Dreamgirls 1981 - Articles Page 7

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 7

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Kathy Brier Set for Broadway Download on 6/22
by Louisa Brady - Jun 19, 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

Ibinabo Jack and Liisi LaFontaine Join Amber Riley in DREAMGIRLS - Full Cast Announced!
by Christina Mancuso - Jun 3, 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.

Reality Singing Stars to Alternate with Amber Riley in West End's DREAMGIRLS
by Jessica Khan - May 12, 2016


GLEE's Amber Riley has quite the backup power for her nights off in DREAMGIRLS the West End. THE VOICE UK contestant Ruth Brown and THE X FACTOR's Karen Mav will alternate in the role of 'Effie' on Wednesdays in London, according to the Daily Mail.

BWW Review: These New DREAMGIRLS in La Mirada Will Make You Happy
by Michael L. Quintos - Apr 1, 2016


Now playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, the new McCoy/Rigby Entertainment production of the Tony Award-winning 1981 Broadway musical DREAMGIRLS is pretty much a faithful carbon-copy of the recent 2009 national touring production---which happens to also be directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom. La Mirada's offering---which continues through April 17---repurposes almost all of the visual and technical aspects of that tour, from the use of moving LED screens that set up different scenes and environments to William Ivey Long's lavishly exquisite costumes. It even taps that tour's original Effie played by the extraordinary Moya Angela, who has since matured wonderfully into the role. When your lead actress incites a boisterous standing ovation after slaying with an incredible performance of the musical's iconic 'And I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going)'---even as the show is still in the midst of that act one ending---you know you've got something great here.

Tickets Now Available for UK Premiere of DREAMGIRLS, Nov. 19
by Christina Mancuso - Mar 29, 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.

Amber Riley Talks Auditioning for London's DREAMGIRLS, Vocal Surgery and More
by Jessica Khan - Mar 24, 2016


Following last month's big news that GLEE and THE WIZ LIVE!'s Amber Riley will star as 'Effie' in the UK debut of DREAMGIRLS this winter, the star sat down with the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye to discuss her journey to the iconic role.

Danai Gurira's FAMILIAR Extends at Playwrights Horizons
by BWW News Desk - Mar 9, 2016


Due to critical acclaim and popular demand, Playwrights Horizons has announced an extension of their New York premiere production of FAMILIAR, a new play by Obie Award-winner Danai Gurira (Eclipsed now on Broadway, In the Continuum, The Convert, Michonne on AMC's 'The Walking Dead'). Directed by Rebecca Taichman (Stage Kiss, Milk Like Sugar at PH; The Oldest Boy; Marie Antoinette; Luck of the Irish; Orlando), the play is the fourth production of the theater company's 2015/2016 Season.

West End Roundup - Februar Edition: mit Olivier Award Nominations, DREAMGIRLS, SHOW BOAT und mehr
by Iris Moebius - Mar 8, 2016


Es ist wieder Zeit fur ein Roundup die letzten Neuigkeiten aus dem Londoner West End. Im Mittelpunkt stehen dabei dieses Mal die Olivier Awards, deren Nominierungen bekannt gegeben wurden, sowie Ankundigungen fur eine Großzahl neuer Shows, die demnachst auf den Londoner Buhnen zu sehen sein werden, von Revivals von Klassikern wie Show Boat, West End Premieren von Hits wie Dreamgirls, bis hin zu Transfers von aktuellen Broadway Erfolgsshows wie Finding Neverland. Lest selbst:

The Friday 5: CFTA's DREAMGIRLS' Leading Ladies
by Jeffrey Ellis - Feb 12, 2016


Doubtless, there's a lot of hustling, bustling and what-not going on at Murfreesboro's Center For The Arts today as the company prepares for tonight's premiere of the musical extravaganza Dreamgirls. Directed by 2013 First Night Most Promising Actor Matthew Hayes Hunter (who may or may not answer to the name of "Matt" these days), the grand-scale production features four of the loveliest, most talented and mesmerizing leading ladies to be found on any stage, anywhere: Ra'Shaun Simon (playing Deena Jones), Brianna Booker (Lorell Robinson), Brittany Easley (Michelle Morris) and Robbyn "Vyrgo" Daniel, who plays the clarion-voiced Effie Melody White, the part made famous on Broadway by Jennifer Holliday.

CFTA's DREAMGIRLS Opening Night Set for Today Today
by BWW News Desk - Feb 12, 2016


Dreamgirls – the Tony Award- and Oscar-winning musical by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen – opens at Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts this Today night, running February 12 through Sunday, February 28.

