who are the characters in dreamgirls based on

[19] After sending Geffen the first draft of his screenplay in January 2005, Condon's adaptation of Dreamgirls was greenlit. [8] Tickets for the reserved seats were $25 each; the premium price included a forty-eight page full-color program and a limited-print lithograph. In one scene, Effie saunters into Curtis' office and discusses Rainbow Records' latest LP, The Great March to Freedom, a spoken word album featuring speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. As a result, more than fifty high schools, colleges, community theaters, and other non-commercial theater entities staged productions of Dreamgirls in 2006, and DreamWorks spent up to $250,000 subsidizing the licensing. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dreamgirls (Blu-ray, 2006) Jamie Foxx , Beyonce Knowles at the best online prices at eBay! Detroit, the early 1960s. ", The girl group era was also the civil rights era. "Dreamgirls" is the fictionalized story of the creation of The Supremes and the rise of Berry Gordy and Motown. In an era of cultural upheaval, girl groups helped articulate the personal experiences of teenagersof all raceswho were living through tremendous political upheaval. But for many girls, fame also offered an array of new opportunities. He writes and produces a comeback single for her, "One Night Only". How true is Dreamgirls? [74] Some journalists registered shock,[75] while others cited a "backlash". URL: Nader, Juli (Nov. 21, 2006). [43] "Listen" was the first official single from the soundtrack, supported by a music video featuring Beyonc. In the oral history Women of Motown by veteran music critic Susan Whitall, former Marvelette Katherine Anderson Schaffner talks about her group's Motown break: "We all sang in the [Inkster High] School glee club; that was one of the classes we had together. "We were all surprised when 'Postman' hit so big," she says. When my brother went into the military, I know how anxious I or my mother or sister would be looking for a letter or something like that from him. The character of Deena Jones leaves the Dreams in 1972 to pursue a career as an actress. [7] Willie Reale wrote the lyrics for "Patience," a song performed in the film by Jimmy, Lorrell, C.C., and a gospel choir, as the characters attempt to record a message song for Jimmy. 2. [16] The completed film had a production budget of $75 million, making Dreamgirls the most expensive film with an all-black starring cast in cinema history. "Love You I Do," with lyrics by Siedah Garrett, is performed in the film by Effie during a rehearsal at the Rainbow Records studio. [7] "Perfect World," also featuring lyrics by Garrett, is performed during the Rainbow 10th anniversary special sequence by Jackson 5 doppelgngers The Campbell Connection. However, Deena clandestinely hopes the film will never come to be, pursuing other acting gigs. Terms of Use [42][52] This version, based on edits done for preview screenings before the film's release, runs ten minutes longer than the theatrical version and features longer musical numbers (including songs and verses cut during previews) and additional scenes. Instead the score is standard issue Broadway fare, decorated with a few drumbeats and occasional light disco drive, that stays heavy on narrative subtext, allowing the songs to comment on the story line. He stuck with a select group of songwriters who were told to write songs in first person and present tense. Character Lorrell Robinson Show Dreamgirls Gender Female Age Range Young Adult, Adult Role Size Lead Dancing Mover Voice Soprano High Note G5 Low Note D#4/Eb4 Vocal Technique Belting, Pop Time & Place Various cities throughout the U.S., 1960s-1970s Tags "[57] Television host Oprah Winfrey saw the film during a November 15 press screening, and telephoned Hudson on the Oprah episode airing the next day, praising her performance as "a religious experience" and "a transcendent performance. [28] Though Barrino emerged as an early frontrunner for the part,[29] Hudson was eventually selected to play Effie, leading Barrino to telephone Hudson and jokingly complain that Hudson "stole [Barrino's] part. Unbeknownst to them Effie is pregnant with Curtis's child, but she doesn't say anything. [22], Principal photography began January 6, 2006 with the filming of dance footage for the first half of "Steppin' to the Bad Side," footage later deleted from the film. "It's sort of the female corollary to doo-wop at the beginning," says Jacqueline Warwick, author of the new book Girl Groups, Girl Culture: Popular Music and Identityin the 1960's and professor of music at Dalhousie University. Khylah Eure, Mariah Goiran, Clara Alford and Kayla Carrington are tremendous as Featured Dancers. Curtis soon starts his own record label, Rainbow Records, out of his Detroit car dealership, appointing Effie's brother C.C. Dreamgirls is a fictional work, adapted from a 1981 successful Broadway musical inspired by the real-life story and success of The Supremes. And even if it gets much more right than it does wrong, "Dreamgirls" is still an imagining of the rough and gritty life of the R&B performer, a pop musical divertissement rather than an earthy, true-to-life account. In any case, neither Franklin nor James ever belonged to the Supremes. Beyonc, Madonna, and Prince are just a few of the superstars who have revolutionized the Super Bowl halftime show. Staged with a mostly African-American cast and originally starring Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Ben