How well do you know *Dreamgirls*, the Broadway hit that became a global sensation, tracing the meteoric rise of "The Dreams"? Test your knowledge of this iconic musical that earned six Tony Awards and inspired an Oscar-winning film adaptation. From its parallels to real-life Motown legends to unforgettable performances by Jennifer Holliday and Beyoncé, *Dreamgirls* continues to captivate music lovers and theater fans alike. Dive into these fun trivia facts to discover more about the show's history, famous songs, and groundbreaking achievements!
Adaptations
- Jennifer Hudson won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie in the 'Dreamgirls' film, which also won Best Sound Mixing.
- The film adaptation of 'Dreamgirls' features a star-studded cast including Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson. It first premiered in special ten-day roadshow engagements on December 25, 2006.
- Dreamgirls was adapted into a major motion picture by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006, starring talents like Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy.
International Productions
- The musical's London premiere occurred in 2016 at The Savoy Theatre, featuring 'Glee' star Amber Riley as Effie White.
Musical Composition
- In the musical, Deena Jones is selected as the lead singer for her soft, commercial voice, mirroring Diana Ross's role in The Supremes.
- The iconic song 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' performed by Jennifer Holliday topped the Billboard R&B charts in 1982.
- Dreamgirls, a Broadway musical that opened on December 20, 1981, was inspired by the aspirations and successes of R&B acts like The Shirelles, James Brown, and Jackie Wilson.
- A live cast recording of the Dreamgirls show was made prior to Riley's departure, released on May 12, 2017.
Notable Tours
- Moya Angela also played Effie in the 2009 US tour prior to her stint in the 2017 West End production.
- In December 2021, Dreamgirls embarked on a 15-month UK tour, starting in Liverpool and intending to visit 26 other venues.
- Dreamgirls featured a new song in its 2009 touring production titled 'What Love Can Do,' adding a fresh element to its well-known soundtrack.
Production Facts
- David Geffen, co-founder of DreamWorks SKG, leased the film rights for 'Dreamgirls' to Warner Bros. in the 1980s, and was heavily involved in the eventually successful film adaptation.
- Like Diana Ross, Deena Jones was trained to be the spokesperson for her group during press engagements.
- The press was directed to call Diana Ross 'Miss Ross' and similarly Deena Jones is referred to as 'Miss Jones' in 'Dreamgirls'.
- Florence Ballard's difficulties as she was pushed to the background of The Supremes are parallel to Effie White's struggles when Deena Jones becomes the star of the Dreams.
- Cindy Birdsong replaced Florence Ballard in The Supremes the same night Ballard was fired, similar to Michelle Morris replacing Effie White in the Dreams.
- Lorrell Robinson's romantic entanglements in 'Dreamgirls' echo Mary Wilson's reported relationships with Motown stars and Tom Jones.
- The character Deena Jones's storyline marks similar patterns to Diana Ross's, especially her love affair with Curtis Taylor Jr., which mirrors Ross's relationship with Berry Gordy Jr.
- Diana Ross pursued a film career after leaving The Supremes and starred in 'Lady Sings the Blues' in 1972. Deena Jones from 'Dreamgirls' follows a similar path by leaving the musical group to work as an actress in the same year.
- Both the fictional group 'The Dreams' and the real-life 'The Supremes' started their careers with 'ettes' in their group's name, originally called the Dreamettes and the Primettes respectively.
- Before becoming a famous director, Michael Bennett was a dancer on the 1960s NBC musical variety series Hullabaloo, where he danced behind The Supremes.
- Tom Eyen stated in 1986 that 'Dreamgirls' isn't about any one group but is a cavalcade of black Motown singers like the Shirelles, the Chiffons, and others, emphasizing that all characters are larger than life.
- The West End production of Dreamgirls concluded on January 12, 2019.
- Dreamgirls enjoyed a successful four-year run on Broadway, closing on August 11, 1985, after 1,521 performances.
- Dreamgirls was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won six, including Best Choreography and Best Actress in a Musical for Jennifer Holliday.
- Originally starring Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Devine, Dreamgirls was notable for its mostly African-American cast.
- The story of Dreamgirls follows a young Black female singing trio from Chicago, known as 'The Dreams', and mirrors the story of The Supremes.
