Living The Dreams
Just over twenty years ago, I took in the touring production of
Michael Bennett's sizzling, sensational Broadway show
Dreamgirls at the National Theatre in Washington, DC. I remember being completely awed by its intense emotional honesty and gorgeous, rich score.
Of course, by the time I had actually seen
Dreamgirls in April of 1986, the original show had already opened and closed on Broadway. The musical first opened at the
Imperial Theatre on December 20, 1981 and closed on August 15, 1985 after 1,521 regular performances.
Thankfully, I had seen the 1982 Tony Awards where it had been nominated for thirteen awards. Although the show was passed over for Best Musical in favor of
Nine, it did score a total of six wins, including for
Jennifer Holliday as Best Actress in a Musical for her brave portrayal of Effie Melody White.
During the awards broadcast,
Tony Randall introduced Holliday and her fellow castmembers for an extended performance of what was to become her signature song, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" (see clip below). I recall being absolutely mesmerized with Holliday's performance during the awards program. I had witnessed raw talent at its finest.
5 Comments:
Post Script:
In the heady days after 9/11, I followed through with plans to visit friends in Nashville. It was my first time on an airplane, and I recall flying near the WTC site in and out of Newark's airport.
Once in Nashville, my friends took me to a benefit in which Jennifer Holliday performed live. While it was not a theatrical performance, she did sing her signature "Dreamgirls" tune twice. It was my first (and second) time ever seeing her sing this song live, and I was riveted.
Several years later, I took in a performance of Jennifer Holliday singing with the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. I recall being thrilled yet again in rapt attention watching and listening to her perform "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" -- my fourth chance to hear her sing this song live.
There are few performances that I remember as vividly as watching Holliday deliver the goods as Effie Meloday White. I'm honored that I had the opportunity and sincerely appreciate the tremendous gift she has forever given theatre and music lovers.
Cheers!
Well, Steve, compared with your extensive history, mine is pretty much nonexistent! I was a total Dreamgirls neophyte. I don't know if two people could approach a movie from two more opposite extemes in terms of experience!
I never saw the musical and, in fact, I don't think I'd ever even heard "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." I didn't know anything about Jennifer Holliday, much less Jennifer Hudson.
I knew the story was loosely based on Diana Ross and The Supremes. And I knew that the musical was much beloved, that its legions of fans had been eagerly anticipating the movie.
So I pretty much went into the movie with a clean slate, and I really enjoyed it.
My toes were tapping almost involuntarily to the beat of the music. I loved the energy of the talent competition in the opening scene.
Although I have to agree with the critics who've said that none of the songs is as catchy as an actual Motown hit, like "Please Mr. Postman" or "Stop: In the Name of Love."
But Jennifer Hudson is amazing. I could not believe the range of emotions she had to exhibit in "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." It starts out with disbelief that she's being replaced, then turns to pleading, then defiance, until finally she pretty much falls apart emotionally. (And I'm sure I'm leaving something out!) Like I said, I'd never heard the song before, and I was riveted.
It's interesting, because it's both a very personal song about a woman's anger at being betrayed by the man she loves, and also, I think, an expression of the hurt she feels at being cast off by a society that doesn't make room for women who look like her. When she sings "and you're gonna love me," well, I had a lump in my throat and I felt my eyes moisten.
I did feel that the movie lost some steam after Effie left the group, just because Hudson is so great.
Beyonce's a good singer and very pretty, but she just seemed a little flat and uninspired in comparison. I don't know, I think a Diana Ross-like figure should have had a greater presence, a greater something! I also liked Eddie Murphy. In fact, I liked pretty much the whole cast.
I do think the movie does a good job of putting the music and the story in the context of its time. (And I wonder how they did it in the musical?)
What about the scene where the fresh-faced wholesome white kids take "Cadillac Car" and turn it into a hit? If it weren't so sad, it would have been funny.
Did you notice how the audience for the Dreams changes over the course of the movie?
At first, they're playing in front of an all-black crowd at the talent show. Then they move, to Miami, I thnk, and play before a white crowd that's incredibly uncomfortable. Bit by bit, the audience gets more integrated, responds more to the music, until the final scene, the farewell concert, where you've got this multiracial audience and everyone's swaying to the music together.
It's kind of ironic, because for a movie that charts the acceptance of black artists and music into the American mainstream, I was one of only a handful of white people in the theater.
That surprised me, because I figured it would have a very broad appeal. I hope it's not a case of white audiences staying away from a movie with a largely black cast. As you said, it's a distinctly American story.
Appreciate all your comments, Esther, including on points where we might differ.
You're absolutely spot-on regarding all the emotions Jennifer Hudson had to demonstrate in her centerpiece, show-stopping number. It was breathtaking to watch. It's also one of the reasons why I dug up the video of Jennifer Holliday - not necessarily for comparison's sake as much as I can't help but be impacted by the sheer ferocity of the number and think readers here would have to agree.
As for the movie losing some steam after that point, I know it's a charge I've heard from many. But I respectfully disagree and feel that the rest of the story is every bit as wonderful, if not more sanguine toward the close.
You asked about the context of the stage show. The film did an excellent job of positioning the action against the turbulent times of the late 60s and Vietnam War. That was something the stage show simply didn't allow for - it was stripped down to the actual storytelling.
I agree about the evolution of the audience, and still find it appalling what many white artists did during the 50s and 60s at the expense of African American artists. The sequence on "Cadillac Car" was a perfect illustration of what individuals like Pat Boone were notorious for; incidentally, it should be noted that one of the movie's back-up singers is Laura Bell Bundy, who will soon be on Broadway as Elle in "Legally Blonde."
Finally, I'm pleased to say that my audience in seeing "Dreamgirls" was very mixed, as it should be. This flick deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.
Cheers!
Hey, Steve!
This is Cliff and Steve's friend Eric, in Atlanta. Remember me? : )
I, too, adored the Dreamgirls film. Absolutely adored it. From the design to the structure to the UNBELIEVABLE costumes. Every bit of it.
I was more than prepared to dislike Jennifer Hudson's portrayal of Effie, despite the the raves. However, when she performed That Song, I swear to God I felt like I was watching Ethel Merman doing "Rose's Turn" for the first time. Absolutely stunning.
I'm glad I found your blog (thanks to Cliff), and look forward to reading much, much more.
Best,
E
Eric,
So glad you found me, and I appreciate your comments, too. I have yet to hear anyone describe Jennifer Hudson's performace as anything other that pure stellar!
Hope all's well in Atlanta - we'll see you later this year!
Steve
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