Kevin Depinet, Colleen Grady Return to TUTS to Design for DREAMGIRLS

The upcoming Theatre Under The Stars production of DREAMGIRLS comes to life with spectacular scenic and costume design. As previously announced, Kevin Depinet, will be returning to TUTS as Scenic Designer for the theatre's upcoming production of DREAMGIRLS. Depinet also acted a Scenic Designer for TUTS' acclaimed production of INTO THE WOODS in December of 2016.

"I was truly impressed with Kevin's beautiful and inventive work on our production of INTO THE WOODS, and so it is a pleasure to have his work on stage for another TUTS production and to work with him more directly this time. Together we have come up with a design for DREAMGIRLS that is justifiably theatrical; and with the right balance of simplicity and dazzle that the show requires. Kevin's design will provide a wonderful platform for showcasing both this great material and the wonderful cast that we have engaged to bring this show to fresh and vital life," said TUTS Artistic Advisor, Sheldon Epps.

Of his inspiration for his set design, Depinet says, "The design for the DREAMGIRLS set emerged out of the idea that the girls were on a journey. I loved the idea of their world being represented in a constant state of motion. The set will spin from location to location to help represent this idea while pieces from their future assemble around them on stage."

For a show like DREAMGIRLS, costumes are almost a character on their own. Colleen Grady, who is the Costume Designer on the production, has been working on the look she wants for the cast.

"The inspiration definitely comes from the Motown greats like The Supremes, James Brown, the Temptations, and The Four Tops. I drew some inspirations from the original productions, but some things are quite different. I wanted to make sure that we saw the progression of the Dreams from their simple beginnings at the Apollo, to the high glamor of the disco era with 'One Night Only'. It is also important to convey through clothing, how a character like Effie stays truer to her beginnings, throughout the show," said Grady.

As previously announced, TUTS' Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps is serving as Director for the upcoming production of the six-time Tony®-winning show when it hits the TUTS stage at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston; April 4-16th.

Epps says, "It is my hope that DREAMGIRLS will continue this strong trend and enhance the company's reputation for artistry and excellence. I am very pleased to direct what has always been one of my favorite musicals. This brilliant work is full of theatrical vitality, musical vibrancy, Motown inspired soul, and (in the most entertaining ways) themes about the nature of art and authenticity. I look forward eagerly to an exciting and rewarding journey both for those who create the production along with me, and for the audiences who will see the show."

TUTS Executive Director Hillary Hart, said "We are so fortunate to have Sheldon at the helm of this wonderful show. Houston audiences should be excited to see the unique version of the TUTS production come to life over the next few weeks."

Joining Epps will be Abdul Hamid Royal as Musical Director, Jeffrey Polk as Choreographer, Jack Jacobs as Lighting Designer, Andrew Harper as Sound Designer, and Jeff Knaggs as Hair and Makeup Designer for the production.

The full cast for the upcoming production will be announced in the coming days. Stewart/Whitley is the official casting agency for Theatre Under The Stars, and has managed all aspects of casting for this production.

The Original Broadway Production of DREAMGIRLS, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen opened at the Imperial Theatre on December 20, 1981, and recently celebrated a milestone 35th anniversary. In addition to productions of the live stage show spanning the globe, the material was immortalized with the 2006 film starring Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, and Jamie Foxx.

DREAMGIRLS is a love letter to a time when the music of Motown reigned supreme. Winner of six Tony® Awards and two Grammys for Best Cast Album and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, DREAMGIRLS tells the story of The Dreams from their first break to their tumultuous climb to top of the charts. Follow this female trio's journey, both behind the scenes and onstage, through the changing musical and cultural climate of the 1960's and 70's; the girls overcome cutthroat business deals and unscrupulous managers only to discover that fame can't replace family.

As part of the 2016/17 Season, DREAMGIRLS runs at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts April 4-16, 2017. Tickets for the show are currently available at TUTS.com or by contacting the TUTS Box Office at 713-558-TUTS (8887).

The Theatre Under The Stars production of DREAMGIRLS is possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors Apache, ConocoPhillips and Haynes and Boone, LLP. Children's MemoriAl Hermann Hospital is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars and the official sponsor of the 2016/17 Season. United Airlines is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars.

Theatre Under The Stars is Houston's leading Musical Theatre Company since 1968, with a focus on education and community engagement. TUTS is a 501c3 Non Profit Organization that relies on the generous support of our donors to deliver first-rate theatre experiences. For more information, please visit www.tuts.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.