The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida, is bringing the Tony Award-winning musical “Dreamgirls” to its stage for its final show of the summer July 7-Aug. 6.
“Based in the 1960s, ‘Dreamgirls’ is about the journey of three friends experiencing the trials and tribulations of the music industry. ‘Dreamgirls’ will explore the themes of ambition, hope and betrayal to a soundtrack of gospel, R&B, pop, disco and more,” the theatre stated in a press release.
The musical is a fictional tale but follows closely the real-life story of The Supremes, a musical act of three young Black singers who become superstars.
“Dreamgirls” originally opened on Broadway in 1981 and went on to win six Tony Awards. The musical became a popular film in 2006 starring Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.
The production stars Brianna Javis, Jazzmin Carson and Stephanie Dorcely as the singing trio, The Dreams.
Also joining the cast is James Berkley, a professional singer and actor with a strong body of work behind him. He was in “Miss Saigon” on Broadway, performed in “The King & I” in various regional theaters and even taken “Starlight Express” to international stages.
In his own words, Berkley broke down for those curious about the show what the center issue of Dreamgirls is.
“‘Dreamgirls’ is about the struggles of Black performers getting recognition,” Berkley says. “A lot of the work that — especially back in the day — the Black performers did, white people redid their way and became more famous for it. For example, like Elvis singing ‘Hound Dog.'”
“Dreamgirls” brings up a salient issue from that era that is still relevant today, performers of color being recognized for their contributions to the craft and honored for their work. Berkley says the issue might be getting better but he still feels it’s an important conversation to have.
“Our story specifically is talking about the ’50s and ’60s, but it’s still happening today in 2023. Maybe not on such a scale because there’s accountability with the internet and stuff like that, but it still happens.”
As the opening of the production approaches, Berkley says he and the cast are nervous but excited to get audiences in seats. Berkley hopes it will open their minds to new experiences and start conversations they might not have before.
“I think they’re gonna leave having learned something, having grown a little bit,” Berkley says.
Ticket start at $30 and are available for purchase at GardenTheatre.org.
