Other Productions of Dreamgirls

1981   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1983   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1985   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1987   Broadway Return Engagement [Broadway]
Broadway
1995   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2001   Broadway New York Concert
Broadway
2004   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2005   Philadelphia, PA (Regional) Prince Music Theatre Revival
Philadelphia, PA (Regional)
2009   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2016   West End West End Premiere Production
West End
Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

Dreamgirls - 1981 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Jennifer Holliday
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Sheryl Lee Ralph
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director of a Musical Michael Bennett
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Cleavant Derricks
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Tharon Musser
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Tom Eyen
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical 0
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design Robin Wagner
1982 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Robin Wagner
1982 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Tharon Musser
1982 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Tom Eyen
1982 Tony Awards Best Choreography Michael Peters
1982 Tony Awards Best Choreography Michael Bennett
1982 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge
1982 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Michael Bennett
1982 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Tharon Musser
1982 Tony Awards Best Musical The Shubert Organization
1982 Tony Awards Best Musical Bob Avian
1982 Tony Awards Best Musical Michael Bennett
1982 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Tom Eyen
1982 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Henry Krieger
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Obba Babatunde
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ben Harney
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Jennifer Holliday
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Sheryl Lee Ralph
1982 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Robin Wagner

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