Dreamgirls company celebrates first day of rehearsals
Images have been released showing the company of Dreamgirls celebrating their first day of rehearsals, ahead of the show beginning previews next month.
Opening at the Savoy Theatre in November, Dreamgirls follows girl group The Dreamettes on their rise to success and is based on the stories of R 'n' B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown and Jackie Wilson.
Amber Riley, best known for playing Mercedes Jones in the hit US high-school show Glee, will take on the role of Effie White, played by Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 film. Further casting includes Tyrone Huntley (Jesus Christ Superstar) as C.C. White and Joe Aaron Reid (In The Heights) as Curtis Taylor Jr.
With music by Henry Krieger, and lyrics and a book by Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls first opened on Broadway in 1981 and was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won six.
Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs the show, with Sonia Friedman producing.
Dreamgirls opens at the Savoy Theatre on 14 December, with previews from 19 November.
