Dreamgirls 1981 - Articles Page 17

Opened: December 20, 1981
Closing: August 11, 1985

Dreamgirls - 1981 - Broadway History , Info & More

Imperial Theatre (Broadway)
249 West 45th St. New York, NY

Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois called "The Dreams", who become music superstars. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six. It was later adapted into a motion picture from DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006.


Dreamgirls - 1981 - Broadway Cast

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Dreamgirls - 1981 - Broadway Articles Page 17

DREAMGIRLS National Tour Kicks Off at Apollo Theater, 11/7 - 12/6
by Jessica Lewis - Nov 4, 2009


Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. will bring Broadway uptown for four weeks only with Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the new production of the groundbreaking musical. The national tour of Dreamgirls will kick-off at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater (253 West 125 Street) beginning previews Saturday, November 7, 2009, and opening Sunday, November 22, 2009, for 4 weeks only, through Sunday December, 6, 2009.

DREAMGIRLS With Angela, Mercado, Warren, Hoffman Comes To The Marcus Center 1/5/2010-1/10/2010
by Gabrielle Sierra - Oct 30, 2009


Producer John Breglio and Time Warner Broadway at the Marcus Center announced casting today for the national tour of DREAMGIRLS, coming to Milwaukee January 5-10, 2010. Tickets go on sale on November 8 at Noon at the Marcus Center Box Office.

Celebration Theatre Presents WOMEN BEHIND BARS, Previews 11/11, 11/12
by Gabrielle Sierra - Oct 16, 2009


Celebration Theatre in association with David Elzer presents the third show of their 2009-2010 season, the hilarious WOMEN BEHIND BARS. WOMEN BEHIND BARS is written by Tom Eyen and will be directed by Kurt Koehler.

Full Casting Announced For Roundabout's BYE BYE BIRDIE, Starring Stamos And Gershon, Previews 9/10, Opens 10/15
by BWW News Desk - Oct 15, 2009


Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) presents the first new Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie, after a 48 year absence, as the inaugural production of the new Henry Miller's Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) beginning Thursday, September 10th, 2009 with an official opening on Thursday, October 15th, 2009. This will be a limited engagement through January 10th, 2010.

NATHAN THE WISE Receives American Premiere, Starring Strathairn, At People's Light 9/16-10/11
by BWW News Desk - Oct 11, 2009


People's Light & Theatre Company kicks off their 35th Anniversary Season with the American Premiere of NATHAN THE WISE translated by Edward Kemp from the play by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. NATHAN THE WISE runs from September 16 - October 11, 2009, on the Main Stage. Artistic Director Abigail Adams directs. People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern.

Roundabout's Stamos and Gershon Led BYE BYE BIRDIE Announces Full Casting
by BWW News Desk - Oct 10, 2009


After a 48 year absence, Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) presents the first new Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie as the inaugural production of the new Henry Miller's Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) beginning Thursday, September 10th, 2009 with an official opening on Thursday, October 15th, 2009. This will be a limited engagement through January 10th, 2010.

The Triad Will Present 'LILLIAS WHITE LIVE!' September 14th, 21st & 28th
by BWW News Desk - Sep 28, 2009


The Triad is pleased to announce LILLIAS WHITE LIVE! in a series of Monday night performances, September 14th, 21st & 28th at 9:30pm - on Lee Summers' JUST A PIANO Concert Series, featuring Timothy Graphenreed on piano.

STAGE TUBE: DREAMGIRLS - New Look/Classic Show
by Eddie Varley - Sep 22, 2009


Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. will present the premiere engagement of Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the groundbreaking musical.

The Triad Will Present 'LILLIAS WHITE LIVE!' September 14th, 21st & 28th
by BWW News Desk - Sep 21, 2009


The Triad is pleased to announce LILLIAS WHITE LIVE! in a series of Monday night performances, September 14th, 21st & 28th at 9:30pm - on Lee Summers' JUST A PIANO Concert Series, featuring Timothy Graphenreed on piano.

