Dreamgirls 1981

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.

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DREAMGIRLS to Play China Teatern Beginning in September
by Annette Stolt - Mar 17, 2024

Dreamgirls will open in Stockholm the 12th of September.

Update: All Broadway Lights to Be Dimmed for Hinton Battle
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 2, 2024

On March 12, 2024, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim all the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute at exactly 6:45pm, in his honor.

Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory of Hinton Battle
by Stephi Wild - Mar 1, 2024

The Broadway community will honor the memory of Hinton Battle on March 12 by dimming the lights of Broadway theatres.

Review: New Tampa Players Production of DREAMGIRLS at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center
by Peter Nason - Feb 4, 2024

It's a dream of a musical with nightmarish sound issues.

Ava DuVernay to be Honored at Black Theatre Coalition's BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2024

Black Theatre Coalition will honor Producer and Director Ava DuVernay with the first Poitier-Belafonte Award for Cultural Activism at its Inaugural “Building the Change” Gala.

Black Theatre Coalition To Host Inaugural BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala On February 12
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2024

Co-founders T. Oliver Reid, Warren Adams, and Reginald “Reggie” Van Lee, along with Board Members Aaliytha Stevens and Naila McKenzie, have announced that the Black Theatre Coalition will host its Inaugural Gala on Monday, February 12, 2024 in New York City at the Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor).

Opera Puccini's TOSCA Comes to Artpark Mainstage Theater Next Summer
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2023

Celebrating its 50th season, Artpark will present  one of the world's favorite operas, Giacomo Puccini's TOSCA, in the Artpark Mainstage Theater on Friday, July 12 at 7:00PM & Sunday, July 14 2:00PM in 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 15 at 10AM. Reserved seats begin at $39.

Photos: RED BUCKET FOLLIES Raises $4,553,203 For Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2023

An exultant and effervescent Red Bucket Follies returned after a four-year, pandemic-induced hiatus to celebrate six weeks of enthusiastic and dedicated fundraising. The star-studded variety show, performed December 4 and 5, 2023, honored 46 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies that participated in fall fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. See photos from the show below!

Broadway Legend Jennifer Holliday Performs With New West Symphony December 2 & 3
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 17, 2023

New West Symphony presents a holiday extravaganza featuring Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday in a rare west coast appearance.

MOMENTS, A MUNY DOCUSERIES Examines the 106-Year History of The Muny in St. Louis
by James Lindhorst - Nov 4, 2023

“Moments, A Muny Docuseries” is the brainchild of Colby Dezelick, The Muny’s Digital Communications Manager. He told Broadway World that this documentary series will focus on the century long history of The Muny. He shared that episode will examine specific moments in the timeline of The Muny and the blind courage it took to create an outdoor performance space that has now become a legendary theater. In fact, the first episode is titled “Blind Courage.” As part of the production process Dezelick hand selected St. Louis Actor Rich Pisarkiewicz to serve as the narrator for the series. 

Sheryl Lee Ralph Joins Bette Midler & Megan Mullally in THE FABULOUS FOUR Film
by Michael Major - Oct 25, 2023

Sheryl Lee Ralph has rounded out the cast of The Fabulous Four, a new comedy starring Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, and Susan Sarandon. The Abbott Elementary star has taken over a role that was originally going to be played by Sissy Spacek, who had to drop out of the film due to scheduling conflicts.

Review: DREAMGIRLS at Lone Tree Arts Center
by Chris Arneson - Oct 24, 2023

What did our critic think of DREAMGIRLS at LonDreamgirls is one of those rare gem musicals you don't often see produced due to its essential diversity - not an area where the Denver theatre scene currently thrives - so it's refreshing to see Lone Tree Arts Center tackle the show.e Tree Arts Center?

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 19th, 2023
by - Oct 19, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 19, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Review: DREAMGIRLS at The Phoenix Theatre Company
by Herbert Paine - Aug 14, 2023

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production, directed by Daryl Brooks, has three key elements that hold this golden oldie together ~ Miciah Lathan, for sure; the astonishing and stellar performance of Antonio King; and, of course, the compositions of Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen. Runs through September 3rd.

Review: DREAMGIRLS at New Theatre & Restaurant
by Alan Portner - Jul 13, 2023

The point of musical theater (for most people) is pure entertainment, and the New Theatre & Restaurant original production of 1981’s DREAMGIRLS hits the bullseye. DREAMGIRLS is directed by Jerry Jay Cranford and stars a comparatively large, twenty-one member cast backed by an eight-piece orchestra.  Cranford has assembled a cast of Broadway belters and fine dancers to tell the tale of a Supremes-like black female singing trio around 1960 and in the decade to follow.   The show is flashy and impeccably costumed.  The set, while relatively simple, is technically superior. LED screens are used across the background to simulate locations.  Not much was spared when the producer was asked to fund this production.  Choreography by Courtney German is frenetic, well drilled, and perfectly appropriate for this genre.  The musical score is spectacular by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen.   Several numbers (including the title track) became number one hits outside the show.

