DREAMGIRLS Opens at CTG/Ahmanson Theatre on March 2

A new, ground-breaking production of "Dreamgirls," directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom, arrives at the CTG/Ahmanson Theatre, opening March 2, 2010, and playing through April 4. Previews begin February 25. (Opening was previously announced for February 26.)

With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger, lyrics and book by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen, and additional material by Willie Reale, "Dreamgirls" introduces actress Moya Angela as Effie White and features, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson, and Margaret Hoffman as Michelle Morris with Chaz Lamar Shepherd as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Chester Gregory as James "Thunder" Early, Trevon Davis as C.C. White, Milton Craig Nealy as Marty Madison in a cast of 26 that also features Tallia Brinson, Felicia Boswell, Patrice Covington, Ronald Duncan, Talitha Farrow, Brittney Griffin, James Harkness, Robert Hartwell, Eric Jackson, Chauncey Jenkins, Jared Joseph, Nikki Kimbrough, Brittany Lewis, Douglas Lyons, Kimberly Marable, Jarran Muse, Amaker Smith and Marc Spaulding.

Co-choreography for "Dreamgirls" is by Shane Sparks, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by ACME Sound Partners, media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch and is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions. For more information, please visit www.dreamgirlsonstage.com.

"Dreamgirls" tells the rags-to-riches story of an up-and-coming 1960s singing girl group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. The original Broadway production of "Dreamgirls" opened December 20, 1981, at the Imperial Theatre and won six 1982 Tony Awards. "Dreamgirls" closed on Broadway August 11, 1985, after 1,522 performances. The original Broadway production was directed by Michael Bennett and choreographed by Bennett and Michael Peters. "Dreamgirls" was adapted into a motion picture by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and opened in December 2006.

Biographies

Moya Angela (Effie White) joins the cast from "The Lion King" Gazelle and Cheetah tours (Disney). Her roles included Rafiki and Shenzi. She is a native of Indianapolis, IN, where she won two Encore Awards in her roles as Sara in "Ragtime" and Adapearle in "The Wiz."
Syesha Mercado (Deena Jones). As a recording artist, Syesha released a single with two-time Grammy nominated jazz legend Boney James and has begun preparations for her first record, collaborating with a host of prominent writers and producers, including Grammy-winner Diane Warren, Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, Steve Diamond, Chris Rojas, and many more. She came to national attention as the second runner-up in the seventh season of Fox's "American Idol." She also participated in the subsequent "American Idol" LIVE Tour 2008, performing 53 concerts in 49 cities both in the United States and Canada. Syesha attended the Manatee School for the Arts, and was a theater major at Florida International University in Miami.

Chaz Lamar Shepherd (Curtis Taylor, Jr). Philadelphia's Chaz Shepherd has co-starred in many TV shows ("7th Heaven," "The Parkers," "The Game...") and as Harpo on Broadway's "The Color Purple." After being on the Billboard charts 3 times in 2009, Chaz's soul/R&B album will be released during the "Dreamgirls" tour. Chaz's gospel work was Grammy nominated in 2009.

Chester Gregory (James "Thunder"Early) an award-winning actor/performer/singer/songwriter, made his N.Y. debut as Jackie Wilson in "The Jackie Wilson Story" (Jeff, AUDELCO, BTAA and Black Excellence Awards). Broadway: "Hairspray" (Seaweed), "Cry-Baby" (Dupree) and "Tarzan" (Terk). Other credits include "Hairspray" (Movie) and performing for Michael Jackson. Chester has a BFA from Columbia Chicago. His music is available at www.ChesterGregory.com.

Adrienne Warren (Lorrell Robinson) is a recent graduate of Marymount Manhattan College. New York Theatre: "The Wiz" (Dorothy understudy for Encores! Summer Stars). Regional: "Little Shop of Horrors," "Cats," "Big River," and the 25th anniversary of "Dreamgirls" starring Jennifer Holliday. Training: Ann Reinking's Broadway Theatre Project. Trans Siberian Orchestra 2008-2009 Winter Tour (Featured Vocalist).

Trevon Davis (C.C. White). A talented vocalist and songwriter, was one of the seven finalists on BET's "Sunday Best," hosted by Kirk Franklin, and he also appeared in MTV's hit series "Making the Band," produced by Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Margaret Hoffman (Michelle Morris) recently graduated from Sam Houston State University, obtaining a BFA in Musical Theatre. While attending school, Margaret has performed in several theatrical and entertainment events at the premiere theatres of Houston, TX, such as The Ensemble Theatre and Theatre Under The Stars.

Milton Craig Nealy (Marty Madison) was in the original Broadway and 1987 revival productions of "Dreamgirls." He also created the roles of Agwe in "Once on This Island" and Four-Eyed Moe in "Five Guys Named Moe" on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include "Caroline, or Change," John in "Miss Saigon" (as well as the London and Australian productions), "Mail" and the revival of "Ain't Misbehavin'." National tours: "The Full Monty" (also in Australia), Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar" (20th anniversary tour) and "Sing, Mahalia, Sing," starring Jennifer Holliday. Milton won the Best of Westword Award for his performance as Jacob in "La Cage Aux Folles." Films include "The Blues Brothers."

In photo: L to R -- Adrienne Warren (Lorrell), Syesha Mercado (Deena) and Moya Angela (Effie). Photo by Joan Marcus.

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