In this thrilling, entirely new production of Dreamgirls, director Robert Longbottom pays homage to Michael Bennett's original staging with the help of new, lavish costumes, innovative set design and new and revised songs. The newly assembled creative team consists of the original composer Henry Krieger and the original scenic designer Robin Wagner, now complemented by costume designer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Ken Billington, sound designer Acme Sound Partners, media designer Howard Werner for Lightswitch, and hair designer Paul Huntley. Together, these artists prove that whether it is six years or thirty years after the time when the story takes place, Dreamgirls never fails to enlighten and captivate audiences.
"I didn't need a lot of reason to do this. It's one of my favorite shows. I probably learned more from watching 'Dreamgirls' and taking it apart in my mind and collaborating with Robin Wagner than on any other show."
- Robert Longbottom, director
Using moving panels, LED lights and minimal props, Robin Wagner's innovative set transforms the stage repeatedly without nuisance or distraction. William Ivey Long's costume design, while honoring the spirit of Theoni Aldredge's original creations, makes use of modern fabric to enhance the movement and fluidity of the actors, drawing inspiration from the music as well as the time period.
"It's all about the details. That helps them move, it helps them stand, it helps them feel like they're performing. It's a certain time and space."
- William Ivey Long, costume designer
Taking into account the popularity of the film version, this new production includes the song "Listen," revamped by composer Henry Krieger as a duet between Deena and Effie in the second act.
"Robert Longbottom and Robin Wagner have put together such an amazing spectacle. To be able to write a new song for it, it's as if I'd never put my hands off the keyboard. It came to me very naturally."
- Henry Krieger, composer
This revival of Dreamgirls brings back the original show, but acknowledges and embraces the almost 30-year journey since its creation. Robert Longbottom teams with co-choreographer Shane Sparks of TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" to infuse the show with fresh, contemporary movement and style. The cast is filled with some of today’s most talented young stars and, of special importance, this new Dreamgirls launched at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater, highlighting the show’s themes of talent and discovery like no production before it.
