Dreamgirls Opens North Shore Music Theatre Season

Broadway Black — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:45:04 +0000

Almost 35 years after its opening at the Imperial Theater on Broadway, audiences will once again be electrified by the dynamic “Dreams” in an all-new production of Dreamgirls that will begin performances at the Beverly, MA venue, North Shore Music Theatre, beginning Tuesday, June 2nd and running through Sunday, June 14.

The six-time Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s girl group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. It takes a hard look at the chaos and backstage drama that faced a popular singing group during that time. Audience members are sure to be on the edge of their seats for such well-known songs from the score such as “And I Am Telling You…”, “One Night Only”, and “I Am Changing”, among others.

“I have started every season with a strong leading lady, and this show has three amazing leading ladies,” stated North Shore Music Theatre owner and producer Bill Hanney. “Dreamgirls is 35 years old show, but the recent film has made is feel like a newer title that fits in with the rest of the musical season, which are all recent Broadway hits. While the original 1981 production of Dreamgirls featured staging that is iconic, I know that our director/choreographer, Nick Kenkel, can put a unique spin on it just as he did with last season’s acclaimed original production of Chicago. I am excited to open our new production in June.”

The 22 member cast of Dreamgirls will feature Breanna Bartley (Michelle), Britney Coleman (Deena Jones), Grasan Kingsberry (Curtis Taylor, Jr.), JC Montgomery(Marty), Bryonha Marie Parham (Effie Melody White), Destinee Rea, (Lorrell Robinson), Eric LaJuan Summers (James “Thunder” Early), and Noah J Ricketts (C.C. White).

The ensemble includes Esther Antoine, Tamala Baldwin, Darren Bunch, Alia Hodge, Kyshawn Lane, AJ Lockhart, Tim McGarrigal, Ashley McManus, NaTonia Monet, Clinton Roane, Allysa Shorte, Alex Swift, Rickey Tripp, and Akron Watson.

Dreamgirls will be directed and choreographed by Nick Kenkel. Nick’s previous shows at NSMT include Chicago and Legally Blonde. Also on the creative team are Jesse Vargas (Music Direction), Evan A. Bartoletti (Scenic Design), Paula Peasley-Ninestein (Costume Design), Ken Smith (Lighting Design), Michael Eisenberg (Sound Design), John Godbout (Production Stage Manager), Katie Scarlett (Assistant Stage Manager), Jacob Yates (Assistant Music Director), and Binder Casting (Casting). Dreamgirls will be produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Kevin P. Hill (Artistic Director), and Tom Amos (Associate Producer).

The original Broadway production was directed by the legendary Michael Bennett (A Chorus Line) and made an overnight star out of Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday. The original Broadway production also starred Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Cleavant Derricks, Obba Babatunde and others. Music by Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tom Eyen.

Tickets for Dreamgirls are priced from $54 – $79. Performances are June 2 thru June 14, Tue – Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 pm. Kids 18 and under save 50% on ‘Family Fridays’- June 5 & 12 at 8 pm. For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, Dreamgirls is sponsored by Abiomed.

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Dreamgirls Opens North Shore Music Theatre Season