DREAMGIRLS B'way '84 Act Two Opening
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- In honor of the 40th anniversary of "Dreamgirls" (Broadway premiere 12/20/81): The second-act opener, "The Dreams in Las Vegas," created for the Los Angeles production of "Dreamgirls" and subsequently put into the Broadway production. Here's the original '81 Deena, Sheryl Lee Ralph, in the new number, on Broadway in 1984, with Teresa Burrell, Brenda Pressley, and original '81 Broadway cast members Ben Harney, Cleavant Derricks, and Vondie Curtis-Hall. At the beginning of this clip, I've placed the very beginning of the show, missing from the long-circulated 1981 original Broadway cast "Dreamgirls" video. For more from the original "Dreamgirls," see • DREAMGIRLS L.A. '83 , • DREAMGIRLS Tonys '82 , and • DREAMGIRLS Sheryl Lee ...
Sheryl quickly and gracefully walking up and down the moving stairs in heels is crazy
This was FANTASTIC
Ms Ralph is the best Deena I’ve ever seen. And i saw them alll on broadway
THE REIMAGINING OF THIS SEQUENCE CHANGED THE COURSE OF THIS ACT - THAT WAS PURE BRILLIANCE! AMAZING! FANTASTIC!
Sheryl Lee Ralph starred in a musical I wrote that played in Los Angeles. No other words to describe--she is the best!!! I adore her!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You've done it again. I never knew that when Michael Bennett incorporated the LA Act 2 opening in the Broadway production that Sheryl Lee Ralph was still with the company. That's so awesome to see the original Deena doing the improved, in my opinion, version. I love, love, love the LA opener over the original opener medley that was used. The Vegas dancers, the stair choreography, the white furs and the bridge rising are just amazing. (LA's original Deena, Linda Leilani Brown, also performed the Act 2 opener phenomenally.) Thank you. You've shared so many great theatrical treasures with us. Very much appreciated. You and your channel are THE BEST!
Thank you so much. I believe the four original-cast principals present here may have been playing return engagements, rather than appearing in the show throughout the first three years of the run. These four include two Tony winners, Ben Harney and Cleavant Derricks.
I TOTALLY AGREE THE CHANGE IN THIS ACT MADE THIS VERY FRESH AND A STEP INTO THE FUTURE FOR THE PERFORMERS OF THAT TIME AND HOW THE SHOW CHANGED TO THINK OF THAT TIME!
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 yes many of the cast members left & came back during the original run of the show. Loretta Devine, Deborah Burrell & Cleavant Derricks were the only ones still in the show by the time it closed.
@@GETOSUPASTAR Actually Deborah Burrell was gone 3 years she came back the last month and half to play Deana because she was taking it out on tour. Cleavant was not in it at the end his twin brother Clinton Derricks Carroll was playing Jimmy. Ben Harney Curtis left with 4 months left Weyman Thompson replaced him
OMG!!! This is the act 2
Opening I saw in 1985 as a sophomore in college! Sheryl Lee wasn’t playing Deena, unfortunately, but this number (and Heavy) stuck out in my mind. I was blown away when they lifted into the air when the number finished. Lorell and Michelle held onto cables and Deena throw her hands up and kept them up as the bridge rose! I marveled that she kept her balanced! Great memories. Thanks for uploading
"Heavy" may be the most exciting sequence in the show/staging.
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 100% agree with you!
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 do you have the video of it? I'd love to see that sequence!! (either way, I'm so grateful for your channel, it's a godsend for those of us who are too young and/or weren't able to see these back in the day)
So interesting to see how laid back some of the performances are after so many years on Broadway. Also the advance in quality of video recording in 3 years is noticeable lol
that was Sheryl Lee Ralph, Brenda Pressley and Terry Burrell . Loretta Devine had leave from the show to do a summer show at Radio City Music hall and was gone for 4 months. Terry Burrell moved up to Lorrell. Brenda Pressley, who oirginally replaced Jennifer Holiday as Effie, was playing Michelle. Sheryl Lee Ralph would leave show shortly after this was made and Brenda Pressley took over as Deana. Roz Ryan at this time was playing Effie. she had understudied the role for a year and given the role that April and would play till closing a year and half later. Brenda Pressley understudied Deana, Effie and Michelle and played each role for long periods of time. Terry Burrell played Michelle for 3 years taking over from her sister Debbie. She got to play Lorrell for the 4 months Lorreta Devine was on leave.
