DREAMGIRLS National Tour to Premiere at NYC's Apollo Theater November 2009

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/DREAMGIRLS_National_Tour_to_Premier_at_NYCs_Apollo_Theater_November_2009_20081118

Updated On: 11/18/08 at 02:43 PM

I noted that Robin Wagner is listed as the designer. I'm wondering if they are planning to use the original designs and if so, are the towers going to be fully automated, or moved around by the cast like the previous tour?

If anyone from the new Dreamgirls is reading this, please, please, please automate the towers. It made such a huge difference.

Anyone know who's been cast yet?

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Apparently they are holding auditions Nov. 22nd for the three Dreams, which kinda bothers me since there are so many fantastic actresses working in the theater today whom I would just love to see as Deena and Lorrell (I understand the need to find the next Effie although I don't think the role is as impossible to cast as people think).
Is this a pre-Broadway engagement or is it just a national tour stop? If it's a tour that would explain why Michael Bennett's original staging is not being used and why no name actresses are being sought.

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Updated On: 11/18/08 at 04:24 PM

Has a national tour of a Broadway musical ever played in an off-Broadway venue before? IS the Apollo considered off-Broadway? I think it's a fantastic and an emotion-laden marketing decision, but I'm just thinking for the record here. What do you think?

I'd be FAR mor eexcited if they were using the original Bennett production. No chance that Bobby Longbottom (whoever he is) is just recreating the original?

I love Bennett's original staging as much as the next guy, but I welcome fresh takes on this work.

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