Several "Dreamgirls" Questions!

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:07pm

First of all, I want to tell everyone that I got to see Jennifer Holliday in this role last week when I was in Atlanta visiting my sister in the Hospital. She did not disappoint; however I do think that she lowered the keys in her three solos.

Here are my questions:

1) When Michelle calls Effie a "second-rate Diva who can't sustain", is she using the word sustain in the musical sense (meaning that she can't hold her notes very long)? Or does it have something to do with her absences from rehearsals?

2) For those who saw the Original Production......Do you think that Loretta Devine should have been nominated for a Tony Award? I see that all of the other principle cast members were. I looked at the nominees in the featured actress category and saw that the trio of ladies from "Nine" were nominated along with Laurie Beechman for "Joseph....Coat" so I know that the category had worthy nominees, but what do you think?????? Too bad that there were only 4 instead of 5 nominees.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:14pm

I believe she is using the phrase "sustain" as if to say her (Effies) attitude and drama and accusations need to stop.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:16pm

1) Well, if you have heard her sing "And I Am Telling You..." or any other song in the score, you know it isn't that she can't hold the notes. It's that she's become bitchy/difficult to work with/missing rehearsals.

2) It was a strong year for women, so it was probably a tough call to make. That, and I always forget about Lorell. (No I did not see the original, I'm just guessing based on who was nominated/elligible that year)

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:20pm

'can't sustain', would imply she doesn't have longevity. 'A 2nd rate diva' -- basically implying she's a diva only in her head and with a short run.

Yes...Loretta Devine should have been nominated. No questions.

[morosco]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:21pm

"...second-rate Diva who can't sustain..."

I always thought it was a reference to her singing being too erratic and her behavior too undisciplined to "sustain" a career as a singer. I think cheezedoole is right too.

Devine's performance was not only worhty of a nomination...it was also worthy of the award. Tough year for women that year.

[morosco]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:23pm

That's a perfect explanation BrodyFosse123...no longevity.

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:27pm

I always took the lyric to mean her present physical state didn't allow for her to endure long periods of activity---e.g. rehearsal, performing, whatever.

I also thought perhaps Michelle felt Effie didn't have the chops to back up such a monumental ego.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 6:09pm

I assume the only reason Devine was snubbed from the Featured Actress category was that Laurie Beechman had a showier role in JOSEPH and there were only four slots back then.
Also, NINE had dozen of featured actress spots so that made this category a strong one.
I still can't see how Beechman could've gotten the nomination over Devine though. Just about everyone I know who saw Loretta Devine in DREAMGIRLS say she gave one of the best performances in a musical they've seen.
I'm sad she's no longer on GREY'S ANATOMY

[best12bars]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 6:14pm

Loretta was wonderful in the original show.

And "sustain" (as others have said) refers to her longevity. She's been missing rehearsals, etc., and can't physically sustain their rehearsing and performing schedule.

Hmmm... sounds like a few recent Broadway "divas" of late, who've missed quite a few shows.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 11:32pm

Thank you to everyone who answered for me!

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 11:32pm

Thank you to everyone who answered for me!