Linda Leilani Brown took over the role of Deena when Sheryl left the show and did the show a whole year until Debbye Burrell can in the last couple of months to play Deena
@@youndatmonkee Actually Linda came in 6 weeks after Sheryl left the show and then only stayed 6 weeks She was MIA and missing a lot of show and out by the end of the year. Brenda played Deana till May when Debbie came in because they wanted to get her ready for the tour and Roz Ryan who was playing Effie left to do the workshop of Big Deal for 5 weeks which Put Kecia Lewis in Effie with no understudy for Effie, but Brenda . Debbie had not committed fully beause of scheduling conflicts. Brenda played both Deana and Effie several times during May with dates Debbie was not there and When Kecia could not go on since she had not played Effie full 8 shows a weeks. Terry Burrell left the show for a period of time to do workshop of Wind and the Willows. Brenda was the cover for Effie Deana and Michelle. Same time Loretta Devine was out for 4 weeks and Arneita Walker came in since she was going on Tour with Debbie to get them ready. there was one weekend in May when Brenda was listed on call board as playing both Effie and Deana. Brenda played Effie and another cast mate played Deana for 2 of the shows till Kecia came back for Effie and Brenda played Deana the rest of weekend.
@@skipp4295 so who was the original replacement on Broadway for Jennifer? You never hear much about her replacements. Also, Brenda replaced Sheryl when she left before Linda? Did they offer Brenda over Phylicia Rashad?
@@atlsuperstar Actually Phylicia Rachad left November of the first year (show had only run for 10 months) Sheryl stayed in show for another 2 1/2 years. so there was no reason to offer anyone her role. Now Ethel Beatty from the musical Eubie came as her understudy to replace Phylicia . At that time Brenda was playing Effie because Jennifer had taken vacation time before she went to the west coast company of Dreamgirls. Vanessa Townsend (Effie) did not come into show till mid February. Reason #2 many companies have what they call wonderstudies. Brenda was one She covered 3 starring roles Effie, Deana, and Michelle. They are more valuable in that capacity. Several of the leads in Dreamgirls would take couple months off at a time. Then when someone like Brenda took over for them during their leave they had a top performer playing the role. When show closed Brenda went to Cats and was the first black female to play Grisabella Hope that helps
What a treat seeing that Sheryl Lee Ralph came back to perform in the show. Thanks for posting this! Maybe one day get to hear Miss Ralph and Effie's reunion duet down the line from this. 🙂
I would love to see a Live Broadcast performance of Dreamgirls with the original music, costumes, and staging.
yass
Yes! Because after the original Broadway production, and the first production in Los Angeles it’s been down hill ever since. And what made it worse for me was the Beyonce treatment of productions after the movie!
So thrilled to see this after almost 4 decades! Was blown away by it when I saw on Broadway. No other production’s Act 2 has been as good
Thank you so so much for posting this!! Would love love love to see Heavy & the Act One finale w Roz Ryan😭🙏🏼 Incredible as always.
I second this
Thank you so much for posting this! I saw the original production with the original cast in July 1982 and again in December 1983 with this revised opening and a different cast. I had completely forgotten about the incredible step work. What still blows me away is the sheer cinematic quality of this production--the fades, wipes, dissolves--that has never been captured again in subsequent productions. I still love Robin Wagner's original set and the fact that it flowed (danced) with the music. You can see that here with the towers that move and turn in time to the music. And how about the handoffs of the hand held mikes by the Dreams?! I had to watch it three times to figure out how they went from coming down the stairs with mikes to singing in front of the stationary ones without to moving with. Just brilliant!!
I just re-watched to follow the women handing OFF the mics to the men then getting the mics handed back to them, all built seamlessly into the choreography. Nothing about this video segment is easy -- precision from start to finish. The show was HOT from start to finish and deserves its status as one of the most amazing productions to date. At 6:40, notice the tower as it moves from SR to SL -- the original show logo (beveled leg) is on the towers(s). So much detail!
Thank you! I've always wanted to see/hear Ms. Ralph do this version.
Oh my goodness! What a treat it is to see Sheryl Lee Ralph (the original Deena) do this. Thank you!!!
