Why No DREAMGIRLS Yet?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:16pm

I’m genuinely confused as to why we don’t have a Broadway revival in the works (assuming the rumored London transfer is DOA). With Broadways push to produce a lot of shows with largely black casts, you’d think (I sure did) this would be a no-brainer. A large cast and a chance for a real star vehicle of sure-fire hit of a revival we’ve been waiting over 30 years for. 
 

I honestly don’t understand why we don’t have it yet.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:27pm

I would guess it's partly an issue of waiting for the right Effie - since I think we can presume that Amber Riley doesn't want to take it to Broadway (I also wonder if she'd sell enough tickets now that we're 7 years out from the end of Glee). Even so, it's interesting to consider that some of the criticism of her performance at the time was that she came across very young for the role - and now she's 35. I'd be curious to see her return to the role. 

Also, I think the push toward increasing Black representation has largely been focused on increasing opportunities for Black creators, not just Black performers. So reviving older shows written by white people just hasn't been the primary MO. That isn't necessarily to say that we SHOULDN'T be doing Dreamgirls (I don't think the show's content is considered problematic? Happy to hear arguments to the contrary), but it might partly explain why it hasn't been at the top of producers' priority list. 

 

Updated On: 12/8/24 at 02:27 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:32pm

This show has been "on its way" to Broadway since 2017 and it's just been all rumors so far. Also, audiences unfortunately rejected for the most part the big push of mostly Black casts this fall (Chicken & Biscuits/Thoughts of a Colored Man/Caroline or Change) so producers might be nervous about bringing this to New York just yet. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:33pm

Agree about the scope of Broadway’s diversifying landscape: many new works have been / will be created not just primarily for Blacks, but BY Blacks as well, so as to provide authenticity of voice. I also think we’ll be seeing less and less revivals of classic Black stories written solely by whites.

It’s not just a case of waiting for the right Effie to come around.  

Updated On: 2/11/22 at 02:33 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:34pm

I guess that’s fair re: the creators bit i just don’t see what the downside to a revival now would be. Hell, have a tv show called “I’m Looking For Something, Baby: The Search For Effie” and let America decide lol. 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 3:09pm

Sutton Ross said: "Chicken & Biscuits/Thoughts of a Colored Man/Caroline or Change so producers might be nervous about bringing this to New York just yet."

I would hope that producers / investors understand the difference between a show failing because it it's a Black show, vs. failing because it has no stars or name-recognition, at a time when Broadway was already on rocky ground. As much as I hate to say it, it's almost a good thing that we have Dana H, Is This a Room, Flying Over Sunset, etc. as counterpoint examples, to show that "white shows" were also failing for the same reasons. Again, I hate to say that because I loved those shows, and I don't want to frame their failure as a good thing, but in the longrun it will hopefully help prevent scapegoating. 

 

Jordan Catalano said: "i just don’t see what the downside to a revival now would be"

Like I said, I don't think it's a question of "downsides," it's just that it hasn't happened because it wasn't anyone's priority. It still hasn't been very long since Broadway re-opened, even though it feels like we've been through an eternity since September (or is it just me? lol). Especially because, like Sutton said, the London production has been "in the works" for so long without taking off, so I doubt any other producers are champing at the bit to pick up the Broadway rights. 

Updated On: 2/11/22 at 03:09 PM

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 3:26pm

1. Yes, let's please get a DREAMGIRLS revival.

2. I never saw the 2016 London revival, but by most accounts it was "just okay," which may not be good enough for Bway. Of course, FUNNY GIRL had a similar reaction in London, and now it's coming here. Sonia Friedman produced both.

3. Amber Riley will not mean a thing for ticket sales unless she gets love letters for her performance. There are a lot of women who can play that role well. She's also almost 36. There's no reason why they would need to build this revival around her.

4. They would probably be better off putting together a new revival from the ground-up with a Black director/choreographer (and some women on the team). However, considering Casey Nicholaw's pedigree, Sonia Friedman is probably going to have to pay him whether he's involved with the Broadway production or not, unless the rights lapse or she gives them up. In which case, John Breglio and the estates can choose a new producer/creative team.

I'm sure there are many producers & directors who would like to do a revival of DREAMGIRLS if Sonia Friedman doesn't want to move her London revival.

Updated On: 2/11/22 at 03:26 PM

[Kavana]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 3:56pm

The blk American community does not care who wrote the show, It is a staple in our community.

Dreamgirls is an expensive show to run and is Iconic. It was a vehicle for most of the cast that came from the OBC most of whom are still working today 30+ years later. What was the OBC was magic and that is hard to recreate from the cast, design, and sound. There have been attempts to bring the show back to Bway but I don't think they received the recognition they wanted, which I think is Ppl standing on the seats cheering during Effie's (Jennifer Holliday) And I'm Telling You. The London production and the Apollo run with the led screens is not Dreamgirls, as with adding Deena's number "Listen" it was too much and not needed. 

