i hated the film dreamgirls Bill Condon took the easy way out by following the Supremes. There was no reason why the act 2 opening couldnt have been used and Those costumes were ugly as hell
Dreamgirls the movie went overboard trying to create the drama and tension and charisma the musical had... The Show did in 2 hours and 15 mins a night, live, what it took 6 months to film... The opening of the show is genius, 'Heavy', 'I am Changing',One Night Only all of these things were magic, even 'AIATY'... You just can't make it as exciting on film as it was live. The movie was very disney and sanitary to me, where as the show was whity, self mocking, campy and glamerous!
@youndatmonkee and the dreamgirls broadway play took almost 2 years to be written and go into production. So, it took 2 years for the people who first saw the show in 1981 to see what you are now. And the movie did capture the drama in a SHORTER amount of time then 2 years because they had such an amazing original to base it off of.
@youndatmonkee Campy? Really well I did find the Original Act was very "tounge in cheek" to me with te refernces to thesupremes and Miss Ross..ps please tell me you have that press confrence somewhere to be uploade
It's interesting to see in the commercial they added a scene of Deena and Curtis kissing while Effie looks on shocked. In the actual show it's not at all 100% sure they were having an affair behind Effie's back. There's no visible proof like that.
In "Heavy Heavy" Deena flat out denies it and also puts down Curtis. She wouldn't insult someone she was having an affair with for sure...
You are wrong regarding of the commercial success of "Dreamgirls" the movie. It did very well compared to "The Wiz" which was a commercial and critical disaster. I think audiences today are more excepting of musicals moving to the big screen than they were then. The Wizard of Oz for example was filmed in 1939 but did not become a commercial success until 1959 when it went to television. A whole new audience had to be discovered. It is now the most popular musical film of all time!
My next complaint about the movie is they tried to make it the story of the Supremes. In the play, the comparison was there but the Dreams were strong enough on their own. They didn't have to stand in someone else's shadow or steal their thunder. Bill Condon should have called on Loretta, Sheryl and Jennifer before making a movie that destroyed their legacy. Guess he didn't know that in the 80's, despite Reganomics, Dreamgirls changed Broadway and the world. They were beautiful!
Condon knows the history of the musical well. I think he made the best possible musical he could (though I wish they hadn't cut as much music). Michael Peters' original choreography was superior (Bennett hired him to do most of the routines).
Eric, I disagree. If Condon knew the history of Dreamgirls he would not have tried to make them into the Supremes. According to Mary Wilson and Diana Ross "Dreamgirls is not the story of the Supremes". The play came at a time when Broadway didn't believe plays featuring Black people could sell. Dreamgirls changed everything. As a struggling playwriter I remember being very proud of the Dreams. They made me believe that one day one of my plays could make it to Broadway.
It was brave and genius of Bennett and Eyen to go out on a limb at the time and not make Dreamgirls a "black musical" the way nearly every other past musical with black leads hd ended up being advertised (or when they redid a show, like Hello Dolly with a black cast) but realize that race playe an aspect but the show was still universal.
However, in The Musicals of Michael Bennett Eyen clearly says it was based on the Supremes and only after lawsuit threats did they tone down some of that.
Eric, I have to disagree again. The promotion literature for Dreamgirls said it was inspired by the Supremes, Etta James and James Brown (the model for James Thunder Early). Second, all stories, tragedies and human struggles are universal. Thus, the term black musical applies to the cast not the story. Dreamgirls was called a black musical several times yet its cast and story crossed over many divisions including race, gender and age. This was not an easy task during the Reganomic 80s.
Fair enough--I totally agree with your last coment at any rate (maybe I wasn't clear but I meant that it was to Bennett and everyone involved's credit that they tried their hardest to avoid the now dated and offensive black musical tag even if it still crept into some reviews, etc--
I don't get that. Black musical? It's a musical with a predominantly black cast. The focus of the show wasn't all race, but I don't think there was a reason too for a show like this.
