Broadway Star Joined: 9/15/16
...because it needs to. I mean, just listen to her BELT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxZevYx6vcw
Her name won't sell tickets
Broadway Star Joined: 9/3/14
dramamama611 said: "Her name won't sell tickets
"
Darren Criss, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison all had good commercial Broadway runs during or post Glee. Amber shouldn't be any different.
It's a pretty amazing rendition, she's already been on Broadway in AFTER MIDNIGHT (why doesn't that show up in her Broadway credits?), and a revival of DREAMGIRLS would be heaven, especially with her as Effie. If the London reviews are really good, watch for a transfer...
^She wasn't on Broadway in After Midnight, she appeared in the off-Broadway version at City Center.
dramamama611 said: "Her name won't sell tickets
"
Yeah, because shows like wicked, the color purple, school of Rock and so many more are reliant on names to sell tickets.
And i agree with sunny11, she will have no problem selling enough tickets.
dramamama611 said: "Her name won't sell tickets
"
Who cares? Since when is that a deciding factor on if a property should make it to Broadway?
A show like Dreamgirls doesn't really need a name to sell. It's not an unknown property. Having a TV actress who can also sing the crap out of the role? Just an added bonus.
I've been waiting forever for a Dreamgirls revival, so I really hope it does transfer. Amber Riley sounds fantastic!
I think the prospect of hearing and seeing "And I Am Telling You" live on a Broadway stage alone will get a number of people into a Dreamgirls revival. Like RippedMan said, it's definitely not an unknown property.
I think this would be much more interesting with Latrice Royale.
Cupid Boy2 said: "I think this would be much more interesting with Latrice Royale."
I was actually thinking the same thing, but about Nathan Lane.
Swing Joined: 11/21/05
Marisha Wallace would make a great Effie. She played the part in Dallas not too long ago.
Amber Riley will do just fine thank you.
Patrice Covington (currently in TCP as Squeak) was a stunning Effie in the tour. I'm a little fatigued by this show, but Amber would great.
Her version lacks anger and character. She takes a LOT of vocal run inspiration from the Hudson version. So far, it's well-sung, but it's bland to me. I'll be more impressed to see her as Effie and be able to sustain this 8 times a week.
To get to that Holliday/Lillias White place, you've got to dig deep: She hasn't gotten there yet and I'm willing to give her time to see if she can.
And speaking of Lillias, let's remind ourselves why she's a damned treasure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8PaQNuHc1g
Broadway Star Joined: 4/7/12
BenjaminNicholas2 said: "Her version lacks anger and character. She takes a LOT of vocal run inspiration from the Hudson version. So far, it's well-sung, but it's bland to me. I'll be more impressed to see her as Effie and be able to sustain this 8 times a week.
"
She'll do 7 shows a week.
I wasn't implying she might not be good, great even. My point is that her name isn't recognizable...the other actors from Glee had huge fan bases, that I see no evidence if Riley having.
I am surprised to learn that Amber has 1.2 million twitter followers, which is more than Matthew Morrison. Maybe she does have her fans.
I would imagine, though, that Morrisons fan base is older, with more disposable income.
I have never heard her name come up in any of my students conversations when discussing, theatre, pop culture, etc.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/3/14
Glee was more popular, and was pop culturally relevent for longer in the states than in the UK. If the West End producers consider Amber a draw then she would be more so for Broadway.
sparepart973 said: "BenjaminNicholas2 said: "Her version lacks anger and character. She takes a LOT of vocal run inspiration from the Hudson version. So far, it's well-sung, but it's bland to me. I'll be more impressed to see her as Effie and be able to sustain this 8 times a week.
"
She'll do 7 shows a week.
"
Isn't she doing six? She has 2 alternates.
Let's see how the reviews are first. The NY Times will likely file a report and that usually dictates the fate of a transfer to Broadway.
I would love to listen to this in the context of the show. As it is, I think it's a perfectly fine, unremarkable rendition of the song. I don't think her acting is strong enough to play Effie. I'd rather see Danielle Brooks.
ray-andallthatjazz86 said: "I would love to listen to this in the context of the show. As it is, I think it's a perfectly fine, unremarkable rendition of the song. I don't think her acting is strong enough to play Effie. I'd rather see Danielle Brooks.
"
I don't think her voice could handle it.
Videos