Is Dreamgirls an all black cast?

Gender and racial issues are represented in Dreamgirls being a black-cast musical with three female lead roles.

Who are the three original Dreamgirls?

The musical starred Jennifer Holliday as Effie White, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Deena, and Loretta Devine as Lorell—the trio at the center of it all—breakout roles for each. The original production opened December 20, 1981, at Broadway's Imperial Theatre.

Who are the Dreamgirls supposed to be?

The film, which is up for eight Oscars on Sunday, is loosely based on the Supremes, the girl group she co-founded in the late '50s with her best friends from her Detroit neighborhood.

Is Dreamgirls about Diana Ross?

As much as Deena Jones, Beyoncé Knowles' character in "Dreamgirls," was modeled on Diana Ross, the film's main character, Effie White, was based on Etta James, according to composer Henry Krieger. Similarities to Aretha Franklin, however, are also hardly coincidental.

Are CC and Effie related?

The trio, featuring the powerful lead singer Effie White backed up by willowy Deena and sassy Lorrell, is accompanied by Effie's brother C.C., who writes all their material.

"Dreamgirls" & Black History Month: Rewind | E! News

Are Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson friends?

Hudson starred alongside Beyoncé in the musical drama and swept award season. Though many believe Hudson outshined her co-star, the two maintain a friendly relationship. Hudson once gave a behind-the-scenes look into who Beyoncé is off-screen.

How old was Beyonce in Dreamgirls?

Beyoncé was just 24-years-old when she starred as Deena Jones in the Academy Award-winning film, which was based on the iconic Broadway show, but was singer's salary at the time was much less than you might expect.

Did Eddie Murphy do his own singing in Dreamgirls?

Like the rest of the cast, Eddie does all his own singing in the film, but even he admits that the pop albums he put out in the '80s weren't a good example of what he could do.

Did Jamie Foxx sing in Dreamgirls?

But, then you'll meet those people on the under who just want to make money; basically, all of the artists are just product, a can of coke to them, so that's what Curtis is." Jamie also sings two other songs in the film.

Who is Deena based on?

The love affair between Deena Jones and Curtis Taylor Jr. was modeled on Diana Ross and Berry Gordy Jr.'s love affair which eventually led to his emphasis on her career rather than that of the group. This is also referenced in Berry's own musical Motown The Musical.

Who was Effie in love with?

After six increasingly unhappy years, Effie fell in love with her husband's protege Millais and set about having the marriage annulled.

Who replaced Effie in Dreamgirls?

In 2010 and 2011, Jennifer made headlines for dropping 80 pounds as a Weight Watchers spokeswoman. Beyonce Knowles took on the part of Deena Jones in "Dreamgirls." She replaced Effie White as the lead singer of the Dreamettes after Curtis Taylor Jr. decided to make her the star.

Is Dreamgirls Based on a true story?

The movie, based on the 1981 Broadway play, tells the story of a small black record label and its star singers whose success crosses over to the pop charts. Although loosely based on The Supremes, the movie is a work of fiction. The real story of the 1960s girl groups, however, changed American music forever.

How old were the Dreamgirls supposed to be?

Knowles's dowdy look does not remain, as the musical follows the rise of her character's group, The Dreamgirls, over several decades. After Deena Jones begins, in the film, at age 16, the character blossoms into a beauty.

How was Effie in Dreamgirls?

Effie is the true powerhouse in the group, a soaring singer whose voice overpowers and transcends Deena's and Lorrell's. She is smitten with Curtis from the start and is overcome with anger and jealousy when she senses his growing attraction to Deena.

Did they lip sync in Dreamgirls?

The lip-sync is off during some verses of "It's All Over" and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". Near the end of "Dreamgirls," the audio sounds like the three women are singing the line "We'll be there", but Effie doesn't move her lips.

How much did Beyonce get paid for Dreamgirls?

China Daily reported in 2006 that Beyoncé earned $12.5 million for Dreamgirls, which was twice as much as she earned for Austin Powers.

Why did Tracy Morgan replace Eddie Murphy?

In Deadline's report, Reitman suggests that Murhpy's busy schedule is the main reason for the recasting.

What gender are Beyonce's twins?

Even Bey herself returned to the flowery feels when she announced the birth of the twins — a boy, Sir, and a girl, Rumi.

Did Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé get along in Dreamgirls?

Despite what people might think, Hudson and Beyoncé actually became good friends while filming Dreamgirls. The Secret Life of Bees star even set the record straight on her and Bey's relationship during a 2013 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “There [were] never any rifts at all,” Hudson explained.

Why did Beyonce have to lose weight for Dreamgirls?

The former Destiny's Child star took on the drastic diet because she didn't think she'd be able to lose the necessary weight quickly enough–before the filming of movie musical Dreamgirls began. She says, “I wanted to make a physical transformation because I was playing this role and I wanted to be not Beyonce…

What Simon Cowell said about Jennifer Hudson?

Cowell was notoriously harsh on Hudson during the competition, famously declaring that the singer, who finished in seventh place, was "out of [her] depth." Looking back, however, the 62 -year-old had nothing but praise for her. "Why was the show so big in those days? It would be because of people like you.

Did Jennifer Hudson get kicked off American Idol?

Simon Cowell Reflects on the Night Jennifer Hudson Got Eliminated From 'Idol': 'It Wasn't Your Fault' "I always knew how determined you were, and you were funny and you took it with grace," Cowell said of Hudson's time on 'American Idol.

Who is Jennifer Lopez's best friend?

There is a reason why the 52-year-old actress reportedly didn't travel to Georgia. Jennifer Lopez got married over the weekend, but her best friend Leah Remini wasn't there to witness the union.