Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls - Spring 2007

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 4:32pm

At the bottom of the interview section of this article on playbill, there is mention of it. I hope this doesn't bottom out.
Playbill article

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 4:55pm

It's only for a Festival, so it's not a long run nor a Broadway run.

She did this back in 2002 in Atlanta. She played Effie for a 2-week special presentation of DREAMGIRLS (at the Fox Theatre) during a Black History Festival. She was actually better now than she was back in 1981-82. She didn't mug or over-act those terrible line readings.

[CurtisTaylorJr2]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 5:10pm

This is fantastic!

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 5:28pm

I got to see Jennifer Holliday play Effie in Atlanta along side Norm Lewis as he Curtis back in 2002. Having grown up on the Dreamgirls cast recording since I was practically an infant, seeing that production remains one of the most amazing theatrical experiences I've ever had and one of my fondest memories.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 5:59pm

Wow...

...a 45 year old Effie??



Maybe Andrea McArdle should try on that red dress and curly wig again...

[atlsuperstar]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 10:49pm

Yes this is true! She is suppose to do it in Atlanta again! I saw the one in Atlanta back in 02 and it was amazing. Granted she brought down "And I am Telling you" but she still sound the same...even more amazing than before. The entire cast was great! Ramona Keller from "Brooklyn" and "Caroline or Change" played the role of Lorrell. She actually is one of the few women that can manage those high notes, orginally placed by Loretta Devine. The role of Deena was played by Alysa Gyse..she also appeared in the revival with Lillias White in 86...she was really good also and beautiful. A lot of people remember her from "A Different World" playing Dwayne Wayne's girlfriend from Japan "Kinu".

Eugene Fleming as James T. Early and Norm Lewis as Curtis, really rounded out the cast for a MAGNIFICIENT show. I have to say that Jennifer is still very capable of playing this role on Broadway...the question is do people want to see her or someone else? I prefer her unless we can get Jennifer Hudson on Broadway!

[adamgreer]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 10:51pm

Incredible voice or not...

she's waaaaaaaay too old to play Effie. The woman is incredibly talented, and it's time for her to try a new role.

Unless they stage the show at a nursing home, and everything takes place in her head. Or they could make it a "show within a show" where she plays Effie...

[Kringas]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 2:02am

She was a little long in the tooth in Atlanta, too, but it still made for an electrifying evening of theatre. I'd see her do it again, given the chance.

[justme2]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 2:50am

I just read the interview with Brenda Braxton talking about her (Brenda) choreographing this. I didn't realize that Braxton was involved in the original Dreamgirls show.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 3:18am

Braxton was the dance captain and a swing for the original production and co-directed and co-choreographed the Actor's Fund Concert 5 years ago (with Danny Herman).

Posted: 9/30/06 at 6:37am

Brenda also assistant directed the Frenchie Davis West Coast mini-tour of DREAMGIRLS a few years back. Or maybe she was assistant choreographer...I dunno what she was, all I know is that the director consulted her on everything from dance steps to the way the backdrop for the VOGUE photoshoot came down because Brenda knew how it was supposed to be. I got to be a dresser in San Jose and I just loved being around Brenda!

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 9:11am

Rufus Bonds Jr. is doing a concert with Lenox! That is awesome! I have loved him since Parade, and he rarely makes appearances. I really wish I could see it.

[soapguy17]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 9:23am

B12b, she doesn't LOOK 45 though.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 9:47am

Maybe not from Row N, but closer than that?...

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 12:29pm

She'll be amazing.

[riv]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 4:43pm

Has her diction improved, or is she still screaming unintelligibly?

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 9/30/06 at 4:45pm

She is 45?