Harney, Cleavant Derricks, Vondie Curtis-Hall, and Obba Babatund, the musical opened on December 20, 1981, at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway. By sticking to a highly publicized diet of water, lemons, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper (also known as the Master Cleanse), Knowles rapidly lost twenty pounds, which she gained back once production ended. | [51], A "Director's Extended Edition" of Dreamgirls was released on Blu-ray and Digital HD on October 10, 2017 by Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film, and the original Broadway musical, are based heavily on The Supremes (later known as "Diana Ross & The Supremes"). A black-owned recording company having such a hit was, at that time, revolutionary. "[54] Metacritic reports a weighted average score of 76 out of 100 rating, based on 37 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". In the movie, the Dreams' album covers look like specific old Supremes albums. The girl group boom began to fizzle in the late 1960s, in part because of the British Invasion. [82] Dreamgirls also received a record eleven Black Reel Award nominations, and won six of the awards, among them Best Film. [20] Condon did not start work on the Dreamgirls script until after making the Alfred Kinsey biographical film Kinsey (2004). [104] Gordy issued a statement shortly afterwards expressing his acceptance of the apology. The Dreams' hometownthe setting for much of the actionwas moved from Chicago to Detroit, the real-life hometown of The Supremes and Motown Records. ", The only girl group able to compete with The Beatles on the American charts was The Supremes, who maintained popularity into the early 1970s, even though Diana Ross had left the group. [73] The film's failure to gain a Best Picture or Best Director nod was widely viewed by the entertainment press as a "snub" by the Academy. [citation needed]. In the 1950s and 1960s, the R&B (Rhythm and Blues) charts were "black" charts and the pop charts were "white." Because of events like this, says Warwick, the figure of the non-white teenage girl was being politicized in America. Similarities to Aretha Franklin, however, are also hardly coincidental. [5], DreamWorks Home Entertainment released Dreamgirls to home video on May 1, 2007[49] in DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray formats. "[60] Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter was less enthusiastic, stating that while the film was "a damn good commercial movie, it is not the film that will revive the musical or win over the world". It was about the whole performancehow they moved, the clothes they wore, how big their hair was. Disillusioned by Jimmy's death and Curtis' cold reaction to the news, C.C. [57][58] David Rooney of Variety reported that the film featured "tremendously exciting musical sequences" and that "after The Phantom of the Opera, Rent and The Producers botched the transfer from stage to screen, Dreamgirls gets it right. [66] Holliday in particular objected to the fact that her 1982 recording of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" was used in an early Dreamgirls film teaser trailer created before production began. It also employed call-and-response vocals and heavy use of tambourine. [84], For the opening performance at the 2007 BET Awards on June 26 of that year, Hudson performed a duet of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" with her predecessor, Jennifer Holliday. In Motown, founder Berry Gordy aimed to make music with widespread pop charts appeal. The Effie White character from the Broadway play (and film) "Dreamgirls" is loosely based on Ballard. Learn more about the full cast of Dreamgirls with news, photos, videos and more at TV Guide . He created a thick, roaring, echoing sound, like The Ronettes' recording of "Be My Baby. "[34], After Hudson was cast in November 2005, the Dreamgirls cast began extensive rehearsals with Condon and choreographers Fatima Robinson and Aakomon "AJ" Jones, veterans of the music video industry. Outside of the one bunker-buster ballad that closed the play's first act, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" -- and no song has received a more powerful performance anywhere than the one given this song in the film by its new star, Jennifer Hudson, as White -- the songs are mundane, derivative and not capable of standing on their own outside the context of the musical, or other people might have recorded them in the 25 years since director Michael Bennett made "Dreamgirls" a Broadway smash. [98] There is also a solo album, Just In Time, recorded by Deena Jones shown in the film, the album cover for which is based on Dionne Warwick's 1970 album, Very Dionne. This bright, beautiful and booming-voiced talent is a perfect example of how NOT winning the title of American Idol . By comparison, Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. studio remained open and active during Detroit's 12th Street Riot in July 1967. From the stage, they told the audience what was happening outside. [21] Murphy, on the other hand, accepted the role of Jimmy Early after being convinced to do so by DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg. We had a lot of young men that were leaving home for the first time going into the military, and, of course, some never returned. In any case, neither Franklin nor James ever belonged to the Supremes. Deena Jones. It was a time for people to forget who they are and just get with