Again, a Black musical refers to the cast not the show. Example: when the Wizard of Oz was done by a Black cast (The Wiz) it was called a "Black Musical." The only differences were the cast and the music. But Dreamgirls crossed racial barriers, age, and even gender. Straight men wanted to and went to see Dreamgirls -- from Donald Trump to Richard Pryor. We were in love with the Dreams. I have great memories of the show and the movie tried to kill the magic and take those memories away.
Sir, the race thing was not my argument. That was Ericmontreal. The movie is a movie. Get over it. The movie was great. If someone like you (speaking in general) did it, it would have missed the mark by making everything like the play page for page. That was your time. Old people set in their ways do not help motivate our young people. They still trying to shine. I think it's tired. Dreamgirls was great for its time. The Movie was good. The new tour version is even better.
@KurtLovesMotown The movie did not TRY to kill the magic and take memories away....it introduced the magic to another generation and there is nothing wrong with that. Broadway and film are two different mediums and 1981 and 2006 are totally different in terms of how those mediums come to fruition.
Not true. Mary Wilson wrote a autobiography called Dreamgirl. And she said when she went to see the show she cried cause it was more real than fiction. A lot of groups from that time paralled the supremes. And one day your play can come to broadway, but you to let that bitterness go and bring in some new help.
Jose, I enjoy your comments however I've met Mary Wilson and she has said, on several occasions that Dreamgirls is NOT the story of the Supremes. She did say she saw elements of her own story in Dreamgirls. Think of this, if Dreamsgirls was the story of the Supremes, wouldn't Diana and Mary collect royalties? Or, at least, wouldn't they have filed lawsuits?
I never said it was based on the supremes. It was loosely based on a supremes like group. And I quoted from Mary's autobiography. The show has always been deemed loosely based on a similar story.
They are older and you must be open you letting young people come in and give their vision too. I wish older people would stop trying to be in they glory days. Loretta was brought in. And the Effie from the 87 play was brought in to play deena's mom. The movie and play were about the 60's. No one complained about the 80's touches on the original show, so don't complain about the new touches add. No complain all you want it's your prerogative.
But younger people are coming in and messing it up...I wasn't even born when the OBC came out,but it's far better than the movie....the movie has KILLED Dreamgirls....end of story....lol
Okay we can not have mature debate with you saying "end of story." Also the movie was a hit. Alot of people loved it. A movie is different from a broadway musical. Broadway acting is not needed for film. It would be silly to non broadway fans. Like I said Bill Condon (who is not young by any means) did the best he could do for all audiences and it was a great effort, because it got you in the seats to see it too.
I'm not disagreeing with you...movies has to be mainstream(cater to a larger audience)broadway doesn't....that doesn't make it acceptable though...
Movies care more about putting butts in seats,rather than pulling off something great...the only movie I've seen that was based off of a broadway play that was decent was Gypsy....
I thought dreamgirls was very good. And it attracted a brand new audience who will go see the play. It's actually kinda selfish to make a movie that only certain people will be entertained by. I feel like Dreamgirls stuck to the main story, except for the little tidbits you all are complaining about which really doesn't make or break the story.
In your opinion. I thought it was a great film. I love the stage play and the film, because I know whats necessary to make a film successful. And it did very well over all, You are a fan of dreamgirls, I am too. However I don't decide if I like something for myself not based upon someone just being a constant complainer.
I don't think the movie version of Dreamgirls was "bad" by any means. I just feel it was grossly overhyped and except for a couple of steller perfomances it did not live up to what the mucical was. Maybe I just expected too much. I waited a long time for this show to come to the big screen. I remember when Whitnet Houston was being considered for the roll of Deana Jones. Diana Ross's held up the release of the screen play in court for years. Miss Houston was to be my Deana Jones.
