The Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theater brings “Dreamgirls” to its home on stage. This production of the Broadway musical, choreographed by Robert Longbottom, will run previews beginning February 25 and open March 2, 2010. The performances continue through April 4.
The Play
“Dreamgirls” tells the story of a 1960s singing girl group that faces the triumphs and tribulations that come along as they strive for and reach fame and fortune. The story is told through music by Henry Krieger, an Academy Award nominee, lyrics and a book by Tom Eyen, a Tony and Grammy Award winner, and other materials by Willie Reale.
The original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” opened December 20, 1981, at the Imperial Theatre and won six 1982 Tony Awards. Michael Bennet directed the original Broadway production while also choreographing it with the help of Michael Peters. After 1,522 performances, “Dreamgirls” closed on Broadway August 11, 1985, after 1,522. In 2006, musical was adapted into a motion picture by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures and starred Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and others.
Raving Reviews
“Nearly 30 years after the Broadway original and four years after Bill Condon’s movie version, a revamped ‘Dreamgirls’ is back onstage where it belongs… and I am telling you, you’re going,” says Louise Kennedy of the Boston Globe.
And it’s “A big, glamorous night out with gorgeous gowns (William Ivey Long outdid himself), diva-like performances and the kind of sizzling, juicy theatrical bacon that leaps from the brightly lit pan right onto your prosaic platter, where you can lick it right up and fortify yourself for Monday,” according to Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune.
Maya Angela plays Dreamgirl Effie White
Production
This production of the play brings new faces to the stage. Actress Moya Angela stars as Effie White. As The Dreams, Syesha Mercado plays Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren takes on the role of Lorrell Robinson, and Margaret Hoffman performs as Michelle Morris. Chaz Lamar Shepherd is Curtis Taylor, Jr., Chester Gregory as James “Thunder” Early, Trevon Davis is C.C. White, and Milton Craig Nealy plays Marty Madison.
The cast of 26 also includes Tallia Brinson, Felicia Boswell, Patrice Covington, Ronald Duncan, Talitha Farrow, Brittney Griffin, James Harkness, Robert Hartwell, Eric Jackson, Chauncey Jenkins, Jared Joseph, Nikki Kimbrough, Brittany Lewis, Douglas Lyons, Kimberly Marable, Jarran Muse, Amaker Smith and Marc Spaulding.
Well-known dancer and choreographer Shane Sparks, co-choreographs this production of “Dreamgirls.” The scenic design is by Robin Wagner. William Ivey Long is the costume designer. Lighting design is done by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, and media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch. Producing this show is John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions. For more information, please visit .
Ticket Information
Hot-Tix are available for advance purchased, or on the day of performance depending on availablity at the CTG box office and are only $20. For the deaf community, call TDD (213) 680-4017 for tickets and information. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (213) 972-7231.
Tickets for “Dreamgirls” are available by phone or in person. To purchase by phone, call the Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400. Visit the Center Theatre Group box office located at the Ahmanson Theatre for in-person purchases or visit them online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