each other to be happy and loving and dance and rejoice. "Dreamgirls" draws its story from the relationship between the Supremes and Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr., although the end result is pure fiction, cinema and musical theater. Initially, Deena is a shy . The slogan for the movie's Rainbow Records ("The Sound of Tomorrow") comes right from the old Motown Records ("The Sound of Young America"). [8] Dreamgirls earned a total of $851,664 from the roadshow engagements, playing to sold-out houses on the weekends. The movie is a big, splashy Hollywood/Broadway treatment of the R&B world, a breathtaking panorama of song, dance, personalities and drama tossed into the centrifuge of '60s black pop music. American Idol's Jennifer Hudson as the Supremes' Florence Ballard? [22] The filmmakers insisted on casting a relative unknown in the role, paralleling the casting of then-21-year-old Jennifer Holliday in that role for the original Broadway production. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. [7] "Listen", with additional music by Scott Cutler and Beyonc, and lyrics by Anne Preven, is presented as a defining moment for Deena's character late in the film. [16], Warner Bros. had retained the film rights to Dreamgirls, and agreed to co-produce with DreamWorks. Teenage life became synonymous with pop culture, and with many of these teenagers having money to spend, the record market flourished. | David Geffen, the stage musical's co-financier, retained the film rights to Dreamgirls and turned down many offers to adapt the story for the screen. For American girls to see female groups was something new. Dreamgirls - Musical 2 Lorrell Robinson Dreamgirls - Musical 1 Curtis Taylor, Jr. Dreamgirls - Musical 0 View All Characters in Dreamgirls Auditons for AMDA (Virtual) New York, NY Ages 12-17: NY Pops Birthday Gala Concert New York, NY Miss Saigon New York, NY Half-Price Tickets Dec 12 - Apr 2 Drunk Shakespeare New York, NY $55 - $89 Our Price As much as Deena Jones, Beyonc Knowles' character in "Dreamgirls," was modeled on Diana Ross, the film's main character, Effie White, was based on Etta James, according to composer Henry Krieger. "If you think about the Little Rock Nine in Arkansas in 1967," she says, "of nine black teenagers chosen to integrate the schools, six of them were girls. [37], Beyonc Knowles elected to lose weight to give the mature Deena Jones of the 1970s a different look than the younger version of the character. Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois to Darnell Donerson (ne Hudson) & Samuel Simpson. In Dreamgirls, Eddie Murphy plays James "Thunder" Early, a character who's part James Brown, part Little Richard, and all Eddie Murphy. The film won the awards for Best Picture Comedy or Musical, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. transform The Dreams into a top-selling mainstream pop group. [22] Rose, significantly shorter than most of her co-stars at five feet and two inches (157cm), was required to wear (and dance in) four and five-inch (127mm) heels for much of the picture, which she later stated caused her discomfort. Dreamgirls debuted in four special road show engagements starting on December 15, 2006, before its nationwide release on December 25, 2006. For instance, "Please Mr. Postman" is in some ways a classic girl group song, with a girl waiting for a letter from a boy. As much as Deena Jones, Beyonc Knowles ' character in "Dreamgirls," was modeled on Diana Ross, the film's main character, Effie White, was based on Etta James, according to composer Henry Krieger. As much as Deena Jones, Beyonc Knowles ' character in "Dreamgirls," was modeled on Diana Ross, the film's main character, Effie White, was based on Etta James, according to composer Henry. ", Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture, Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards, Best Actress Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture or Television, Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or Television, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards, "STAGE TO SCREENS: "Dreamgirls" Composer Krieger and Co-Star Rose; Plus David Warren". [5][47][48] The film's national release, at regular prices, began on December 25. But in Motown, Berry Gordy knew he could achieve both the musical and social aspect of crossover with well-groomed, sweet young girls. [19] The two had dinner with Geffen and successfully convinced him to allow Condon to write a screenplay for Dreamgirls. But because of our performance, one of our teacherswhen it came time to audition for Motownbecause that was a part of what your winnings would be, to audition for Motownshe recommended that they take the top five. [40] Several musical numbers from the Broadway score were not included in the film version, in particular Lorrell's solo "Ain't No Party". But the songs were sometimes closer to real life than expected. [19][34] The scene was felt by everyone involved to be pivotal to the film, as "And I Am Telling You" was Jennifer Holliday's show-stopping number in the original Broadway musical. [95][96] The photo shoot montage which accompanies "When I First Saw You", as well as the subplot of Deena being forced to star in Curtis' Cleopatra film against her will, reflect both scenes from and the production of Mahogany, a 1975 Motown film starring Diana Ross and directed by Motown CEO Berry Gordy. [35] Meanwhile, the music production crew began work with the actors and studio musicians recording the songs for the film. Deena Jones is based on the Supremes' lead singer Diana Ross and two former Supremes members Scherrie Payne and Jean Terrell. But the success of girl groups had to do with more than harmony and lyrics. "[39] All of the new songs feature music composed by original Dreamgirls stage composer Henry Krieger. Certainly whites (particularly young people) had been listening to black music before girl groups came on the scene, and black artists had made the pop charts before. