Jennifer Hudson Producing ‘Dreamgirls’ Return to Broadway

Hey, Dreamgirls, lovers! Word on the curb is that the classic musical is getting a Broadway revival, and Jennifer Hudson will serve as a producer. The television host and EGOT-winning star shared the news earlier this week on her televised talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show.

“This fall, Dreamgirls is coming back to Broadway for the very first time since its open 45 years ago in 1981,” she excitedly shared. “Now, it’s being reimagined for a whole new generation, which I am so excited about. Now, I finally get to tell you that I am a producer on the team for the revival of this iconic musical! There’s going to be so much more to share in time, but I’ve been having so much fun working with this amazing team, and I cannot wait to share the incredible production this fall.”

The newly reimagined Broadway revival will be directed and choreographed by five-time Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, known for her work on musicals such as Hell’s Kitchen and Gypsy. Dates and casting details have not yet been announced on the musical’s official website.

Dreamgirls’ production premiered at New York City’s Imperial Theatre from Dec. 20, 1981, until Aug. 11, 1985. Its original cast starred Sheryl Lee Ralph as Deena Jones, Loretta Devine as Lorrell Robinson, and Jennifer Holiday as Effie Melody White. In 1983, the production embarked on a domestic tour with new cast members, including Holiday as Effie. The musical was later revived in America before ultimately kicking off an international tour and another national tour. Eventually, Dreamgirls made its way to London’s West End Savoy Theatre with Amber Riley playing White.

The musical went on to win numerous Drama Desk Awards and Tony Awards, e.g. Best Book of a Musical, Lighting Design, Best Choreography, and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. On the music front, the original cast recording won a Grammy for Best Cast Show Album in 1983. Holiday also took home an award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” In 2006, Hudson won an Academy Award for her role as White in the film adaptation, which co-starred Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, and Eddie Murphy.

Now, before you go and rewatch the 2006 Dreamgirls movie again, revisit the original cast video below.