Atlanta Lyric Theatre will be blessing the ATL with their production of the amazing DREAMGIRLS which will play from April 8-24 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Don’t miss the romance, the backstage drama, and the incredible music. Tickets are on sale NOW at www.AtlantaLyric.com or by calling 404-377-9948!
DREAMGIRLS is a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry of the 1960’s and early 70’s, when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound. We were still screaming at Elvis and listening to the Beatles; but, we were dancing to the new beat of groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations, and The Shirelles. It’s the story of an up-and-coming girl group from Chicago, The Dreams, who become back-up singers for a James Brown-like rhythm and blues star. They are spotted by an unscrupulous manager who recognizes their potential for stardom. He takes the women under his wing, helping them crossover into the pop mainstream. What starts as encouragement turns to exploitation as his ambitions grow. The women are on a roller coaster ride to fame that includes romance and heartbreak, disappointment and redemption.
DREAMGIRLS showcases the unforgettable hits And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going), One Night Only, and I Am Changing accompanied by the Atlanta Lyric Orchestra under the direction of Conductor Brandt Blocker.
Starring in DREAMGIRLS:
Kayce Grogan-Wallace (Effie White) is a Georgia native with more than 30 years of performance experience under her belt. Getting her start singing in the church at historic Zion Baptist in Marietta, she has always been eager to showcase her God-given talents. She is a former Columbia Records recording artist where she debuted on the Billboard Hot100 at the age of 15 with her single It’s Alright from her album What Girls Are Made Of. She is a graduate of Kennesaw State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies. She is currently a Theatre teacher, and former 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year, in the Marietta City Schools system. She has been featured in numerous productions around Atlanta including Urinetown, Hairspray, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Gifts of the Magi, and Toxic Avenger. She received a Suzi Bass Award for her contribution to the ensemble of The Lyric’s Ain’t Misbehavin.’
Judith Franklin (Deena Jones) fell in love with performing as a young girl at Briarchase Baptist Church in her hometown of Missouri City, Texas. She graduated from Houston’s Grammy Award-winning High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a vocal and dance major, and received a music scholarship to Clark Atlanta University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Her theatre credits include Memphis The Musical (Aurora Theatre & Theatrical Outfit), Madea On The Run (Tyler Perry Productions), Little Shop of Horrors (Orbit Theatre Company), Motor City, Destination Anywhere, Words and Music, and What A Swell Party (Princess Cruises), Solid Gold Summer Series (Earl Smith Strand Theatre), A Soulful Christmas (Dynamite Productions), Company (Actor’s Express), and Let’s Talk About Aids (Project M.A.G.I.C.).
Chimére Scott (Lorell Robinson) is a singer, songwriter, and actress with over 13 years of professional experience. A native of Atlanta, she started performing as a child. A versatile artist, she sings R&B, Jazz, Pop and Gospel and was featured on Ludacris’ major label debut Word of Mouth. She has performed with artists such as Lyle Lovette, Outkast, Johnny Lang, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. Chimére’s credits also include television appearances on “Vampire Diaries” and “The Bessie Smith Story” starring Queen Latifah. Chimére created her own entertainment company in 2003, Southern Chocolate, Inc., and produced her debut album “Turn Me Up” which was released in 2007.
The cast also includes Kevin Harry, Eric Moore, Tina Fears, Monte J. Howell, Lawrence Flowers, Garrett Turner, and Brian Jordan, Jr.
DREAMGIRLS will be presented at the intimate Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060. Free parking is available next to the theatre. Prices range from $38.00 to $58.00. To purchase tickets, click here: www.AtlantaLyric.com. Dates and performance times are:
Friday, April 8 @ 8 pm
Saturday, April 9 @ 8 pm
Sunday, April 10 @ 2 pm
Thursday, April 14 @ 8 pm
Friday, April 15 @ 8 pm
Saturday, April 16 @ 8 pm
Sunday, April 17 @ 2 pm
Thursday, April 21 @ 8 pm
Friday, April 22 @ 8 pm
Saturday, April 23 @ 2 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, April 24 @ 2 pm
This production of DREAMGIRLS will feature the original Tony-nominated set design by Robin Wagner and original Tony-nominated costume design by Theoni V. Aldredge. The creative team for the show is Director/Choreographer Ricardo Aponte, Music Director S. Renee Clark, Production Manager Brian D. Frey, Lighting Designer Andre C. Allen, Sound Designer Jason Polhemus, Production Stage Manager Liz Campbell, Costume Coordinator Amanda Egerton West, and Hair and Wig Designer George Deavours.