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Dreamgirls Opens North Shore Music Theatre Season

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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 sub-footer-nsmt“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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Celebrity Takeover

Tituss Burgess Has New Music, A New Movie, & No Time For Mess + The Preacher’s Wife Musical Update

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Tituss Burgess' Saint Tituss EP cover
Tituss Burgess' Saint Tituss EP cover

On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tituss Burgess gave us an update on his musical adaptation of the 1996 movie, The Preacher’s Wife – starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. On the late-night talk show, a viewer called in to ask if there had been any updates regarding the show and Burgess shared that:

“ We are very close to signing with a hot-shot producer in New York, which means that the show is closer to appearing in London or here. But there’s also a recent development which could delay it for the better. You’ll find out about it later”

So not only do we know that the musical is still on its way to bless us, but there is an announcement about the show on the way! If you ask me, this is incredibly exciting. Tituss Burgess’ career has gone from stage to screen, and his abilities as an actor and singer are undeniable. Knowing that we are closer to seeing his skills as a musical theatre composer is mad exciting. Watch a clip from the interview above.

While we wait for The Preacher’s Wife Musical, listen to Burgess’ newly released EP Saint Tituss. Burgess sings his face off as he skillfully talks about issues that are personal and political — all while wrapping things up with a joyous celebration of resilience as positivity. He also has two songs that feature Daniel J. Watts including the single 45

St. Tituss is available on Spotify, apple music, and other streaming platforms.

He also has a new movie on the way. “Dolemite Is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy along with Burgess, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, & more will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A national release date has not been set as of yet but is sure to be on its way.

 

While discussing the new movie during the same interview, Cohen asked Burgess about his relationship with Murphy. The way Cohen presented the question insinuates there might have been a problem between the two because of a ‘problematic past with the gays’ on Murphy’s part. The response given by Burgess is swift and loaded with “you tried it, but you won’t get me”:

“He wasn’t problematic for Tituss. We had a wonderful time. We talked about Dreamgirls and he should have won the Oscasr, I believe. He was great. Any troubles he may have had with gay people I guess are gone because he loved me.”

It is the following facial expression and the interaction that comes afterward that makes live television great. You can see Burgess say something to someone off-camera which leads Cohen to ask what he’s saying. Burgess replies with a soon-to-be iconic response to everything: “Keep going, girl. Do your show.”

and this is why we live.

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Coming Soon

The Public Theater Will Present Hercules Musical & Hercules Is Black!

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The Muses via Hercules film

We knew it was coming, we just didn’t know when. Back in 2017, we reported that a musical adaptation of the Disney movie Hercules would be headed to Broadway. Now we can confirm that is somewhat true.

Hercules will be the latest Disney musical to be made for the stage and will play Off-Broadway at the Public Theater’s Delacorte Theater in Central Park. As the final show of the Shakespeare in the Park season theater season performances will run August 31 through September 8 with a reading set to take place in April.

The role of Hercules will be played by a Black actor, according to the casting notice

The musical will include the Oscar-nominated “Go the Distance, along with other songs from the 1997 animated film by Alan Menken & David Zippel. Presented through an arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, the show will be directed by Lear deBessonet.  The creative team also includes a book by Kristoffer Diaz, & choreography by Chase Brock.

Before Hercules, Kenny Leon will direct the Much Ado About Nothing May 21 through June 23 to begin the Shakespeare in the Park season.

Casting for all both productions will be announced at a later date

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Twitter: @BroadwayBlack

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