It's true about Whitney's tantrums but that was not the only reason the movie was held up. There were legal maneuvers that had to be taken care of as well. There is much involved in bringing a musical, book, screen play to the big screen.
To josephjmg18: Once again you are right, I am feeling nostalgic because it's apparent I come from a different time period than yourself. This allows me to critique the show as I see it today and how I saw it yesterday. It's constructive critique.
It was actually held up because Whitney would only do the film if she could do and I am telling you as well. I think doing it now was a better look for the film. I don't think anyone else could have done a Dreamgirls film like Bill Condon. I don't think it would work for everyone to have a two how musical with liberrati on Screen. And no offense sir but as i said before I think you are still feeling nastalgic.
The play was far better than the movie. Sheryl, Jennifer and Loretta were the Dreams. In the play, when the girls step out on their own, you forgot about Jimmy. Not so in the movie. In the movie, after Jimmy the movie died. The girls looked horrible. The gowns looked like thrift store ripoffs and they couldn't dance. The original Dreams could have gone toe-to-toe with the Supremes but not the movie Dreams. The movie sucked.
selendomo, the song is "Steppin to the bad side". I saw the obc in hollywood at the pantages, and was lucky enough to play deena years later. I wish we had those sets!!
i would love to have seen this production. It took a genius to make that show playable. the movie had the advantage of putting images with the song but here they had to sing it and tell the story at once. tough show to stage but it looks wonderful.
Comparing this to the movie I noticed something. At the (movie) beginning all the girls turn their wigs around because the other girl group has the same style. Then Effie puts her back the right way.
But in the stage show Effie leaves it turned around. Hmmm.
ok the powers that be put all those wonderful clips of the show on a dvd so those who didnt see it the first time round can watch it in all its glory.thankyou very much you know who you are stop being selfish and letting in rot on some shelve somewhere.shame on you.
Well, considering the movie was based on this musical, what did you expect? Then again, the film version of CABARET is nothing like the original stage version, save for a couple songs. But the story was completely rewritten and several songs scrapped and new ones added.
Well the fact that neither was included angered some diehard fans. But I personally would have been pleased with the one from the National Tour, I really love "Step on Over" & the dialogue of the ladies during that part.
Lol true.. but I am not even gonna bad mouth the movie completely. There were some things in the movies that look better than the stage. Example: Steppin' to the Bad Side & One Night Only (Disco Version) were very visually pleasing in the movie.
Steppin' To The Bad Side? YES!!!....Very well done....One NIght Only(Disco)?No....wasn't flashy enough for me....Effie's version "looked" better in the movie...(in the studio was alot better than just standing there)...hehe
WHAT!?!?! Your telling me that, the background full of empty water jugs was better than the club atmosphere they created in the movie?!? WHAT!!!!!!????? lol
Given that the play was done on stage, it was impossible to create a full club scene
When I said it was better, I meant the routine(the press in and out the scene),the energy(the Dreams constantly moving around, in the movie they really just stood there and the half naked men with the sticks did all the worklol), and the outfits(the flamboyant outfits in the play compared to the Fashion Bug jumpsuits and lopsided wigs from the movie)lol
Stiff, really? I wouldn't use the word stiff. I mean if you didn't like it okay, but I would hardly call those moves stiff, especially compared to the choreography in the show.
I don't hate them...I just think it sucked....after Jimmy...the movie died....the MANY changes to the story were bad for the movie....if it wasn't for the music,you wouldn't know that you were watching Dreamgirls...
...as far as the men in the movie....CC was GREAT!!!!....Jimmy was awesome(hated that they made him a druggie and that Eddie couldn't sing)...Marty...well...idk...and Curtis was great as well....he was alot meaner in the movie,but I guess that went with the new story lines....
The movie did very very well, so no these changes were not bad choices. They were more developed changes. Things for stage and film are different. Stage is more exaggerated and films you almost wanna feel like someone picked up a camera and documented something (i mean in reference to the acting approach) It made the story more relatable to today. We are able to go into more subjects today than we did then. I'm sure Michael would have went the same direction.
