Dreamgirls - Broadway- Page 2

[Scripps2]

Posted: 7/29/10 at 1:00pm

"Excuse me, you're mixing up which director's stereotype is which. That's John Doyle, Show Rapist at large for the Donmar Warehouse. Robert Longbottom takes perfectly fine shows and "glitzes them up" for ****'s sake.
Get your facts right!"

Excuse Me!

John Doyle has never raped or directed any Broadway musicals for the Donmar Warehouse.

Get your facts right.

[My Oh My]

Posted: 7/29/10 at 1:50pm

I've seen the original staging in a '97 national tour and saw the newest tour in January.

Pros:

-The production is very close to the original in the direction.
-The moving towers concept is converted to moving panels. Basically the same idea.
-Choreography is well done.
-Cast is top notch.
-Chester Gregory, Chester Gregory, Chester Gregory.

Cons:

-Waaaaaaay too much added cheesy spectacle in the form of LED lights and hokey projections. After seeing this, I came to the conclusion that projections should only be used sparingly in live shows. They're distracting.
-While the choreography is good it's nothing compared to the original. I know this is hardly the revival's fault but it's also undeniable.

Funny how they keep trying to appeal to younger audiences by shallow means. if they only got rid of the stupid flashiness and if they'd reinstate the string section in the orchestra, it would be a much better show. The flashiness alone is too much, it takes attention away from the show itself.

[Broadway Doctor]

Posted: 7/29/10 at 1:54pm

The Broadway Doctor: What Dreamgirls needs to do in order to come to Broadway.



Will Dreamgirls do Broadway?

[willrogers2008]

Posted: 7/29/10 at 5:45pm

Broadway Doctor, I've just visited your blog. It is really amazing!!! The best musical blog right now in the web! No kidding!!!

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 7/29/10 at 9:02pm

Well, they had better re-cast all 3 female leads, if this is the same cast that played in Philly 'screamin' around town. The male leads were all very decent...but the ladies were dreadful and the tech was not much better.
Philly2Philly Review

[bobbybest]

Posted: 7/29/10 at 11:06pm

it's a tough call, but i'd think it would be pretty cool

[Fosse76]

Posted: 7/30/10 at 11:17am

Broadway Doctor,

Dreamgirls booked the Broadhurst in April. The staff was informed just before Enron closed. The only thing that would stop it now is money.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/30/10 at 3:28pm

I would love to see this come back to Broadway, but not with the same production as the current tour.

[Dreamboy85]

Posted: 8/2/10 at 4:00am

I am a huge Dreamgirls fan and was fortunate enough to see it twice in June when it came to Cincinnati... I had prepared my self to hate, because I cherish the original production so much, but enjoyed it... My problem is:

A. The choreography is a little too modern.
B. The sound, (maybe it was my theatre) but at times the three Dreams were barely audible. And I have heard boots and it seems that the sound problems plague this tour.
C. Some of the costumes
D. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING REWORKING THE ACT 2 OPENING AGAIN! I did enjoy the 'airport' press conference and 'What Love Can Do' but I think that number had been taken care off twenty years ago when they changed it the first time.
E. LISTEN!

I feel if they work on this stuff, add a few 'BIG' names, KEEP CHESTOR GREGORY! and add something new that this tour didn't have, that this would make it on Broadway!

[Dreamboy85]

Posted: 8/2/10 at 4:00am

I am a huge Dreamgirls fan and was fortunate enough to see it twice in June when it came to Cincinnati... I had prepared my self to hate, because I cherish the original production so much, but enjoyed it... My problem is:

A. The choreography is a little too modern.
B. The sound, (maybe it was my theatre) but at times the three Dreams were barely audible. And I have heard boots and it seems that the sound problems plague this tour.
C. Some of the costumes
D. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING REWORKING THE ACT 2 OPENING AGAIN! I did enjoy the 'airport' press conference and 'What Love Can Do' but I think that number had been taken care off twenty years ago when they changed it the first time.
E. LISTEN!

I feel if they work on this stuff, add a few 'BIG' names, KEEP CHESTOR GREGORY! and add something new that this tour didn't have, that this would make it on Broadway!

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 8/2/10 at 12:28pm

I agree, the current tour really needs some help in all those areas. The 2 girls are mis-matched dreadfully. No it's not the mikes, it's the talent that fails. Effie'a angry character and nervous breakdown "AIATY" and lack luster " I Am Changing" is dissappointing.

I also agree that Chester Gregory Is the best thing about this current tour. Also, the other male principles are very good.

Honestly, I don't think we need another Dreamgirls on Broadway right now. It's been seen so many times via the film, and other venues doing it.

[Dreamboy85]

Posted: 8/4/10 at 5:41am

True true!
I think some shows may need to just live in our imagination and in our memories... Don't get me wrong, I loved the new production, and I didn't count on loving it, but I was just glad to get to see it live for once. As much as I love my dozen or so boots of different versions of the show, they will never be like seeing it live.

It's theatre and we gotta give those people props for what they are out there doing 8 times a week and bussing from town to town...

I met Syesha and asked her about meeting Sheryl Lee Ralph, and She basically said, that there is only so much an actor can do... Their are producers and director that control it all. And I understand where she is coming from.

BUT... Dreamgirls will always hold a fuzzy warm spot over my heart!

[GatorNY]

Posted: 8/4/10 at 7:02am

I still can't believe that they had to cancel DC. Maybe the recovery hasn't made it to the NE and SE sections of the district.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 8/4/10 at 11:24am

Gator~ I don't know about all the touring houses, but in some cases, if a tour isn't selling well prior to coming to their theater, the house can opt to cancel. There's some legal ramifications, but it's done.

In the case of this tour, I've only read a handful of reviews and most were not postive, including mine.
Philly2Philly Review

[GatorNY]

Posted: 8/4/10 at 7:17pm

Makes me glad I didn't haul my a** all the way up to The Apollo last winter. Sounds like Chester is the only reason to see this show. I liked him as Dupree J. Dupree.

[Almira]

Posted: 8/4/10 at 7:57pm

"You haven't seen DREAMGIRLS if you've never experienced the original Broadway production."

I saw the original Broadway and Los Angeles productions and you are absolutely right.

Everything came together is a very special way with that show. It was true theatre experience in the sense that you had to be there.

That is just the way theatre works: It works in the present.

Sorry, but anyone who didn't see the original production has missed out. You make get a successful revival someday (I'm beginning to have my doubts about that though).

I don't bitch and moan because someone says the original production of FOLLIES was a once in a lifetime experience that won't ever be duplicated.. because it is true.

So to everyone who was offended by the that CarlosAlberto's comment... just rest assured that you've seen or will see something that years later you will KNOW won't ever been seen again. You'll get your "had to be there" show, everybody who attends theatre regularly over a lifetime does.

That is the way theatre does and should work.

Updated On: 8/4/10 at 07:57 PM