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Broadway theater

Dreamgirls Returns to Broadway with Global Search for New Stars

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The hit musical Dreamgirls is set to return to Broadway in the fall of 2026, with a global search underway to find its new stars. The original production, which played from 1981 to 1985, was a groundbreaking success, winning six Tony awards and two Grammys. The iconic song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" reached number one on the R&B chart, cementing the show's place in musical theatre history. The new production will be directed by five-time Tony nominee Camille A. Brown and produced by Sonia Friedman's company, which has a reputation for bringing innovative and critically acclaimed productions to the stage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The revival of Dreamgirls is set to start in the fall of 2026, marking the show's return to Broadway after a long hiatus.
  • The production will be directed by Camille A. Brown, a five-time Tony nominee with credits including the revival of for colored girls.
  • Sonia Friedman's company will produce the show, which includes stage productions of Stranger Things and Stereophonic.
  • The search for new stars will take place globally, with auditions scheduled in 12 cities across the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
  • The original production starred Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Holliday, and Loretta Devine, while the 2006 film adaptation starred Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson.
  • The musical tells the story of a three-piece girl group and their rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Dreamgirls is one of many revivals set to hit Broadway in the next year, including Lea Michele's new take on Chess and a new staging of the Tony award-winning Ragtime.

Statistics:

  • The original production of Dreamgirls played from 1981 to 1985 and won six Tony awards.
  • The show was adapted into a hit film in 2006, starring Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson.
  • The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson's performance.
  • The new production is set to start in the fall of 2026.
  • Auditions for the show will take place in 12 cities across the globe.

Sources:

  • New York Times (no publication date provided)
  • Variety (no publication date provided)
  • Playbill (no publication date provided)

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