New Muhammad Ali Musical ALI Will Have its World Premiere In Louisville in Fall 2024
by Stephi Wild - Apr 18, 2023

The World Premiere of ALI will be presented in Ali's hometown of Louisville, at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, in Fall 2024. Learn more about the show here!

Jennifer Holiday Comes To New Jersey For One Night Only
by Stephi Wild - Apr 12, 2023

Tony & Grammy Winning Legend Jennifer Holliday Comes To 'The Broadway Lecture Series' in Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Jennifer Holliday To Headline Goodspeed's 60th Anniversary Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2023

Come celebrate with Goodspeed Musicals at their 60th Anniversary Gala & Auction on Monday, June 12, featuring a special concert by Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday.

Video: Jennifer Holliday Performs 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' From DREAMGIRLS on TAMRON HALL
by Michael Major - Mar 15, 2023

Jennifer Holliday, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning original star of Dreamgirls, appeared on Tamron Hall for a special performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.' Holliday won a Grammy Award for the performance of the show-stopping Dreamgirls song and her Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for playing Effie White. Watch the video!

Review: DREAMGIRLS at Omaha Community Playhouse
by Analisa Swerczek - Mar 10, 2023

What did our critic think of DREAMGIRLS at Omaha Community Playhouse?

Listen: Sharon Catherine Brown Shares Broadway Stories On WHY I'LL NEVER MAKE IT Podcast
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2023

Listen to Broadway and television actress Sharon Catherine Brown (Dreamgirls, Caroline or Change) with Why I'll Never Make It host Patrick Oliver Jones as they talk about her long family line of performers as well as when she knew she was born to be a drama queen.

Review: SETH RUDETSKY Shares His “Dreamgirls” Obsession at Café Carlyle
by Cary Wong - Feb 23, 2023

For Seth Rudetsky's latest residency at the Café Carlyle, he invites Broadway singers to discuss and perform songs highlighting one show. For the February 20 performance, Rudetsky returns to “Dreamgirls,” and you could feel his passion for the show, which includes legendary lore, backstage gossip and of course, the songs.

Video: Watch a Sneak Peek of Jennifer Holliday's 54 Below Diamond Series Debut
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2023

Watch a sneak peek of Broadway’s original Effie White, Jennifer Holliday, at 54 Below's Diamond Series.

Jennifer Holliday and Talia Suskauer to Play 54 Below Next Week
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 18, 2023

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Jennifer Holliday Adds Meet-And-Greets to Diamond Series Debut at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2023

54 Below will welcome Broadway’s original Effie White, Jennifer Holliday, to the popular Diamond Series for six performances from February 21-26 at 8:30pm.

Dreamgirls FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the songs are in Dreamgirls and what's the order?
I'm Looking for Something
Goin' Downtown
Takin' the Long Way Home
Move (You're Steppin' on My Heart)
Fake Your Way to the Top
Cadillac Car
Steppin' to the Bad Side
Party, Party
I Want You Baby
Family
Dreamgirls
Press Conference
Only the Beginning
Heavy
It's All Over
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going
Love Love You Baby
Las Vegas Act Two Opening
I Am Changing
One More Picture Please
When I First Saw You
Got to Be Good Times
Ain't No Party
I Meant You No Harm
Quintette
The Rap
Firing of Jimmy
I Miss You Old Friend
One Night Only
I'm Somebody
Faith in Myself
Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love
This Is Gonna Be My Time
I Found You
'Dreams' Medley
I Am Melody
Tangerine Skies
I’ve Got Feelings
Rainbow Shines
I’m the New Girl
Sometimes the Nights Get Lonely
Show Business
I Want to Leave
Big Man
Can You See Me?
Listen
Love You I Do
Patience
Perfect World
What Tony Awards has Dreamgirls been nominated for?
Best Musical , , Best Book of a Musical for Tom Eyen, Best Choreography for Michael Bennett, Best Choreography for Michael Peters, Best Costume Design for Theoni V. Aldredge, Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Bennett, Best Lighting Design for Tharon Musser, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Henry KriegerBest Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Tom Eyen and Best Scenic Design for Robin Wagner .
What Tony Awards has Dreamgirls won?
Best Book of a Musical for Tom Eyen Best Choreography for Michael Bennett Best Choreography for Michael Peters, Best Costume Design for Theoni V. Aldredge, Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Bennett, Best Lighting Design for Tharon Musser, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Henry Krieger, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Tom Eyen, Best Scenic Design for Robin Wagner , .
What awards has Dreamgirls been nominated for?
Dreamgirls has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Theoni V. Aldredge, Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Michael Bennett, Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Tharon Musser, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Tom Eyen, Outstanding Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Robin Wagner, Lighting Design at The Hewes Awards for Tharon Musser, and Lighting Design at The Hewes Awards for Robin Wagner.
What awards has Dreamgirls won?
Dreamgirls has won several awards, including Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Theoni V. Aldredge, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Michael Bennett, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Tharon Musser, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Tom Eyen, Outstanding Musical (Drama Desk Awards), Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Robin Wagner, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Tharon Musser, and Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Robin Wagner.

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