I can’t believe this monumental show lost to NINE as best musical. This cast was beyond. Michael Bennet was an alien!
I love this footage. Priceless memories.
STEP, STEP, STEP ON OVER!
This I is a thrilling opening but I’m still nervous when they raise at the end with no handrails. Yikes. Thank you for this.
I'd be scared stiff, but those ladies were youthful and agile.
Actually it was more of an illusion ie the platform they were on did not rise all that much the lighting bars were lowering making it look like they were going up a lot further. They only went up approximately 3 feet but it does look like they are going all the way up.
This act 2 fits the show better than the original one.
I agree. The first one was a clever way to do an entr'acte and reprise numbers from the first act. This one tells you more about Deena and the Dreams.
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 I agree I do miss the press conference after the opening of the second act. Has some great info that was lost. Would love to see Julia. I cant seem to find anything except that little bit that Seth played durring his special all effies. If you have anything with Julia would love to see it. Thank you
@@atouchofwellbeing8555 The episode was one of the best, most informative sessions on "Dreamgirls" I have ever seen. Loved it and loved them.
Ah yes, I remember this change. I seem to recall a lot of hype about the changes to Act Two and my reaction at the time was, "Eh." Seeing it again and having experienced more Vegas shows, I understand this opening better and am more impressed by it. QUESTION: at the end of Act Two, did the orchestra appear onstage in tuxes in the revised version? Why do I recall this? Lastly, THANK YOU for all these clips!!!!! (special note: I couldn't figure out how they went from mics on stands to handhelds -- watch closely at 3:57 to 4:01 for all the women's right hand mic handoff....Michael Bennett was tricky and slick!)
Holy Crap! The mic handoff. Amazing!
At the end of act two the men were in gray tux and women in Grey velvet jackets with grey chiffon dress under them and a sheer curtain made it looked like there was an orchestra playing instruments for the finale. You are correct in remembering that. At the bows the 8 stars were in there finale outfits. and the rest of cast were in the gray grab. So it was the cast as orchestra not the real orchestra.
The beginning is def the 1st Act opener... the rest is Act 2. "Don't TOUCH me, Marty!"
This is beyond amazing to see! I always wanted to Sheryl do this opening and finally got to see it! Who was the Effie during this show?
Roz Ryan
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 Omg!! Roz is one of my favorite Effies! I wasn't aware that Roz and Sheryl ever shared the stage though that's so cool!!
Roz Ryan took over the first week of April of this year and this was shot in July. She played Effie for 16 months. After Vanessa Townsend did a year and left the 3rd week of February Roz Ryan (who had understudied the role for 10 months) and Julia McGirt alternated performances for 2 weeks Michael Bennett could not make up his mind. In his mind he never wanted a large woman playing the role ( the whole reason she is referred to as "fatter" is she is pregnant) and Roz Ryan is very light skinned. She was better vocally but did not look, in his words, black enough. Julia McGirt was thinner and darker and had understudied it for 3 months the year before. McGirt did it for little less than 3 months. Roz took over and played Effie on Broadway longer than any other Effie.
I'll be honest I like the Original Act 2 Opening, That staging is rarely seen and there was a costume change from the LA production that is rarely seen two.
Will always be pissed this wasn’t in the film and has been changed and cut frequently from recent productions
Beyonce put a version of this into her tour for a while after the film.
Oh for a time machine…
Thank you so much for posting this! I have SO many bootleg audios & videos from various productions but I've never seen this one! Do you have the full show from this performance? ❤
Question. I’m seeking some new Dreamgirls material, so would you be interested in a trade?
Do you know if there is any audio/video of Julia McGirt as Effie?
@@bradleyscarton3931 There is a few audios not sure if there is any video footage but I do have a audio recording.
@@bradleyscarton3931 I would love to hear or see Julia. Ive seen many effies including Jennifer but Jukia always stood out. It was also so wonderful to see Brenda again. I saw as Effie a few times and she was also amazing
It is so interesting that LLB in LA seemed to be slightly more seductive and their version seemed smoother.
Perhaps because the new Act II opening was built around Linda Leilani Brown so it feels a little off with SLR? I also think Miss Ralph is playing up the Little Girl Deena/Diana stage persona whereas Miss Brown was playing A WOMAN.
LLB took over on Broadway just a few days after this video was shot.
