Dream Cast Set for DREAMGIRLS in Concert at The Miramar Cultural Center

The Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar FL, presents the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, DREAMGIRLS, for two concert performances only Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 8:00 PM and Sunday, July 23, 2017, at 2:00 PM.

DREAMGIRLS is the celebrity-filled musical centerpiece of the first annual Broadway Festival of South Florida, running July 21 to July 23, 2017, and stars American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones as Effie White, Khalifa White as Deena Jones, Richard E. Waits as Curtis Taylor, and David LaMarr as James "Thunder" Early.

Other principal cast members include Sarah Gracel Anderson (Lorrell Robinson), Nayomi Braaf (Michelle Morris), Jermarcus Riggins (C.C. White), and Benjamin Evans (Marty Madison).

Featured cast members include Jacob Greene (Dave, Ensemble), Kimberly Estrada (Ensemble, Sweetheart), Nina Castro Bosch (Ensemble, Sweetheart), Angeline Fontaine (Ensemble), Tiffany Hayes Robinson (Ensemble), Ashley Charles (Ensemble), Nia Amber McClain (Ensemble), Aliyah Tarpley-Fullard (Ensemble), Kerby Collins (Ensemble), William Shields (Ensemble), Eustace Williams (Ensemble), Joshua Ferreira (Ensemble), and Stephanie Hayes (Tiny Jo/Effie Standby/Ensemble).

The DREAMGIRLS Creative and Production Team includes Ron Hutchins (Director/Choreographer), Maria Contessa (Costume Designer), Amanda Corbin (Stage Manager), and Craig Lozowick (Production Manager).

The DREAMGIRLS Orchestra consists of Caryl Fantel (Music Director), Wes Anthony (Woodwinds), Greg Minnick (Trumpet), Rupert Ziawinski (Bass), and Roy Fantel (Drums/Percussion).

Tonys, Oscars, Grammys ... have all been awarded to this musical classic that follows the rise and fall of an up-and-coming 1960's girl group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Set in the Motown era that brought us such powerhouse voices as Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, DREAMGIRLS explodes from the stage with legendary songs including such hits as "One Night Only," "I Am Changing," and the act-one powerhouse ballad, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Our 2016-17 Season draws to a sizzling finale with this concert presentation performed by our area's most-talented artists-joined onstage by veterans from Broadway, Off Broadway, Regional Theatre and TV.

Tickets for DREAMGIRLS are $35 and $45. A Special Package is available for $65 which includes Priority Seating and an invite to an Opening Night Cast Party following the performance on July 22 or a Post Show Reception on July 23. $25 tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more or students with ID (in person only).

DREAMGIRLS has a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, with music by Henry Krieger. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, with orchestrations by Harold Wheeler. DREAMGIRLS was produced on Broadway by Michael Bennett, Robert Avian, Geffen Records and The Shubert Organization and is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York NY 10022.

This program is supported in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Funding for this event is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Additional support is provided by Rubenstein Law.

Please call 954-602-4500 or visit www.miramarculturalcenter.org.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

LaKisha Jones (Effie White) is best known to millions of TV viewers as a top four finalist during the 2007 season of American Idol. Her last album, So Glad I'm Me was full of Jones' expressive, full-bodied and arresting vocals, the same voice that electrified American Idol viewers with the Dreamgirls showstopper "And I Am Telling You" and later the Broadway stage in the Oprah Winfrey produced, Tony Award-winning musical, The Color Purple.

Having worked with hit-making songwriters and producers including Tony Nicholas (Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross), Ro & Sauce (Brandy, Ne-Yo) and Greg Curtis (Keyshia Cole, Yolanda Adams), Jones' album featured a spirited mix of R&B and soul. A few noteworthy songs included the single "Same Song," penned by award-winning songwriter DiAnne Warren, Whitney Houston's "You Give Good Love," the gospel song "Just As I Am," and Jones soaring ballad to her daughter, "Beautiful Girl."

Jones drove to New York to audition for American Idol and made it to the 2007 season where she became the fourth finalist. She segued from Idol to the Broadway stage in The Color Purple where she played two roles: that of a "church lady" and of the pivotal character "Sophia." The latter role she alternated with R&B icon Chaka Khan, who became her mentor. Jones participated in Khan's 35th Anniversary Tour. Following her Broadway stint Jones provided vocal coaching on MTV's reality competition Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods, a show designed to find and hone Broadway's next star.

