DREAMGIRLS Opens At Jefferson Performing Arts Center In One Week

A sweeping and inspirational journey through 20th century American popular music, DREAMGIRLS chronicles one Motown group's rise from obscurity to superstardom.

Dreamgirls follows the story of a black, all-girl singing trio from Chicago called "The Dreams" and the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry. At first, the Dreams' manager falls in love with the lead singer, Effie. Later, he abandons her both romantically and professionally, replacing her with someone thinner. Eventually, Effie manages to recover from the blow and builds a successful career going solo. Will they reunite, resulting in a happy ending for all?

The production runs weekends, February 8 - 24 at the beautiful Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie.

Dreamgirls is directed by Christopher Bentivegna (See em on Stage, The Wiz, 2016 Big Easy Entertainment Awards Theatre Person of the Year), with choreography by Polanco Jones and music direction by Robert Pate, also conducting the JPAS Symphony Orchestra. Kendall Yonko stage manages the production. The scenery, built by JPAS, is designed by Kristin Blatchford and Zachary Brommer, with costumes designed by Sami Mihalik, wigs and makeup by Laurin Hart, and props by Stephanie Ouimet.

Lighting is designed by Robert Camp with the sound design by Jaime Doyle.
Tiondria Norris stars as Effie White, with Destani Smith as Deena Jones, Taylor James as Lorrell Robinson, Dominique McClellan as Curtis Taylor, Rahim Glaspy as James "Thunder" Early, Josiah Rogers as C.C., Sydney Jack as Michelle Morris, Dineaux Hansen as Marty, and Elvin Stewart as Frank. Ensemble members include Jennifer Bullock, Tyler Carrere, Katie Coplen, Christina Early, Juliana Wagner, Mekhi Hayes, Alex Christian Lucas, Corinthius Matthews, Miles Pagson, Elvin Stewart, Eric Williams, Dalaya Attical, Elyse McDaniel, Deiveon Martinsen, Nicole Washington.

Bentivegna shares "it's been an amazing opportunity to direct Dreamgirls because it's always been one of my favorite musicals. As the artistic director of a small theater company (See 'Em On Stage), I do not have the opportunity to direct musicals of this magnitude, so the pairing with JPAS, with their incredible resources, is a refreshing experience. We had an amazing turnout for auditions and were able to cast a very strong group of singers, dancers, and actors. The vocal and dancing ability of the cast is top notch and they are all fantastic actors which has allowed us to really explore these iconic characters in great depth. JPAS has assembled a highly creative and hardworking team of designers who are adding so much dazzle and excitement to the show with their incredible designs. Polanco Jones and Robert Pate bring a remarkable passion and energy to their roles as choreographer and music director and those elements, along with our talented live musicians, will be giving this production a show-stopping vibrancy."

"Dreamgirls is a show about a time in American musical history when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound. Act One is set in the fabulous sixties - a time when we were still screaming at Elvis and listening to the Beatles, but were dancing to the new beat of countless girl and boy groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Shirelles. Dreamgirls is not just about the singing and the dancing and the performing. The play is also about the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry - the business part of show business that made possible this cultural phenomenon. Act Two shows the creation and the arrival of disco - though the word is never used in the script. The subject matter of this play deals with a musical contribution to America of such importance that only now - decades later - are we beginning to understand." -Michael Bennett.

February 8 - 24, 2019 Fri./Sat. at 7:30pm and Sun. at 2:00pm. Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 6400 Airline Drive | Metairie, LA 70003.

Tickets for Dreamgirls may be purchased online at www.jpas.org, by calling the box office at 504-885-2000, or at our Administrative/Box Office: 1118 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, LA 70001. Seating is Reserved Regular Ticket Price ranges from $25 - $60 Discounts for Seniors, Military, Students (w/ id) ($3.00 Jeff. Parish Facility Fee and $2.00 ticketing fee per ticket is added)

Tickets are available at the Venue Box Office one (1) hour prior to the performance time.