Walnut Street Theatre (WST) is thrilled to bring the acclaimed award-winning musical “Dreamgirls” to life as they close their 216th season of dreams. This dazzling production begins previews on March 25, opens April 2, and runs through May 4.
Stars rise and fall… but dreams live forever! This sensational Broadway musical tells the story of a 1960s Supremes-like girl group that catches its big break during an amateur competition. But will their friendship – and their music – survive the rapid rise from obscurity to pop super stardom? Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, “Dreamgirls” is a sweeping and inspirational journey with a dazzling production, powerhouse vocal performances, and an unforgettable score filled with pop, R&B, gospel, disco and more!
First premiering on Broadway in 1981, “Dreamgirls” took the theatre world by storm, earning six Tony Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Book. With book and lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger, the show’s infectious score and dazzling spectacle quickly cemented it as a Broadway classic. Following its acclaimed original run, “Dreamgirls” was reimagined for a new generation in a star-studded 2006 film adaptation, which won two Academy Awards. In 2016, the show made its long-awaited West End debut at London’s Savoy Theatre, where it played to sold-out crowds and earned critical acclaim, including two Olivier Awards for acting performances. Decades after its debut, “Dreamgirls” continues to shine as a beloved staple of musical theatre, capturing the soul and spirit of an era.
Leading the cast as The Dreams, the trio at the heart of the story, are AVEENA SAWYER as the powerhouse Effie White, GABRIELLE BECKFORD as the ambitious Deena Jones, and KHALIFA WHITE as the lively Lorrell Robinson; all three are making their Walnut debuts in these roles. CHALI COOKE (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) joins as Michelle, rounding out the evolving girl group as they navigate the music industry’s highs and lows.
CLAYTON CORNELIOUS makes his Walnut debut as he takes on the role of the electrifying James “Thunder” Early, with JARRAN MUSE also making his debut as the smooth yet ruthless Curtis Taylor Jr. DEVIN L. ROBERTS (Hairspray) portrays C.C. White, the young songwriter with big dreams, while Tony Award nominee (The Scottsboro Boys) FORREST MCCLENDON (Finian’s Rainbow) brings to life Marty, the group’s steadfast advocate and mentor.
If You Go:
Previews begin March 25, 2025 and the show runs through May 4, 2025. Open captioning will be available on Sunday, April 6 for the 7 pm performance; audio description will be available on Thursday, April 17 for the 2pm performance.
Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 PHONE: 215-574-3550
TICKETS: walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.com