Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps to Direct New Production of DREAMGIRLS at Theatre Under The Stars

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.

Mr. Epps says, "I have had a wonderful collaboration with TUTS since last spring. Our strong partnership has led to a remarkable season of self produced work that has been justifiably celebrated and acclaimed by many sources. I certainly feel that the company has "strutted its stuff" in a remarkable way and reclaimed its historical position as one of the major theatres producing musical theatre in our country. It is my hope that Dreamgirls will continue this strong trend and enhance the company's reputation for artistry and excellence. I am very pleased to direct what has always been one of my favorite musicals. This brilliant work is full of theatrical vitality, musical vibrancy, Motown inspired soul, and (in the most entertaining ways) themes about the nature of art and authenticity. I look forward eagerly to an exciting and rewarding journey both for those who create the production along with me, and for the audiences who will see the show in a few months."

TUTS Executive Director Hillary Hart, said "We are so fortunate to have Sheldon at the helm of this wonderful show. Houston audiences should be excited to see the unique version of the TUTS production come to life over the next few months."

Joining Epps will be Abdul Hamid Royal as Musical Director, Jeffrey Polk as Choreographer, Kevin Depinet as Scenic Designer, Jack Jacobs will be serving as Lighting Designer and Andrew Harper as Sound Designer. Colleen Grady as Costume Designer and Jeff Knaggs will be the Hair and Makeup Designer for the production.

Royal is currently the Musical Director for the Actor's Theatre production of Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill. Polk is a performer, director and choreographer whose choreography credits include Kiss Me, Kate (Pasadena Playhouse) and Smokey Joe's Cafe (La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts). Depinet recently worked with TUTS as the Scenic Designer on the widely acclaimed production of Into The Woods. Harper has worked on numerous TUTS productions including the recent production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Jacobs is known for his work on productions such as Aspects of Love, Fiddler on the Roof and Miss Saigon at the Walnut Street Theatre. Grady has numerous design credits including Evita, La Cage Aux Folles and Aspects of Love; she's also worked with TUTS on many productions including this season's In The Heights, How To Succeed... and The Rocky Horror Show. Knaggs has worked on many productions at TUTS including the recent production of Into The Woods and on Broadway on shows such as Spamalot, Les Miserables, The Woman in White, Beauty and the Beast, Dracula, Movin' Out.

Further information about the rest of the Creative and Design Team will be forthcoming.

National Auditions for the Theatre Under The Stars production of Dreamgirls will kick off in Houston on January 27-28, 2017; Los Angeles on February 5-7, 2017; and will conclude in New York City on February 14-16, 2017. Stewart/Whitley is the official casting agency for Theatre Under The Stars, and will manage all aspects of this audition. Anyone interested in this audition should come prepared and be aware that as a professional theatre company, all of our rehearsals are held in the daytime during normal business hours. For more information, visit www.TUTS.com/auditions or www.stewartwhitley.com.

The Original Broadway Production of Dreamgirls, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen opened at the Imperial Theatre theater on December 20, 1981, and recently celebrated a milestone 35th anniversary. In addition to productions of the live stage show spanning the globe, the material was immortalized with the 2006 film starring Beyonce Knowles, Annika Noni Rose, and Jamie Foxx.

Dreamgirls is a love letter to a time when the music of Motown reigned supreme. Winner of six Tony Awards and two Grammys for Best Cast Album and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Dreamgirls tells the story of The Dreams first break to their tumultuous climb to top of the charts. Follow this female trio's journey, both behind the scenes and onstage, through the changing musical and cultural climate of the 1960's and 70's; the girls overcome cutthroat business deals and unscrupulous managers only to discover that fame can't replace family.

As part of the 2016/17 Season, Dreamgirls runs at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts April 4-16, 2017. Tickets for the show are currently available at TUTS.com or by contacting the TUTS Box Office at 713-558-TUTS (8887).

The Theatre Under The Stars production of Dreamgirls is possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors Apache, ConocoPhillips and Haynes and Boone, LLP. Children's MemoriAl Hermann Hospital is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars and the official sponsor of the 2016/17 Season. United Airlines is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.tuts.com. Theatre Under The Stars is Houston's leading Musical Theatre since 1969, with a focus on education and community engagement. TUTS is a 501c3 Non Profit Organization that relies on the generous support of our donors to deliver first-rate theatre experiences.

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