With music by Henry Krieger, lyrics and a book by Tom Eyen, this soulful show boasts such show-stopping musical numbers as "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "I Am Changing" and "Dreamgirls." In addition to receiving six Tony Awards, Dreamgirls recently took home two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards in 2007.
Robert Clater will serve as director for TUTS' production of Dreamgirls. In addition to appearing in the 1987 Broadway revival of Dreamgirls, Clater has directed numerous productions of Dreamgirls, including two national tours, the pre-Broadway tour and many regional productions. Partnering with Clater on Dreamgirls is Lesia Kaye, Clater's wife, who will serve as choreographer. As an accomplished choreographer, actress, singer and dancer, Kaye has been seen in They're Playing Our Song, Hello, Dolly! and was an original cast member of 42nd Street.
Dreamgirls is the rags-to-riches story following an all-girl singing trio from Chicago called The Dreams who experience much heartache, but also find their dreams come true. The story of the Dreams is partially modeled after the real-life Motown group the Supremes.
The original 1981 Broadway production won six Tony Awards including "Best Book" and was directed, produced and co-choreographed by Michael Bennett, who won the Tony Award for "Best Choreography." Bennett's renowned Broadway career also includes A Chorus Line, Company, Follies, and Seesaw, among others.
TUTS' production of Dreamgirls stars principals Aurelia Williams (Effie), Karla Mosley (Deena Jones), Brian Evaret Chandler (Curtis Taylor, Jr.), Ron Kellum (C.C. White), Milton Craig Nealy (Marty), Manoly Farrell (Michelle Morris), Crystal Joy (Lorrell Robinson), and Eugene Fleming (James Thunder Early). The ensemble cast includes Randy Aaron, Marvin Bell III, Chante Carmel, Darryl E. Calmese Jr., David La Duca, Nkrumah M. Gatling, William Hubert II, Logan Keslar, Ano Okera, Ian Paget, Cassandra Palacio, Will Perez, Kayla Repan, Briana Resa, Marc Spaulding, Teacake, Lyndsay Thomas, Marvin Thorton, Holland Vavra and Pearce Wegener.
The creative team will include Robert Strickland as Music Director, Richard Winkler as Lighting Designer, Christopher "Kit" Bond as Sound Designer, Robin Wagner as Scenery Designer, Theoni V. Aldredge as Costume Designer, and Darren Ledbetter as Associate Music Director. -- www.tuts.com
Posted September 26th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
