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American Idol's Jennifer Hudson Cast as Effie in Dreamgirls Film
By: BWW News Desk Nov. 16, 2005
Ironically, it was Hudson's "American Idol 3" co-star Fantasia Barrino who was rumored to be taking on the towering central role in the movie musical; Barrino was the winner of the popular reality show last year. Hudson, one of the finalists, later appeared in the Actors' Fund benefit concert of Hair. "I was sure Fantasia got it. But they said they wanted me. They said I was born for this," stated the 24 year-old singer.
Hudson will play Effie Melody White, the phenomenally talented vocalist who is considered unmarketable as the lead singer of the Supremes-like Motown group The Dreams, and who is dropped in favor of the glamorous Deena Jones. In addition, the Internet Movie Database is reporting that Sharon Leal (Rent, "Guiding Light," "Boston Public") as Michelle, who replaces Effie in the Dreams. Beyoncé Knowles will play Deena, while the cast also includes Eddie Murphy as soul superstar James "Thunder" Early, Danny Glover as Early's manager Marty Madison, Academy-Award winner Jamie Foxx as Dreams manager Curtis Taylor Jr., three-time Tony Award-winner Hinton Battle as Wayne, and Tony Award-winner Anika Noni Rose as Lorrell Robinson, the vivacious third member of the Dreams.
Dreamgirls opened at the Imperial Theatre on December 20th, 1981. A smash hit, it ran for 1521 performances and won 8 of it 15 Tony nominations. The show featured a score by Henry Krieger and Tow Ewen, a book by Ewen, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by Theoni V. Aldredge and lighting design by Tharon Musser. Dazzlingly staged by Michael Bennett, the show nonetheless lost the Best Musical Tony to Nine. Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine were the three Dreams, and Cleavant Derricks, Ben Harney and Obba Babatunde were also featured. Dreamgirls was revived in 1987 with Lillias White, Alisa Gyse and Arnetia Walker. Heather Headley, Audra McDonald and White headlined the 2001 Actors' Fund benefit concert.
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