Photo Flash: LILLIAS WHITE LIVE! At The Triad
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 17, 2009


The Triad is pleased to announce Lillias White LIVE! in a series of Monday night performances that began September 14th, and continue on the 21st & 28th at 9:30pm - on Lee Summers' JUST A PIANO Concert Series, featuring Timothy Graphenreed on piano.

TV: Tony Winner Lillias White 'FLIPS' For BroadwayWorld!
by Eddie Varley - Sep 17, 2009


BroadwayWorld.com gave the divine Ms. White a FLIP camera so she could share all the behind the scenes action as she prepared for the concert series. Sit back and watch how a real Broadway legend shapes and creates a musical event!

NATHAN THE WISE Receives American Premiere, Starring Strathairn, At People's Light 9/16-10/11
by BWW News Desk - Sep 16, 2009


People's Light & Theatre Company kicks off their 35th Anniversary Season with the American Premiere of NATHAN THE WISE translated by Edward Kemp from the play by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. NATHAN THE WISE runs from September 16 - October 11, 2009, on the Main Stage. Artistic Director Abigail Adams directs. People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern.

The Triad Will Present 'LILLIAS WHITE LIVE!' September 14th, 21st & 28th
by BWW News Desk - Sep 14, 2009


The Triad is pleased to announce LILLIAS WHITE LIVE! in a series of Monday night performances, September 14th, 21st & 28th at 9:30pm - on Lee Summers' JUST A PIANO Concert Series, featuring Timothy Graphenreed on piano.

Blickenstaff, Lewis, Murney & More Star In Signature's FIRST YOU DREAM Kander & Ebb Celebration 9/10-27
by BWW News Desk - Sep 10, 2009


The 2009 Regional Theatre Tony Award winning-Signature Theatre presents the world premiere theater event First You Dream': The Music of Kander & Ebb, September 10 through 27, 2009. A tribute to Broadway's most celebrated songwriting partnership - from Cabaret to Chicago to Curtains - Signature pulls out the stops with Broadway's Heidi Blickenstaff, James Clow, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Matthew Scott, and Eleasha Gamble and a 19-piece orchestra, plus staging and set design by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and choreography by Karma Camp.

Roundabout's BYE BYE BIRDIE Starts Full Rehearsals 7/28, Previews Begin 9/10
by BWW News Desk - Sep 10, 2009


After a 48 year absence, Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) presents the first new Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie as the inaugural production of the new Henry Miller's Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) beginning Thursday, September 10th, 2009 with an official opening on Thursday, October 15th, 2009. This will be a limited engagement through January 10th, 2010.

Blickenstaff, Lewis, Murney & More Star In Signature's FIRST YOU DREAM Kander & Ebb Celebration 9/10-27
by Charlie Piane - Aug 26, 2009


The 2009 Regional Theatre Tony Award winning-Signature Theatre presents the world premiere theater event First You Dream': The Music of Kander & Ebb, September 10 through 27, 2009. A tribute to Broadway's most celebrated songwriting partnership - from Cabaret to Chicago to Curtains - Signature pulls out the stops with Broadway's Heidi Blickenstaff, James Clow, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Matthew Scott, and Eleasha Gamble and a 19-piece orchestra, plus staging and set design by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and choreography by Karma Camp.

Photo Flash: 'They're Your DREAMGIRLS', Angela, Mercado And Warren Lead 2009 National Tour
by Eddie Varley - Aug 23, 2009


Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. will present the premiere engagement at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the groundbreaking musical. Dreamgirls will introduce Moya Angela as Effie White and feature, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson.

DREAMGIRLS National Tour Announces Cities/Dates; Opens at NYC's Apollo 11/7
by Eddie Varley - Aug 20, 2009


Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. will present the premiere engagement at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the groundbreaking musical.

The Triad Will Present 'LILLIAS WHITE LIVE!' September 14th, 21st & 28th
by Charlie Piane - Aug 17, 2009


The Triad is pleased to announce LILLIAS WHITE LIVE! in a series of Monday night performances, September 14th, 21st & 28th at 9:30pm - on Lee Summers' JUST A PIANO Concert Series, featuring Timothy Graphenreed on piano.

