A co-production of Musical Theatre Southwest and The African American Performing Arts Center

About the Show:

Music by Henry Krieger; Book and Lyrics by Tom Even 

-Premiered at the Imperial Theatre on December 20, 1981 and ran through August 11, 1985

During the late 1960's and early 70's, three friends from Detroit, Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson, form an R&B act called 'The Dreamettes'. The women compete in a local talent contest where they are discovered by Curtis Taylor, Jr., a ruthless talent manager who offers them a job to be the backup singers for headliner James 'Thunder' Early. They take the job and soon find out that Curtis has now taken over their lives. Their first professional show is at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Effie's brother, C.C. White is a talented songwriter who begins to write songs for Early and the group. Using the talents of C.C., Curtis decides to change their style from R&B music to pop music and to go out on their own. Curtis also moves the beautiful Deena to the lead singer spot and moves Effie to backup. Now called 'The Dreams,' they become a worldwide success with Deena as the lead singer. However, in time the three women realize that life is not all about fame and fortune. The discover that family and friends are the most important aspect of life. 

Accolades: 

1982 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Jennifer Holiday), Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Cleavant Derricks), Best Choreographer (Michael Bennett and Michael Peters) and Best Lighting Design (Tharon Musser). 

1982 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Book in a Musical, Outstanding Actress in a Musical, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Set Design, Outstanding Lighting Design, 

1983 Grammy Awards for  Best Cast Show Album and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (Jennifer Holiday- “And I am Telling You”).

Please note this show is at the African American Performing Arts Center:

The African American Performing Arts center is located on Expo New Mexico grounds. Patrons may access the AAPAC through gate 3 off San Pedro. Expo NM reserves the right to charge for parking at any time. Usually $5 - cash only.