Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois called "The Dreams", who become music superstars. It was nominated for thirteen Tony more...
Obba Babatundé, renowned for his Tony-nominated role as "C.C. White" in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, has built an impressive career across film, television, and stage, including standout performances in "The Manchurian Candidate," "The Notebook," and the UPN sitcom "Half & Half." more...
Cleavant Derricks, who won a Tony Award for his role in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, also received acclaim for his vocal arrangements in the show, earning him the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award. more...
Loretta Devine, who originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the 1981 Broadway production of Dreamgirls, has since become renowned for her versatile performances across stage and screen. more...
Jennifer Holliday, a Broadway legend, captivated audiences with her unforgettable portrayal of Effie “Melody” White in the 1981 smash hit *Dreamgirls*, earning her both a Grammy® Award for her powerful performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. more...
Frank Mastrocola, known for his performances as the Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats and in Starlight Express, brings his extensive experience to his current role as a performing arts teacher in New Jersey. more...
Sheryl Lee Ralph, a Tony nominee, originally captivated audiences as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls. more...
Awards and Nominations
1982 Drama Desk Awards
Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Jennifer Holliday won.
Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Sheryl Lee Ralph was nominated but did not win.
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical: Cleavant Derricks won.
1982 Tony Awards
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Obba Babatunde was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Ben Harney won.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Jennifer Holliday won.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Sheryl Lee Ralph was nominated but did not win.
Production Team
Theoni V. Aldredge Costume Designer
Ted Azar Hair Designer
Michael Bennett Director
Choreographer
Otts Munderloh Sound Designer
Tharon Musser Lighting Designer
Michael Peters Choreographer
(Co-Choreographer)
(Co-Choreographer)
Yolanda Segovia Musical Director
Robin Wagner Scenic Designer
Harold Wheeler Orchestrator
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