What planet are you on? I've seen the musical 4 times and I can tell you whole heartedly the choreography in the film was awful compared to the original musical choreography. Beyonce was a poor choice for Deana because she is not musical on her feel. Deana should have been a much thinner woman as well as was designed for the original score. I hate when popular stars like her, Fox and Murphy are cast just because people know them and they draw profit. It demeans the true art.
what do u mean sho should have been more thin, she was hella thin she was thinner that sheryl , and if you think about who else do you think could play the role of jimmy and curtis, and i beleive evrybody did what the director told them to do, so dont be mad at them, be mad at bill
No he never said that. I think it related to a common issue of hollywood where the lightskin slim girls would get more attention by making Bey Deena. I thought that was a good thing in the movie. I think this is a generational difference. The stageshow suits would not work for todays audience, it's not what audiences would relate to 60's wear in our heads.
babyboi1002;Michael Bennets' idea was to keep the cast as black as possible. It was not to in any way demean the "lightskinned sisters of then or now. There were many understudies who were fair skinned that played the rolled of the "dreams".
No...but he would rather cast dark skinned Dreams than light.(unlike today,where directors are quickly casting light skinned girls as Deena)...that could be one of the reasons why Clair Huxtable(LOL) didn't get the role of Deena once SLR left...he went with LLB...
@TVBrothasTV - I'm not mad at anybody and believe me my friend Deana played by Beyonce was not thinner than Sheryl Lee Ralph at that time. When Dreamgirls hit broadway these were little known performers who earned their right to be called the "dreams". It's sort of like Diana Ross playing Dorothy in the "Wiz". Beyonce wanted to be Deanna and that's what she got. It was the least know performer Jennifer Hudson who upstaged them all.........You go girl!
And if Beyonce was not the biggest star of today, you wouldn't have such a problem. Alot of people loved Diana Ross in the wiz.. There goes that "I hate big hollywood stars cause I can't be one." Everyone has to start somewhere. Beyonce paid her dues in music and had to audition like everyone else did. The character of Deena is not suppose to be the shining light, so that's invalid. Theater is usually featuring lesse known actors, so don't see your point. You are so biased. check yoursel
josephjmg18: I am a major fan of Diana's music but her "old ass" knew she was not right for this part. The Wiz movie had it's moments but it was a major flop in terms of financial and overall score success. Had Berry Gordy used his head and based the movie on the actual story and realized his ass was not a Hollywood director, the movie may have had more commercial success. I'd like to see it redone by someone in the industry who knows how to stay true to the story and the music.
josephjmg18: No one wants to steal Miss Beyonce's moment of fame here. The movie would have had better reviews with unknown actors playing all the rolls. Maybe not commercial success because that's how deluded the uneducated public is. I don't have to see Beyonce, Eddie Murphy or Jamie Foxx to enjoyed great talent. Big names are what sell and that's what it's all about. Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson still stole the show regardless. Oh, and by the way I am a star"! Happy New YouTube!
Nothing comes easy in life. No one is born a big name. You have to work to get there. You can't get a role in a big film because you feel entitled. There are no hand outs in life.
It's not about the reviews. It's a cult classic. Alot of movies get bad reviews but critics are critics. There still alot of people who love the wiz.
What I hate most of all in the movie is that it seems that no one did their homework on being black in the 60's.Look at the outfits...Heavy(there wasn't many,if any,black acts wearing MOD outfits)Dreamgirls(the dresses were from the 50's,not 60's) Love,Love Me Baby and Hard To Say Goodbye(looks like something singers would wear today)
@babyboi1002 - Sharon Davis who designed the costumes was actually an Oscar nominee for best costume design for "Dreamgirls". I liked the original costumes better but then again I liked everything about the original play better. I was in moved by Anika Noni Rose's Lorell and Jennifer Hudson" Effie. Michael Bennett had a vision and directed and choreographed the show flawlessly for the stage . May he rest in peace!
