Dreamgirls Revival Heading Toward Broadway?
Dreamgirls Revival Heading Toward Broadway?
Last time Dreamgirls was presented on the Great White Way, it was strictly for one night only -- a scant two weeks after the horrific events of 9/11.
Proving that the show must go on despite those heady days, Dreamgirls was presented as a benefit concert for the Actor's Fund at what was then known as the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (currently the Hilton Theatre). The concert performance marked the 20th anniversary since Michael Bennett's tour de force hit musical first made its Broadway debut.
That star-studded 2001 evening included Lillias White, reprising her 1987 revival role as Effie Melody White (she had also served as a replacement for Jennifer Holliday in the original 1981 production), along with Audra McDonald as Deena Jones, Heather Headley as Lorrell Robinson, Darius de Haas as C.C. White, Norm Lewis as Curtis Taylor, Jr. and Billy Porter as James Thunder Early.
Now, finally, in the aftermath of the success of the movie version, there is word via New York Post columnist Michael Riedel that another true Broadway revival may actually be in the works. And according to Riedel:
John Breglio, a lawyer who oversees the estate of Dreamgirls director and choreographer Michael Bennett, has called a meeting next month to discuss plans for a Broadway revival, said Henry Krieger, the show's composer.
Even more tantalizing is the prospect that Jennifer Hudson, who's a shoo-in for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar this year for her breathtaking portrayal of Effie Melody White, "may be asked to reprise the role of Effie on stage."
While an Academy Award nomination for Best Film may have eluded the silver screen version of "Dreamgirls," it's entirely likely that a Broadway revival would fare substantially better come Tony time if not for the sheer raw talent that would surely be amassed. And if Ms. Hudson is in the house, she may very well be a lock for a Best Actress in a Musical Tony.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:
Living The Dreams (January 6, 2007)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 25, 2006)
Labels: Broadway, Dreamgirls, Film, First Word On New Show, Jennifer Holliday, Musical, Revival
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Friday, January 26, 2007
2 Comments:
I think it would be fantastic if Jennifer Hudson were to end up playing the role on Broadway. To go from the humiliation of "American Idol" to an Oscar nomination is such an incredible story about determination and never giving up and believing in yourself. Jennifer Hudson definitely proves that there can be a second act in American life. I'm interested to see what she'll do with her post-Dreamgirls career.
You nailed it right on the head, Esther. What a wonderful, real-life Cinderella story we're watching, and I suspect that Mr. Simon Cowell is the Wicked Stepmother.
I'll be close to first in line if Hudson's in a Broadway revival.
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