Reel to Real: Free Sunday Films at the Minneapolis Central Library Continue Through 1/2010
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 13, 2009


Reel to Real, free screenings of four films at the Minneapolis Central Library of the musicals coming soon to Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre during the Trust's 2009/10 Broadway Season. Free refreshments will be provided. Attendees will have a chance to win tickets to an upcoming Broadway show.

NATHAN THE WISE Receives American Premiere, Starring Strathairn, At People's Light 9/16-10/11
by Charlie Piane - Aug 7, 2009


People's Light & Theatre Company kicks off their 35th Anniversary Season with the American Premiere of NATHAN THE WISE translated by Edward Kemp from the play by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. NATHAN THE WISE runs from September 16 - October 11, 2009, on the Main Stage. Artistic Director Abigail Adams directs. People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern.

Full Casting Announced For Roundabout's BYE BYE BIRDIE, Starring Stamos And Gershon, Previews 9/10, Opens 10/15
by Charlie Piane - Jul 31, 2009


Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) presents the first new Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie, after a 48 year absence, as the inaugural production of the new Henry Miller's Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) beginning Thursday, September 10th, 2009 with an official opening on Thursday, October 15th, 2009. This will be a limited engagement through January 10th, 2010.

RIALTO CHATTER: David Alan Grier Joins Mamet's Broadway 'RACE'
by Eddie Varley - Jul 28, 2009


RACE, the new play written and directed by DAVID MAMET, is proud to welcome DAVID ALAN GRIER to the cast alongside previously announced cast members JAMES SPADER, RICHARD THOMAS and KERRY WASHINGTON.

Roundabout's Stamos and Gershon Led BYE BYE BIRDIE Announces Full Casting
by Eddie Varley - Jul 13, 2009


After a 48 year absence, Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) presents the first new Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie as the inaugural production of the new Henry Miller's Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) beginning Thursday, September 10th, 2009 with an official opening on Thursday, October 15th, 2009. This will be a limited engagement through January 10th, 2010.

Casting Announced for DREAMGIRLS National Tour; Opens at Apollo November 7
by Robert Diamond - Jun 25, 2009


Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. announced casting today for the premiere engagement at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the groundbreaking musical. Dreamgirls will introduce Moya Angela as Effie White and feature, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson, and Margaret Hoffman as Michelle Morris with Chaz Lamar Shepherd as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Chester Gregory is James 'Thunder' Early, Trevon Davis as C.C. White, Milton Craig Nealy as Marty Madison in a cast of 26 that also features Tallia Brinson, Felicia Boswell, 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.

Other Productions of Dreamgirls

1981   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1983   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1985   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1987   Broadway Return Engagement [Broadway]
Broadway
1995   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2001   Broadway New York Concert
Broadway
2004   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2005   Philadelphia, PA (Regional) Prince Music Theatre Revival
Philadelphia, PA (Regional)
2009   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2016   West End West End Premiere Production
West End
Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

Dreamgirls - 1981 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Jennifer Holliday
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Sheryl Lee Ralph
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director of a Musical Michael Bennett
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Cleavant Derricks
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Tharon Musser
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Tom Eyen
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical 0
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design Robin Wagner
1982 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Robin Wagner
1982 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Tharon Musser
1982 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Tom Eyen
1982 Tony Awards Best Choreography Michael Peters
1982 Tony Awards Best Choreography Michael Bennett
1982 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge
1982 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Michael Bennett
1982 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Tharon Musser
1982 Tony Awards Best Musical The Shubert Organization
1982 Tony Awards Best Musical Bob Avian
1982 Tony Awards Best Musical Michael Bennett
1982 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Tom Eyen
1982 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Henry Krieger
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Obba Babatunde
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ben Harney
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Jennifer Holliday
1982 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Sheryl Lee Ralph
1982 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Robin Wagner

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