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Home • News

Dream Girls

Dream Girls
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
Supreme Inspiration

The Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” was loosely based on the Supremes.

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02
Cult Classic

“Dreamgirls” opened on December 20, 1981. The musical was nominated for 13 Tony Awards (including the Tony Award for Best Musical) and won six.

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03
Techno Color Dreams

Cindy Herron-Braggs, Jennifer Holliday and Kiara Bennett preforming in the original Broadway version of “DreamGirls”

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04
Stars Are Born

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine in the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls”

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05
Pretty in Pink

Jennifer Holliday, Cindy Herron-Braggs and Kiara Bennett preforming in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls.”

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06
Glamour Girls

Debra Burrell, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine from the cast of “Dreamgirls” at Tony Awards party at the New York Hilton after the musical won six awards.

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07
Black on Broadway

The 1981 musical brought Black stars to Broadway and appealed to everyone.

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08
The Voice

Jennifer Holliday’s legendary voice made “Dreamgirls” a hit on Broadway and her performance of “I Am Telling You” is iconic.

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Crossover Artists

Anika Noni Rose, Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson sing, dance and act in the film adaptation of “Dreamgirls.”

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10
Divas Live

Beyonce played Deena Jones, a character some said was based on Diana Ross. The role also has some similarities to Beyonce’s own break-out career with Destiny’s Child.

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11
“And I Am Telling You”

Jennifer Hudson’s dramatic rendition of “And I Am Telling You,” sung originally by Jennifer Holliday help her win the Oscar.

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12
Star Burst

“Dream Girls” the movie was a visual delight. It also brought the music of the 1982 Broadway play to a new generation.

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13
The Winner

Jennifer Hudson won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Dreamgirls.”

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14
Bringing the Drama

The costumes, music and dialogue in “Dreamgirls” are a throwback to a time of Broadways golden era. The new “Dreamgirls” national tour keeps the story alive.

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15
Casting Call

“Dreamgirls” brings the Black experience, music and performance to the stage for all generations.

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16
Breakthrough Act

Moya Angela plays Effie White, the role popularized by both Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson, in the 2009 “Dreamgirls.”

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17
A New Dream

Meet the new stars of “Dreamgirls” which began it’s National Tour at The Apollo Theater.

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