This is a really special announcement. Back in November when we interviewed Amber Riley for The Wiz Live!, before she blew us all away with her performance as Addaperle in the NBC ratings hit, we asked her if she had an ideal role she’d like to portray. This is what she had to say:
BB: So is this a good transition for you into the theatre community?AR: Yes. (laughs) I already knew you were gonna ask me that.BB: Is there an ideal role that you have?AR: Yes there is and I can’t talk about it yet.BB: For another time?AR: (Still laughing) Yes for another time.
#DREAMGIRLS to run @SavoyTheatreLdn ,Previews from Nov, 1st night in https://t.co/9jLcXHeTiZ on sale from mid March pic.twitter.com/SYKS2EM40M
— Baz Bamigboye (@BazBam) February 4, 2016
Well. Cat is out the bag! Been keeping this in since June ☺️🙌🏾🙈 see ya in London! #thedream #newgig #westend #dreamgirlsLDN A photo posted by Amber Riley (@msamberpriley) on
Do you guys know how hard it was to keep this a secret?!?!? 😂#DreamgirlsLDN thank you for being excited with me!
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) February 5, 2016
The musical, which features music by Henry Krieger and a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, tells the story of a singing trio of black divas, “The Dreams,” and their rise to stardom in the 60’s. The trio is eventually torn apart by another predictable trio of fame, fortune, and men. The original Broadway production opened on December 20, 1981, and closed on August 11, 1985, after 1,521 performances. The cast starred Sheryl Lee Ralph as “Deena Jones,” Jennifer Holliday as “Effie White,” Loretta Devine as “Lorrell Robinson,” Ben Harney as “Curtis Taylor, Jr.,” Cleavant Derricks as “James “Thunder” Early,” and Obba Babatundé as “C. C. White.”
Now, don’t forgot that Ms. Riley has a little experience with the role from her Fox Tv’s GLEE days. She’s bound to be way beyond this in the role nowadays. Watch below! Also check out the website for the London production HERE.
