Dreamgirls: Rumours of a Broadway revival

The Broadway musical Dreamgirls, book & lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger, recently released as a movie by Dreamworks and Paramount pictures, may have a Broadway revival according to a report in the New York Post.

The musicals composer Henry Krieger, told the New York Post "John Breglio, a lawyer who oversees the estate of 'Dreamgirls' director and choreographer Michael Bennett, has called a meeting next month to discuss plans for a Broadway revival."

In a written statment Bregilo said "There's a lot of interest in bringing Dreamgirls back to Broadway. The owners of the musical decided a year ago not to make any decision about a Broadway revival until after the film was released."

Considering the film has created plenty of hype, having been nominated for 8 Oscars and winning three Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture (Musical), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Eddie Murphy as James "Thunder" Early) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Jennifer Hudson as Effie White), it may well be that the time is ripe for a revival.

If the musical goes ahead it is rumoured that Jennifer Hudson may be asked to reprise her performance as Effie for the Broadway revival, espeically since she is known to be eager to star in a Broadway musical.

Dreamgirls is loosely based upon Motown act 'The Supremes'. In Dreamgirls three young women Deena Jones, Effie White, and Lorrell Robinson desire to become pop stars and get their wish when they're picked to be backup singers for the legendary James "Thunder" Early. Then they're set free for leads, but James, Curtis Taylor, and Effie's brother C.C. decide for Deena to be lead which upsets Effie, which causes infighting that threatens the group's success.

Dreamgirls debuted on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre where it opened on 20 Dec 1981 and played 1521 performances before closing on 11 Aug 2005, the production won six Tony's including Best Actor (Ben Harney for his performance as Curtis Taylor) and Best Actress (Jennifer Holliday for her performance as Effie Melody White).

The musical was revived on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre, where it opened 28 Jun 1987 and closed on 29 Nov 1987 having played 177 performances.