DREAMGIRLS confusion

[BroadwayBoy2]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 6:47am

Could someone just bring me up to day with the current production of Dreamgirls that is supposedly going out on tour. Is Broadway the goal of this tour? A cast hasn't been announced correct? What about a director.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 9:12am

The tour debuts at the Apollo Theater in New York City on November 7, 2009 and runs thru to December 5, 2009. The tour's director was announced in September 2008: Robert Longbottom, who will also choreograph the tour along with Emmy-nominated hip-hop artist Shane Sparks. Yes... the 2006 film adaptation's "Listen" will be incorporated into this production. No cast has been announced yet (auditions are still going on) and though it was first mentioned to be a Broadway-bound tour, those plans seem to have been scrapped as this is no longer mentioned in any press release or articles mentioning this tour. Tony Award winner Robin Wagner, who created the scenic designs for the original Broadway production, will render new designs for this tour.

From the March 11, 2009 Playbill Magazine:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/127171-Dreamgirls_Tour_Will_Bow_at_Apollo_Theater_Nov._7

Here are photos from the November 22, 2008 open call auditions which were held at the Apollo Theater:

[BroadwayBoy2]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 10:28am

Gee thanks for that info!

[sally1112]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 10:52am

I was wondering about this tour also because it will be about 90 min. from my city and I was wondering if it will be worth the drive. Thanks for the information.

[BroadwayBoy2]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 6:26pm

What is the advantage of touring rather than bringing it to Broadway?

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 6:40pm

They are inserting LISTEN?

I hated that song, or maybe it was Beyonce's performance.
I also don't think it really fits in the storyline without that added payola stuff.
So Beyonce gets a songwriting credit.

They are touring to hopefully make the bucks out of town before the critics see it in NYC.

[BroadwayBoy2]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 6:43pm

IMO LISTEN does not belong in the Stage Version. So they still have intentions of bringing it to Broadway?

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 6:53pm

Sorry, I thought Broadway was the goal, but I guess they are being smart and touring to hopefully generate interest.