The Friday 5: CFTA's DREAMGIRLS' Leading Ladies

Doubtless, there's a lot of hustling, bustling and what-not going on at Murfreesboro's Center For The Arts today as the company prepares for tonight's premiere of the musical extravaganza Dreamgirls. Directed by 2013 First Night Most Promising Actor Matthew Hayes Hunter (who may or may not answer to the name of "Matt" these days), the grand-scale production features four of the loveliest, most talented and mesmerizing leading ladies to be found on any stage, anywhere: Ra'Shaun Simon (playing Deena Jones), Brianna Booker (Lorell Robinson), Brittany Easley (Michelle Morris) and Robbyn "Vyrgo" Daniel, who plays the clarion-voiced Effie Melody White, the part made famous on Broadway by Jennifer Holliday.

(Here's a bit of theater trivia for you: Nell Carter was originally slated to play Effie under Michael Bennett's direction.)

Simon, Booker and Daniel performed "Move" from Dreamgirls at January's Midwinter's First Night event, so we're especially excited to see them in the full production, along with Easley and the rest of the ensemble.

Somehow - what with all the last-minute details being attended to by Hayes and company - the four women found time away from the hub-bub and the like to answer our Friday 5 questions in order to offer you a sneak peek into what makes them tick, in an altogether theatrical fashion...

RA'SHAUN SIMON

What was your first taste of live, onstage theater? My first taste of live, on stage theatre was in 2014 as an esemble member and lead dancer for Tommy by The Who's directed by Reneè Robinson.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? Usually before a performance I like listening to high energy music to get myself hyped up. If it's something I can dance to, make the music loud and bass louder!

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? My most memorable moment of "the show must go on" was when a good friend of mine was dancing an acrobatic routine during our high school halftime performance. While dancing, her blouse came undone and she fought to keep her costume intact while twirling batons. I think I held my breath the entire time, but she kept a beautiful smile and finished her show.

What's your dream role? A character that allows me to show it all would be my dream role! To make people laugh, cry, furious, and fall in love. I've always admired actors that are multidimensional in that way.

Who's your theatrical crush? If I had one, I would spill all the beans, guacamole, and salsa. But for now, the only crush for Deena is Curtis Taylor Jr.

Why should audiences come see Dreamgirls? Apart from the fabulous costumes the fantastic cast, the creative choreography, and outstanding set design, I cannot imagine why anyone would miss this! It is going to be a phenomenal show.

BRIANNA BOOKER

What was your first taste of live, onstage theater? My first show was Ramona Quimby at Cannon County Arts Center. I was about 8 years old and I played Susan.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? Before shows I like to make sure I'm really hydrated and in good spirits. If I'm not feeling good and confident it will certainly show onstage. So music while getting ready is a must!

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? When I did Hairspray a few years back, Little Inez was singing and dancing to "Run and Tell That" and her mic came unhooked. It was dangling out the bottom of her dress. She literally had a mic baby onstage. She handled it like a pro though. She turned it into a dance move grabbed the mic and kept going.

What's your dream role? Madame Thénardier from LES MISERABLES....or any villainous or comedic character really. Anything different from who I really am.

Why should audiences come see Dreamgirls? We have a really talented cast. It's rare that we get to have a show, especially in Murfreesboro, where African Americans are main characters. It's really interesting to see the versatility of the roles and not just the stereotypical black man or woman. I think it's important for people to see, especially young black people interested in acting. Acting is for everyone!

BRITTANY EASLEY

What was your first taste of "live, onstage theater"? When I was invited to see a show at The Darkhorse Theatre in Nashville. Wonderful place.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? I tend to get fancy; drink out of wine glasses; I'm a diva. Divas are allowed to be fancy, right? Oh, and jump around like I'm on a trampoline. Yes, try it, it's fun!

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? This is interesting...So, I remember being in stage play Holidays at Mama Dee's, and there was a scene in which I came in too early. And I had to "chill" on the couch for three minutes until it was time to say my lines! Let's just say that was a very interesting experience.

What's your dream role? My dream role would be to act in any Disney production, but specifically Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Toni Braxton had a chance to portray her on Broadway, and i'd love to be able to follow in her footsteps, and do the same.

Who's your theatrical crush? My crush would have to be Jason Isaacs. Such a phenomenal actor!

Bonus Question: Why should people come see Dreamgirls? People should come see Dreamgirls because it's a great story. It relays that even through setbacks, doubt, and loss, you can still prevail in life. Not only is it a great story, but it's great to come out, support local theatre productions, and the amazing talented actors, musicians, and production who've help make all of this possible. You don't want to miss it; can't wait to see you there!

ROBBYN "VYRGO" DANIEL

What was your first taste of live, onstage theater? My first taste of live theatre was in 10th grade when I played a pyromaniac in the play Juvie.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? Prayer and meditation.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? I was in New York at Alvin Ailey studios, auditioning for a spot on the hit show 106 & Park with my good friend Jai and the production team came out and said there were no mics or sound system at that time and they wanted to know if I had the chops! So I proved that I could sing, dance, project and act on the spot! Now, while we were in the middle of performing the lights went out, but we didn't skip a beat we kept going and got the spot because of it! Later the team said they were doing those things to see how people reacted under pressure and we were the only two who passed with flying colors.

What's your dream role? I have a few...Its truly tied between Shug Avery (The Color Purple), Roxy Hart (Chicago), Satine (Moulin Rouge) and Dorothy Dandrige as Carmen!

Who's your theatrical crush? Honestly my theatre crush is Justin Boyd! I just think he is phenomenally made!

Bonus Question: Why should people come see Dreamgirls? Dreamgirls is absolutely wonderful! We've put in a lot of work to make it an unforgettable event! This production will make you laugh, cry, dance, angry, excited, laugh again, jump for joy and, most of all, learn what it takes to make it in this business! I've learned no matter what hardships come my way or how hard I fall I can always get back up and prosper just like Effie!!

ABOUT CFTA'S DREAMGIRLS 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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