Well actually the look from heavy is an exact replica of an alphete the supremes wore when flourence was there. I disagree on the rest. Most of things from the original stageplay was more 80's inspired than 60's. I think the movie reflected more of a girl group from that time. And the Love me baby alphete is inspired from the performance the supremes did of lovechild.
I completely disagree. You have to understand the difference between stage and film. The acting for film is more natural and realistic. Stage is suppose to be exaggerated. So I don't see your point cause millions loved the film, but you probably being of a different generation can't see the great changes that were necessary to make with this film. And Beyonce lost alot of weight for this role. "Not musical on her feel" what does that mean?
I agree with you on one point: I am from a different generation. I'm from a generation where black was "considered beautiful" and there was a movement to keep it that way. I think you have stage and film confused my friend. Stage is "more natural". You can do anything to exaggerate or manipulate movement, looks, sound, visual, and yes, "even weight" with film. Not musical on her feet means she is not believable and personally like Janet Jackson "she can't act".
1. Janet Jackson is over 40 years old. You are still in that era.
Come out. 2. No ask any theater actor. Everything in a play has to be exaggerated, because of the venue. It's not natural to do liberrati in real life. Thats more for a musical play. Which is perfect for stage not for film. Come out of thinking about only what you like and what works for everyone. Bill did great at pleasing everyone except for those who don't want to come out of that time period to appreciate it.
1. Janet Jackson is over 40 years old. Let someone younger have it. 2. It's obvious you just like rooting for the underdog. 3. Beyonce is the lead of a musical group. How can that be unbelievable. All her Diana Ross isms were great too. That whole "considered beautiful" thing sounds like you are caught up in skin color too much. 4 and for the last time stage acting has to be more extra, so people will notice things. Film not necessary for that.
I'm glad you finally agree on the stage acting thing cause you had it backward in the last writing. The academy of arts and science(Oscars) apparently did not find Beyonce very believable that's why Jennifer Hudson got the Oscar. I was only using Janet as an example of Singers who think they can act and can't. I would deffinately call myself a rooter for the underdog. I also however appreciate raw natural talent, not Hollywood Barbie or Ken dolls made up to look talented.
It has nothing to do with being satisfied,it's about doing something justice....None of the original actors really said anything positive about the film about a story they help create...and as a huge fan of DG,I can't either......
If someone who didn't know the old musical saw it, it has to work for them too. Not everything in the old play would work in a 21st century film. The girls were not going to be doing musical theater type of dance, because it's a movie.
The movie (One Night Only) Disco was more realistic. We are talking about a major film, you have to capture those who like musicals and those who don't. It made since they were in a gay club.
That was the reason why Rent the movie didn't do too well at the box office, because they didn't know where to cut music and make dialogue. Not everyone seeing the movie is a die hard musical fan. Having that long performance at the beginning of that part in the movie would of came off silly to be singing heavy and move over again. It would of just took up space for A MOVIE.
No, that's young Jennifer's voice. She just looped the line in the studio for clearer audio. None of this here is live audio from the commercial shoot. But now that I think of it, Jennifer should have done cartoons! She has a unique voice, and I love that rasp of hers.
Thanks for giving the info. She sort of sounds like voiceover actor Susan Blu who had been doing voiceovers sinse the late 70's. She did voice for many cartoons like, JEM and The Paw Paws.
I could tell all the music was from the actual soundtrack album. I wonder if that dialog line was from unused tapes of the soundtrack recording sessions.
The portion of "And I am telling You..." must have been from an alternate take because that's not the version on the soundtrack album. I'd love to hear that take in its entirety!
It is too bad they never filmed the entire production of the original broadway cast like this commercial.
Looks like they just filmed parts of the shows and edited them together for this. Someone wrote elsewhere that this had a longer version shown in movie theaters during the play's run.