CFTA's DREAMGIRLS Opening Night Set for Friday 2/12
by Jeffrey Ellis - Feb 10, 2016


Dreamgirls – the Tony Award- and Oscar-winning musical by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen – opens at Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts this Friday night, running February 12 through Sunday, February 28.

Tony Winner Laura Benanti to Join Jennifer Holliday for 42West Concert Next Week
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 14, 2016


Jacob Langfelder in partnership with Arts-For-All, Jill Bernard and Rashad Chambers will present a one night only concert featuring TONY and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday along with the TONY Winning star of the upcoming Roundabout Theatre production of She Loves Me, Laura Benanti and The Color Purple¹s Rema Webb. 

THE COLOR PURPLE's Rema Webb to Join Jennifer Holliday for Concert at 42West
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 11, 2016


acob Langfelder in partnership with Arts-For-All, Jill Bernard and Rashad Chambers will present a one night only concert featuring TONY and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday along with The Color Purple¹s Rema Webb.  Julie

Top Stories You Missed on BWW This Weekend - 12/19-12/20/2015
by - Dec 20, 2015


Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, December 20, 2015 - Sunday, December 20, 2015.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 12/20/15- DREAMGIRLS
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 20, 2015


Today in 1981, Dreamgirls opened at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 1521 performances. 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.

Red House Arts Center Presents DREAMGIRLS, Now thru 12/19
by BWW News Desk - Dec 3, 2015


The Red House Arts Center in Syracuse, NY is proud to present the critically-acclaimed musical 'Dreamgirls,' directed by Stephen Svoboda, tonight, December 3 to December 19.

Jennifer Holliday Will Take Part in BROADWAY NAMES WITH JULIE JAMES- LIVE on 1/18
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 1, 2015


Jacob Langfelder in partnership with Arts For All will present a one night only concert featuring TONY and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday on January 18th, 2016 at 42West (514 W. 42nd Street).  The evening will be the first-ever 'Broadway Names withJulie James - LIVE', where the host of SiriusXM On Broadway's popular radio show will perform and serve as MC.  Holliday and additional theater stars will be welcomed to the stage for incredible live performances.  The lineup of special guests will be announced soon. Tickets, which will benefit Arts-For-All, begin at $50 and can be purchased at www.broadwaynames.eventbrite.com.

Red House Arts Center to Present DREAMGIRLS, 12/3-19
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 25, 2015


The Red House Arts Center in Syracuse, NY is proud to present the critically-acclaimed musical "Dreamgirls," directed by Stephen Svoboda, December 3 to December 19. 

VIDEO: TV One's UNSUNG Features Original DREAMGIRL Jennifer Holliday; Watch Full Episode
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 12, 2015


UNSUNG featured the story of the original 'Dreamgirl,' who rose to instant fame at the age of 21 after her unforgettable performance of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' in the 1981 Broadway production of DREAMGIRLS.

TV One's Award Winning Series UNSUNG Returns Tonight
by TV News Desk - Oct 7, 2015


TV One's award-winning series UNSUNG returns tonight, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. ET featuring a new line-up of incredible talents whose full stories and journeys have yet to be told.

Broadway Clash of the Early '80s - DREAMGIRLS vs NINE
by BWW News Desk - Sep 22, 2015


In the early 1980s, despite their previously long-running friendship, Broadway director, producer and choreographer Michael Bennett and fellow jack-of-all-trades on the Great White Way Tommy Tune, entered into what many consider the greatest face-off in Tony Awards history. Michael Riedel, writing for Vanity Fair, examines this rivalry between DREAMGIRLS and NINE in an adapted excerpt from his book RAZZLE DAZZLE for the magazine's October 2015 issue.

Top Stories You Missed on BWW This Weekend - 6/27-6/28/2015
by - Jun 28, 2015


Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, June 28, 2015 - Sunday, June 28, 2015.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 6/28/15- DREAMGIRLS
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 28, 2015


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.'

Photo Flash: First Look at Bryonha Marie Param, Destinee Rea and More in NSMT's DREAMGIRLS
by Christina Mancuso - Jun 3, 2015


Celebrate 60 years of theatre history when Bill Hanney's award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) presents a glittering production of DREAMGIRLS, the dazzling Tony and Oscar award-winning musical. DREAMGIRLS will electrify audiences June 2 and will play thru Sunday, June 14.  Check out a first look below!

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at NSMT's DREAMGIRLS, Celebrating 60th Anniversary
by Christina Mancuso - Jun 2, 2015


Celebrate 60 years of theatre history when Bill Hanney's award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) presents a glittering production of DREAMGIRLS, the dazzling Tony and Oscar award-winning musical. DREAMGIRLS will electrify audiences beginning tonight, June 2 and will play thru Sunday, June 14. Press night is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 pm.  Check out a sneak peek below!

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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