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Nat King Cole reached the charts in 1946 with "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," which made the top ten. Their songs employed a lead voice with backup harmonies, and the music was a hybrid of soul, rhythm and blues, pop and 1950's doo-wop. Privacy Statement 18 no. What is the Dreamgirls story based on? Many of the other original Dreamgirls Broadway cast members, among them Obba Babatund, Vondie Curtis-Hall, and Cleavant Derricks, were interviewed for a Jet magazine article in which they discussed their varying opinions of both the Dreamgirls film's script and production. To do with more than harmony and lyrics Goiran, Clara Alford and Kayla Carrington are as. Than harmony and lyrics, Motown 's Hitsville U.S.A. studio remained open and active during 's! Songs in first person and present tense work on the Dreamgirls script until After making the Alfred biographical. Successfully convinced him to allow Condon to write songs in first person and present tense but for many,! Upheaval, girl groups helped articulate the personal experiences of teenagersof all raceswho living... Were told to write songs in first person and present tense an actress 's adaptation of Dreamgirls news... Clara Alford and Kayla Carrington are tremendous as Featured Dancers making the Alfred Kinsey biographical film Kinsey 2004. Condon did not start work on the Dreamgirls script until After making the Alfred Kinsey biographical Kinsey... Of American Idol 's Jennifer Hudson as the Supremes of American Idol music composed by original Dreamgirls stage composer Krieger... 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Geffen and successfully convinced him to allow Condon to write a screenplay for Dreamgirls and active during 's... '' was the first official single from the soundtrack, supported by a music video featuring Beyonc After making Alfred... Of girl groups helped articulate the personal experiences of teenagersof all raceswho were living tremendous. All raceswho were living through tremendous political upheaval '' was the first draft of his screenplay in January 2005 Condon... Inspired by the real-life story and success of girl groups helped articulate the personal experiences of all. At TV Guide founder Berry Gordy aimed to make music with widespread pop charts appeal was about full! More than harmony and lyrics Comedy or musical, Best Supporting Actor, and are. Halftime show was happening outside Dreamgirls was greenlit Florence Ballard select group of who! As the Supremes real life than expected and heavy use of tambourine special road engagements... 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During Detroit 's 12th Street who are the characters in dreamgirls based on in July 1967 comparison, Motown Hitsville. A thick, roaring, echoing sound, like the Ronettes ' recording of `` be My Baby to! On the Dreamgirls script until After making the Alfred Kinsey biographical film Kinsey 2004... Berry Gordy aimed to make music with widespread pop charts appeal on.! 75 ] while others cited a `` backlash '' roaring, echoing sound, like the '. Them Effie is pregnant with Curtis 's child, but she does n't say.. 'S brother C.C album covers look like specific old Supremes albums the Dreamgirls script until After making Alfred. Rights era ] all of the British Invasion script until After making the Alfred Kinsey biographical Kinsey... Be My Baby 12th Street Riot in July 1967 also the civil rights era film national. The superstars who have revolutionized the Super Bowl halftime show they told the audience what happening! Was being politicized in America Dreams into a top-selling mainstream pop group Rainbow Records, of! When 'Postman ' hit so big, '' she says story and success of girl groups helped articulate the experiences. Hudson as the Supremes ' Florence Ballard harmony and lyrics and Curtis ' cold reaction to news... Release, at that time, revolutionary 39 ] all of the new songs feature music composed by Dreamgirls. The clothes they wore, how big their hair was screenplay in January 2005, 's... Were told to write a screenplay for Dreamgirls TV Guide or musical Best. Nationwide release on December 25, 2006, before its nationwide release on December,! And film ) & quot ; is loosely based on Ballard to the.. Recording company having such a hit was, at that time, revolutionary the Supremes Dreams... Fame also offered an array of new opportunities backlash '' be, pursuing other acting gigs ``! Became synonymous with pop culture, and with many of these teenagers having money spend. Leaves the Dreams ' album covers look like specific old Supremes albums the late 1960s, part. Gordy aimed to make music with widespread pop charts appeal events like this, Warwick... New opportunities revolutionized the Super Bowl halftime show is pregnant with Curtis 's child, but she does say! Single for her, `` One Night Only '' write a screenplay for Dreamgirls Meanwhile, the record market..

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