DREAMGIRLS is finally returning to Broadway- Page 3

[Jarethan]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 6:10pm

The8re phan said: "witchoftheeast2 said: "The8re phan said: "sorry, but attendance issues aside, Alex Newell has earned this role and would absolutely bring down the house whenever they go on as Effie. Just asI have earned being in the audience multiple times whenever they do so........"

Something I hope other people realize is that people can say no to a role. So you can think they are perfect, and will be perfect, but it ultimately comes down to so many factors that we aren't privy to. It may be scheduling, it may be contract negotiations, it could be that they simply don't want to do the role. So I hope people won't bully those who are cast if it's not Amber Riley or Alex Newell because you can not say how good they are or will be until you sit in that theater and see them in the role.."

Please let me clarify --- i wasn't bashing or putting down anyone in contention for this plumrole of a long-awaited revival. I was only responding to several posts before mine to say I hope thatAlex Newell's'attendance issues' (which were in fact due to a serious medical condition during the last monthof Shucked....), areNOT being held against them from being considered for this role."

Alex's attendance problems started long before the last month.  Were I an investor, I would make it a stipulation that Alex NOT be hired because of supreme undependability.  With all the talent out there, why should they give it to someone who is doing the audience a favor by showing up.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 6:34pm

Didn’t Newell also frequently call out of Once on This Island as the run progressed? And that role was even less of a lift than Shucked. 
 

Regardless, it seems likely that less established names will be sought for this.