 There is no soul in these updated productions, it's more vocal training which is not a bad thing but the raw talent is lacking. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 4:09pm

Kavana brings up a good point - for gods sake, when a revival does happen, PLEASE get rid of “Listen” and bring back some the entire sequence that ridiculous song replaced. On its own I suppose the song is fine but I HATE it, for what it cuts from the score. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 4:17pm

I think Casey is totally the wrong director for this and probably while it felt so "blah." He just recreated most of the original. And he couldn't add in any tap dancing for comedic effect, so he was stranded. Yes that's all shade. 

What about Fantasia as Effie? She'd have to wait until after they wrap Color Purple, but I'd love to see her Effie. I know she's not the norm body wise, but I could see it working with her and I think she's got the name power, and with the Color Purple movie behind/in front of her, the right momentum. 

I'd love to see a whole new production of this show instead of the same retread we keep getting.

[Tag]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 4:35pm

Isn't Listen now a duet between Deena & Effie with new lyrics?

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 4:59pm

Yes. I saw the West End revival and was taken aback when Listen was a duet.  It’s still a song to empower Deena but also to provide closure for Effie

[seaweedjstubbs]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 6:05pm

I didn’t get to see this in London, but I watched a bootleg of Amber Riley’s “And I’m Telling You.” She was incredible, but Casey Nicholaw’s direction was……interesting. Why on EARTH would he have Curtis leave so early?? It really baffled me. I hope he does not return to the production if it ever does come back to Broadway based on that choice alone.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 6:23pm

Speaking of Amber Riley, I just watched her in Lifetime's so-bad-it's-good Single Black Female. Absolutely horrible, but surprisingly watchable. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 6:31pm

Video Link
 

Here’s the video of Amber in London. She sounds fantastic but man, I’m not a fan of her acting choices. And yes, why does Curtis leave so early?? Is it not in the script when he exits??

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 7:29pm

If it’s not Jai’Len Josey as Effie, I don’t need it. 

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 9:09pm

There’s really no shortage of fabulous actresses who could kill the role of Effie. I think the casting of other roles could be more challenging. I really don’t like the Deena on the London recording at all. 

[morosco]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 9:34pm

Does anyone know what production of DREAMGIRLS I've linked? A powerful moment destroyed by a friggin "parade passes by" upstage. How distracting from the moment is that? And why would a director consider it necessary?? It's just so Corky St. Clair. And those wigs are a mess.

Dreamgirls (reprise)

Updated On: 2/11/22 at 09:34 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 9:45pm

Lololol What the hell was that????

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 10:09pm

morosco said: "Does anyone know what production of DREAMGIRLS I've linked? A powerful moment destroyed by a friggin "parade passes by" upstage. How distracting from the moment is that? And why would a director consider it necessary?? It's just soCorky St. Clair. And those wigs are a mess.

Dreamgirls (reprise)"

It’s the first (and current) UK tour, with Nicole Dennis from The Voice.

I mean, if they can’t get a fantastic Broadway lead to make the production notable, at least get someone in current pop culture to do it. Limited run. This shouldn’t be that hard to get underway. Stunt cast around the lead use the lead role as a ‘star in the making’ moment.

Updated On: 2/12/22 at 10:09 PM

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 11:13pm

I’m sure producers would be nervous about mounting a big, expensive show like this without a huge star attached. At least for the time being. I hope, when a revival inevitably does come, they do the original libretto. Listen just doesn’t fit in the show and the duet version has such cringey lyrics. I’m not a fan of the other changes the London version made either.

[Bwayornoway]

Posted: 2/12/22 at 7:30pm

I think a lot of the stalling is pure logistics.  We all know this has been trying to get over here from the UK for years.  Obviously covid hit and well, even though there may be houses available, audiences are still pretty low.  I also think the competition of other 'revivals' also comes into play with award seasons.  

I would prefer no names in it - there are furiously talented performers that can handle the material and give it the rawness, power and drive the characters need.  Then let a new star be born from whoever plays 'Effie.' As that is what the show is somewhat about.  Though getting Jennifer Hudson to play Effie, would make Hugh and Bette look like small beans :)  

It's a worthy show to shine on Broadway again and I hope it is soon!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/12/22 at 7:36pm

I also don’t think a revival needs any “names”. The show itself is the “name”. If they’re going to put any big names in, I’d actually prefer it to be for someone like Curtis. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 2/12/22 at 7:50pm

They probably are better off casting the most talented people possible and marketing it around the show itself. Remember, the peril of casting a star is that after 9 or 12 months, they leave, and then sales are going to go down or you have to close. If this catches on without stars, it has the opportunity to run longer. It's a strong title that means something to both New Yorkers and tourists.

Who's a bona fide STAR in her 20s with the right body type and vocal range for Effie? Not a theatre "star," a true celebrity. I can't think of anyone who would make a difference at the box office after Lizzo inevitably says no to a year contract.

[George in DC]

Posted: 2/12/22 at 10:48pm

The only time Dreamgirls has totally worked on stage is with the original Michael Bennett staging. Even the tour, cut down, did not work entirely. If it's nit the Bennett staging, I won't see this again.