BEYONCE ON BROADWAY?

Im curious if anyone liked Beyonce's performance in Dreamgirls and would you like to see her on Broadway? She has expressed an interest in finding a good role.

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No, No and uh... NO.

ewww....no way!!!

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Beyonce' Knowles was first exposed to this thing called DREAMGIRLS and the character of Deena Jones when she was 14 years old (via her first choreographer). Since then she's been fully aware of Effie, and how pivotal to the story that character was. She has stated numerous times that she was aware that by taking on Deena in the film, she would be playing a secondary role -- that the film would be carried by whoever played Effie. All concerned knew that the top 3 names would be used to market the film (for all obvious reasons): Jamie Foxx, Beyonce' Knowles and Eddie Murphy, regardless of the level of importance their characters played in the film. The film-makers were fully aware that Jennifer Hudson would be carrying the film and her performance was going to be singled-out, hence her final (and special credit of "...introducing...") at the end curtain call credits.

Now...no one expected Jennifer Hudson to have been fully embraced by the Hollywood community as she has been AND so quickly, which I'm sure has thrown-off Beyonce' Knowles, who's been after this acceptance for quite some time. With Jennifer Hudson it's simply a case of being in the right project at the right time. Beginner's luck. Beyonce' Knowles might have her day...one day, when the Hollywood community will accept her as one of their own. At least they have accepted her as a performer (hence her performances of ALL the nominated songs several years ago at the Oscars). It's just not now.

She is a fantastic singer, but one with only one style of approach. Frankly, based on what I saw in DREAMGIRLS, she's not a very good actress, much as she might want to be. As such, if she does get any more roles, either in Hollywood or New York, I doubt they'll be anything beyond the two dimensional characters of "Beauty Shop" or "Are We There Yet", the kind of thin, facile stuff that apparently sells very well.

She's certainly not the first pop singer to want to be taken "seriously", and she wont be the last. Hollywood in particular will always be on the lookout for vehicles and trick casting (Halle Barry as Batwoman, anyone?) if it's going to realize any real money. *But* as the salary demands made by these wannabes escalates further into the stratosphere, something else in the production budget will have to give. Like good writing. And decent production values. And quality filmmaking.

So you get your choice. Eiher you can have the mindless pleasure of seeing Beyonce on screen in a thin little custom vehicle, or you can have a well made film that might last more than a few weeks.

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Agreed.

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I think that J. Hud will end up like J. Hol.

Only not bitter.

Beyonce could be great on Broadway in the right role. I'd love to see her try it, and after watching her grow and develop as an actress in Dreamgirls, and to witness her dedication and commitment... I think it could definitely be in her future... if she's willing to stop touring and recording for a year. That's a huge sacrifice (of both fame & fortune) for someone at the top of the game.

I remember when Mandonna took time out at the very height of her career to do Speed The Plow. Everyone thought she was crazy to give it all up for eight shows a week in front of a thousand people each. Same thing with Reba (only she wasn't at the absolute TOP of her success when she did AGYG). It didn't hurt their careers in the least, either one of them. But they did lose a year of touring and recording.

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Updated On: 2/24/07 at 09:45 AM

If she were to do theater, would she preform songs from all the nominated musicals at the Tony's?

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Maybe a JAMAICA revival?

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Maybe Beyonce could replace Fantasia in The Color Purple if Fantasia doesn't put the final stake in the heart of this wonderful show

She has a "seal of approval" as Beyonce. That's all I meant.

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Give the girl a break. I'm not crazy in love (groan) with all of her work but she is clearly talented and very determined. She hardly deserves an "ewww." Of all the possible crossover candidates, she is certainly one of the most appealing. As for the voice...I saw footage of a benefit concert in which she performed 'Somewhere' from WSS. It was a gorgeous and moving version, displaying a strong stage presence and understanding of the material. She has definite Broadway potential.