Dreamgirls
September 12 – 21, 2008
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyer
Music by Henry Krieger
Director/Choreographer
Ron Kellum
Musical Director
Don LeMaster
September 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 - 8:00 p.m.
September 14, 21 - 2:00 p.m.
Dreamgirls is loosely based on Diana Ross and “The Supremes”, with the R&B style that helped America get through the turbulent 1960s and early 70s. It follows the rise of a trio of women – Effie, Deena and Lorrell – who have formed a promising group called “The Dreamettes.” At a talent competition, an ambitious manager names Curtis Taylor, Jr. offers them the opportunity of a lifetime: become back-up singers for headliner James “Thunder” Early. Curtis gradually takes control of the girls’ look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as “The Dreams.” That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether.
Though the Dreams become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined. Dreamgirls won six Tony Awards in 1982, and four Drama Desk Awards. The motion picture was released in December of 2006 featuring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, and American Idol’s Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for playing the role of Effie!
“When Broadway history is being made, you can feel it.
What
you feel is a seismic emotional jolt that sends the audience,
as one, right out of its wits.” -New York Times