Oh God, yes, exactly what I was thinking. Nevertheless, this is the first time I have seen the revised Opening Act II with Sheryl Lee Ralph. It's very good, but I admit I'm used to LLB and it's what I prefer.
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 that’s what I was thinking. Leilani did the show like June/July 84 until the following summer and Debbye came and did the last few weeks before the show closes
SLR said in an interview that she was kinda over it by this time. She said one night she was in position for the opening of Act 2 and couldn’t remember a single lyric. She knew it was time to leave at that point. Lol. Loretta Devine also said in her Unsung episode that SLR opposed the new opening initially because Michael Bennett made such a huge deal about how great the LA company was. Possible contributing factors to her interpretation of this number. Who knows?
Who was this Lorrell? Man she had some vocals!
Terry Burrell. She took over as Michelle when her sister Debra went out with the show to LA. Terry played Lorrell while Loretta was away and then went back to playing Michelle when Loretta returned.
can you post any more from this Show?
Do you have any footage of Julia Mcirt as Effie. She was one of my favorite Effie and I would love to see her again Thank you
I’ve been looking for this recording for so long after losing it and can’t find it in the encore trading page anywhere. Please tell me where I can get it.
Wow! I was wondering would the new 2nd act be changed in NYC? Oh yes plus with Miss. Ralph doing it in NYC? Great!
That act 2 opening was changed in NYC, just a few months after the show premiered in LA. I want to say June 83.
This is amazing. Do you have steppin to the bad side?
More more plssss
Awesome! Who is the lady playing Lorell cuz she is amazing. And I like the old Act 2 Opening personally
Terry Burrell is Lorell.
@@auroraspiderwoman5886 oh thank you. And another question, was Deborah Burrell doing the National Tour version at the time?
@@xavierdallenmusicuniverse6304 yes, but she came back to the show and replaced SLR as Deena and played her until the close in '85.
@@GETOSUPASTAR WOW!!! That is very interesting. Thanks for giving me some history behind this
@@xavierdallenmusicuniverse6304 welcome!😉 another fun fact; when Deborah was considered to come back to the NY production (as Deena) Terry Burrell was playing her former role of Michelle at that point. Michael Bennett wasn't sure about it, because with them being sisters he thought it might confuse the audience seeing as they look so much alike...but they tried it out, and nobody really made notice of it so... Terry (Michelle), Loretta (Lorrell) & Deborah (Deena) were the last iteration of the Dreams by the time the show closed in 1985!❤
for all you theater fans, is the film of Dreamgirls (2006) comparable to the original musical? How do you generally feel about it? I want to experience this show & feel like the adaptation is the closest I can get
There are bootlegs of the orignal on line you should watch it and then you will be able to see how you feel about it. Everyone’s gonna have a different opinion. I thought the film did a good job with the exception of omitting Aint No Party and having the argument in Heavy not sung….that’s my favorite part of the whole show and I missed it in the movie :(
I loved the film when it originally came out, but after seeing more clips of the original Broadway and national tour productions, I've begun to see the film differently. I think the film strayed too close in blurring the lines with the Motown/Supremes story which was a big mistake. I think several people were miscast in their roles such as Beyonce. I'm not particularly fond of the 2nd act rewrite especially losing the amazing 2nd act Vegas opening and "Ain't No Party." And the music production lost the magic of Harold Wheeler's original scoring. It sounded too current and not 60s/70s/Broadway sounding enough. There are other small things like some of the choices in costume design, etc. I wish they did differently, but that doesn't impact the movie. Overall it's a good film, but it's clear the stage version was more cinematic, if you can imagine, way more energetic, and the actors from the original stage productions were better in the roles than anyone in the film version.
Yes, biggest difference between stage and screen is numerous sung sections became spoken dialogue in the film, losing the often operatic quality of the stage version. And the film seemed scared of musical numbers that weren't "on stage" songs.
Great movie but it lost me with Beyoncé as Deena and then adding her a powerhouse ballad just takes away from the story cause it’s nothing light about her voice and don’t even get me started on having a light skin Deena. 🙄
Both different; both good. The stage version had an excitement of the "live" performances; meaning, when the audience also doubled as an audience for the onstage "show within a show". The audience also was a voyeur into the backstage drama and lives of the characters. That kind of immediacy can not be duplicated by a film.