CFTA's DREAMGIRLS Opening Night Set for Friday 2/12

Dreamgirls - the Tony Award- and Oscar-winning musical by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen - opens at Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts this Friday night, running February 12 through Sunday, February 28.

Continuing CFTA's celebration of its 20 years of creating onstage magic while making theatrical history, Dreamgirls is directed by Matthew Hayes Hunter, with musical direction by Emily Dennis and choreography by Tosha Pendergrast.

Full of onstage joys and triumphs, with plenty of backstage drama and personal despair, Dreamgirls tells the story of "The Dreams," an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group - inspired by the meteoric career of Diana Ross and The Supremes - as they experience the amazing highs and agonizing lows that accompany their pursuit of fame and fortune in the tumultuous music industry.

Winner of six Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards, Dreamgirls premiered on Broadway in December, 1981. Through several national tours, regional productions and an award-winning 2006 motion picture adaptation, it has remained an audience favorite for more 35 years. Dreamgirls features unforgettable music by Krieger and book and lyrics by Eyen. Hit songs from the musical include "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "I Am Changing," "One Night Only" and "Steppin' To The Bad Side."

Center for the Arts executive director Patience Long is excited for the show's opening this Friday: "We are very lucky to have amassed such a talented production crew and cast for this show. I can't wait for our audiences to hear the wonderful singing I am getting treated to every day during rehearsals. This show is a celebration of strong women and their talents."

The 21-person cast features Ra'Shaun Simon as Deena, Brianna Booker as Lorrell, Brittany Easley as Michelle, with Robbyn "Vyrgo" Daniel as Effie. Bentley Caldwell portrays Curtis Taylor Jr., Marlon Woods will appear as Marty, and dancing his way back onto the Center's stage is 2015 First Night Most Promising Actor Gerold Oliver as James Thunder Early.

Tickets can be purchased on the center's website at www.boroarts.org; calling (615) 904-2787; or stopping by the Center's box office at 110 W. College St. in downtown Murfreesboro. Prices are $15 for adults; $13 for seniors, students and military; and $11 for children.

About CFTA'S Dreamgirls:

• WHAT: The Center for the Arts presents Dreamgirls
• WHO: Music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen
• WHEN: February 12 -28, 2016. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.
• WHERE: The Center for the Arts, 110 West College St., Murfreesboro
• ABOUT: The story of 3 women struggling to make it in the music industry while keeping their dreams intact.
• TICKETS: Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $13 for seniors, students and military; and $11 for children. Group ticket prices are available
• TO PURCHASE: Go to www.boroarts.org or call (615) 904-2787

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