Here it looks like they changed a few things for the commercial. Effie never had proof that Deena and Curtis were having an affair "them kissing". Then you can tell it's lipsynching not them live.
actually that was in the play, Effie does see them kissing...its after the press conference, right before "heavy heavy"...Curtis is singing, "...its only the beggining, only the beggining, its gonna be you, your face will be everywhere..." and Effie comes out of the shadow as says "what about me?"...the commercial restaged it but that did happen in the play. Anyway, yes there is another longer version of this i have it on dvd along with my other Dreamgirls clips! This is an edited version of it!
What's the scene before & after Curtis kisses Deena? Is it Heavy('cause Effie & Deena are wearing the costume from their 2nd performance of Heavy)? But i think that after Heavy, Drving Down The Strip comes next and then a dressing room scene (a scene where Deena, Lorell, and C.C. is surprised by Jimmy's arrival and then C.C. & Deena argues over Effie's temperamental attitude).
The scene that is shown is from the end of the "press confrence/only the beginning"... When curtis say's "Your face will be every wear, your smile will be every where... etc" and Effie cries "What about me?"... The wear their 'Dreamgirls' performance dresses in the play, but changed i for this commercial. There is a few things different in this commercial. The girls are wearing their 'Steppin to the bad side' costumes, during 'Fake Your Way to the Top'..
Do you or anyone else here have the footage from this Musical. I have the entire audio from the 1981 Opening night. I would like to see "Heavy" and "One Night Only" (Disco).
I can respect your opinion. It's just that in Broadway, acting is different. In a theater you have to over state your emotions on a big stage in a big theater, so everyone would get it. Alot of the stuff in the play would not have translated well to those who are not into the whole broadway thing. The movie had to be natural, while still being a musical.
I just think they should have had Deena be more strong acting. I loved how strong Deena was during act 2. She comes out during the ACT II opening (the new and original) and is so empowered and glamerous. And I am a supremes fan and thought some of the added supreme elements were neat, but now I feel that and making Effie a welfare mother is a little over the top...
That would be awful... The only person who was truly fit their character was Anika Noni Rose... She really captured the true opitome of Lorrell... And unfortunately Bill Condon cut the 'fuck' out of her role i.e. "Ain't No Party"...
And i was so pissed that the cut AINT NO PARTY..instead they had to give Beyonce her own song in the movie. She didnt need her own song. It was another way of catering to a spoiled diva
Sorry to reply late but I'm just reading this. You could also say they cut "Ain't No Party" to fit Love You I Do into the movie.
Effie didn't need another big song in the movie. Also since she get a small part of the song "Patience" wasn't much of a substitute for her losing her big NUMBER.
what they should had cut was beyonce's "LISTEN" which wasnt really that revelant in the movie. the movie producers should have kept "AINT NO PARTY". The movie also didnt need "PATIENCE". Like in he play, the movie should of had deena & effie singing to each other when they reconciled which was before the final number when all the girls sang the finale of dreamgirls
yea, so do I... But, She was lacking a certain raw quality, that Effie needs... She was a little too phony at being over the top and diva like... J. Hud is too sweet and it shone through too much... Beyonce wasn't diva enough in the role, she made Deena in to a wimp...
See, certain things that work for Broadway, just doesn't work for film. Film is suppose to have more natural behavior. Broadway is suppose to be over the top. So, it wouldn't have worked if she was as over the top as Holiday was in the play.
Beyonce downplayed being a diva because the story line ironically parallels Destiny's Childs innergroup turmoil. And She doesn't want to look like a true bitch. But Deena grows and becomes more Sexier as the play progresses and is a bitch at times. I have always loved Beyonce, but I love Deena Jones and Beyonce did not capture Deena too me. A J. Hud is just too humble and sweet.
I disagree. First Beyonce didn't write the script for the movie, so nothing is done because she wants to look a certain way. