Phoenix Theatre offers ‘Dreamgirls’ through Sept. 3 at Mainstage Theatre
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The final show of the season at Phoenix Theatre Company is the popular and heralded Broadway musical “Dreamgirls.”
Proving there is a story behind every dream, the rags-to-riches tale of the young Black female singing trio from Chicago explores countless effects the competitive world of show business has on art, relationships and friendships.
The show runs from Aug. 2 to Sept. 3, 2023, Phoenix Theatre representatives report.
Inspired by acts like Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Shirelles and James Brown, “Dreamgirls” follows the journey of three friends, Effie, Deena and Lorrell, as they rise to stardom in the 1960s and 1970s.
““Dreamgirls” is the story of triumph, overcoming obstacles and most importantly, the idea that everyone can change,” said Director Daryl Brooks, who last directed “The Color Purple” at The Phoenix Theatre Company. “There are so many emotions in this show – anger, sadness, perseverance, love – it really runs the gamut.”
Tickets for “Dreamgirls” are on sale now and start at $50 and be purchased HERE.
Dreamgirls premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre Dec. 20, 1981, and closed Aug. 11, 1985, after 1,521 performances. The original production won six Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards and two Grammy Awards.
“I’ve dreamed about being part of this production my whole life because of the opportunity to tell the real, gritty and touching story of these impassioned Black women,” Mr. Brooks added. “I know audiences will leave feeling touched beyond measure after seeing this soulful production.”
The high-energy show is told through a variety of musical styles including gospel, R&B, smooth pop and disco, and features hits like, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “Listen” and “One Night Only.”
Phoenix Theatre offers ‘Dreamgirls’ through Sept. 3 at Mainstage Theatre
Theresa Kellar, a first-time ensemble swing cast member at The Phoenix Theatre Company, is proud to be part of the production.
“This is not a story of Black trauma. It is a story about Black joy and celebration of talent; it also displays representation on stage for young Black boys and girls,” she said. “Seeing a show like this is important for audiences because it exemplifies that we are all people with the opportunity to gain experience and evolve as humans.”
The cast for “Dreamgirls” at The Phoenix Theatre Company includes many recognizable faces as well as new talent, including Will James, Jr. as Curtis, Candace Haynes as Deena, Miciah Lathan as Effie, Aja Downing as Lorrell, Brett Michael Lockley as C.C., Antonio King as Jimmy, Kendrick Stallings as Marty, and ensemble members Matravius Avent, Wesley Bradstreet, Jacqueline Castillo, Michelle Chin, Navaris Darson, Chris Elliott, Michael Ray Fisher, Andrea Fleming, Aaron Ford, Jari Haile, Savannah Inez, Alexandria Joy, Jazmin Noel Moehring, Justin Phillips, and Karley Purnell.
Ensemble swing cast includes Henry Dyson, Chafik Jay, Theresa Kellar, Prescott Smidt and Sheilah Utley.
Tickets for “Dreamgirls” are on sale now and start at $50 and be purchased HERE.