If you were producing the film version of DREAMGIRLS...

Let's play "I'm the producer of the film version "DreamGirls""

Here's the rules:

You've just set your budget:

Budget:$60 million ..($15 million more than CHICAGO)

You have to make a great picture..that gets great reviews

...and you have to promote an art form (the film musical) which has just regained a small foothold back as a viable product...

But..

... you also must earn back EVERY PENNY of that $60 million + the $35-40 million spent on pre-publicity and publicity..

If you fail at either task, you will lose credibility within the industry which hinders your ability to work within it in the future, and you will lose a studio almost 100 million dollars...


NOW.... CAST THE FILM!

That's why Audra MacDonald won't be in it!

That is why Beyonce WILL be in it.

---

First off no Beyonce, yes she's really big right now but can't see her as Deena. She's alredy seen as a Diana Ross like diva but now as for Deena I think Gabrielle Union could pull it off wonderfully or Mya as Deena would be great. Of course Frenchie Davis as Effie is the next best thing to Jennifer Holliday. I was thinkg of Jammie Foxx maybe playing Curtis or Taye Diggs both wonderful choices.Also Will Smith might be nice. Now as for Jimmy I would cast Tyrese. C.C.,Usher.. Loreel ther's a wonderful singer actress named Rhona Bennett who could do wonders as Lorell. Michelle I really can'y say or for Marty either. What do you think?

Well,well,well if it isn't my old freind Kavana. Me and Kavana have been discussing this for some time now and I look upon him as DG expert infact you could say he has it flowing through his veins. But anyways J-ho will never do how in the hell is she going to portray charecter losely based on Diana Ross and she's not even black. See that's what's wrong with Jenny now she tries to hard to be down with black culture at her own convices. She wants to be Jenny from the block but when was the last time she went to her block? Now I had almost completly forgot about my beloved Taral but I know how hollywood is and their going to want some one with a name for themselves. Taral would be perfect for broadway but not the movie. I men yes this girl can sing and act but I really don't think she'd be casted but then again I'm the producer so what the hell I would cast her as Deena! Also has anyone heard any news on the revial?

Updated On: 7/19/03 at 04:56 AM

I think Usher and Tyrese could pull off Jimmy and C.C.

First of all. Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters / Chicago) should write the script and direct it with an African American choerographer:

Jimmy should ne BILLY PORTER

Dena should be SHANA STEELE (Hairspray)

then fill the cast with all unknowns...this show is a staple in the African American community and has the great success of having big cross over appeal because of ONE song...it's a great peice of work - it can stand and sell on its own greatness....but i do love some of the ideas listed here

I feel absolutely ancient, and I'm only 37!

I've never heard of most of these people. Who the hell are Frenchie and Beyonce?

---

Scooter:
Frenchie is Frenchie Davis the woman who would have won the last season of American Idol if she had not been kicked off for admitting to nude photos on line. A double standard if ever there was one since the first season's second runner up was a stripper. She has a great voice and will have a great career.

Beyonce is Beyonce Knowles one third of Destiny's Child. She is now going solo like gangbusters. I'm sure you have seen/heard her. She is almost inescapable these days. Which is why I think she will be used to sell this film. If it ever happens.

(BTW, I am older than you! TeeHee)

But I know what you mean. These pop stars/celebs come and go so quickly.

---

the concert cast was "too white"

That is so true about the concert. It totally lacked the soul of the obc recording."Move" which electrified my soul on the obc lacked luster as did One Night only disco version, Hard to Say Goodbye my Love, and don't get me started on And I Am Telling You. But it trully did lack soul it dind't sound like it was inspired by motown. What were they thinkg? (Audra McDonald!)

They need to bring in all unknowns

Haha... Emily and Alice were blacker than Audra in the concert version. I love Audra to death... but she's the whitest black person I've ever seen!!!

But who really cares with a set of pipes like hers, right? She's far too classically trained to "sing black." Even when she tries, you still get that classical feel... it's never totally "there."

---

The production budget for Chicago was 30 million and the prints and advertising budget cost 30 million, which explains how Harvey Weinstein willed that thing to be a hit.

---