A frequent soloist with symphony around the world, Ms. Jones has performed as a guest soloist with the National Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony and Opera, Winnipeg Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Utah Symphony and Opera, Colorado Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony, Windham Chamber Singers, Grand Rapids Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Calgary Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Reno Philharmonic. Upcoming engagements include Houston Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Long Bay Symphony and the Festival Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.

Khalifa White (Deena Jones) is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of another Dreamgirls production. Originally from Long Island, Miss White currently resides in Florida where she earned her BFA at the University of Central Florida. She recently returned from Hong Kong where she starred as Nala in Festival of the Lion King and friend of Tiana in Mickey and the Wondrous Book. She sailed Norwegian Cruise lines as a principal vocalist and portrayed Kibibi in Walt Disney Worlds Festival of the Lion King. Other credits include AIDA, The Wiz, Hairspray, Nine, Brooklyn, and Kiss of the Spiderwoman. Special thanks to God, her family and supportive friends.

Richard E. Waits (Curtis Taylor, Jr.) is a proud member of both Actors' Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA. He was born in Buffalo, New York where he started his career dancing in a television commercial with the legendary Ginger Rogers after which he left for Broadway, Off-Broadway and the opportunity to tour nationally and throughout Europe. His Pre-Broadway productions include First Wives Club, The Scottsboro Boys, Born Blue and A Tale of two Cities. In Concert on Broadway, Mr. Waits has been featured in I Am Harvey Milk, Dreamgirls, Chess and Together Again. His touring and international credits include Ragtime, the acclaimed Parisian productions of La Cage Aux Folles and Ain't Misbehavin', Swing, the record-smashing-long-running San Francisco production of Beach Blanket Babylon and the heralded Showboat at Goodspeed Opera House. His solo concert work has sold out in Paris, Frankfurt, Rome and Zurich. On television, he was featured on "Nash Bridges" with Don Johnson. Mr. Waits has also performed at the US Embassy in Holland, for President Jimmy Carter at the NAACP convention in Miami, and for Kofi Annan at the 50th Year Anniversary celebration of the United Nations. His most recent Off-Broadway sojourn was the acclaimed The View Upstairs. As a committed philanthropist he has helped to raise over $10,000,000 for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids. Social Media handle: @RichardEWaits

David LaMarr (James "Thunder" Early) arrives in South Florida directly from the National Tour of Jersey Boys. He has previously seen at the La Mirada Theatre the in the McCoy Rigby production of Dreamgirls as James "Thunder" Early, directed by Tony Award winner Robert Longbottom. His Regional and Tour credits include the World Premiere of Disney's When You Wish (Sebastian/Turk), US regional premiere of Disney's The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), the professional premiere of Disney's Mulan (Mushu), Sister Act (TJ), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (u/s Lumiere / Ensemble), Grease (Johnny Casino) all at Tuacahn Center for the Arts - Utah; Ain't Misbehavin' (Andre) in North Carolina - Cape Fear Regional Theatre; The Wiz (Scarecrow) in Florida - Maltz Jupiter Theatre; Ain't Misbehavin' (Andre) & Smokey Joe's Café (Ken) in San Diego - SDMT; Parade (Riley) with 3D Theatricals - Orange County; Hairspray (Seaweed) in Northern California - Sierra Rep; Hair (LADCC / Ovation Nominated, Garland Award) and the professional premiere of The Girl, The Grouch, and The Goat (Garland Award) both with The Chance Theater in Anaheim Hills. Other credits include Universal Studios Japan, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Lines - World Premiere cast of Disney's Villains Tonight! (originating the roles of Dr. Facilier/Jafar).

The Miramar Cultural Center/ArtsPark was created to celebrate creativity and diversity within the city. This landmark is a vibrant, urban destination located in the heart of the Miramar Town Center, situated adjacent to City Hall. Centrally located, the Center consists of an 800-seat theater, an art gallery, banquet facilities, a full-service kitchen, dance studio, a botanical garden, and more. Within walking distance of a main library, shops, restaurants, and fitness center, it is the perfect place to see a live performance, enjoy a day of family fun, have a meal, attend a lecture, or stroll through the galleries.

The Miramar Cultural Center/ArtsPark is a collaborative effort of many who share a fundamental commitment to the arts as essential to building a strong and vibrant community. The project is funded in part by Broward County through the Broward County Board of Commissioners with proceeds from 2000 Safe Parks & Land Preservation Bond. The Center also acknowledges the support of the State of Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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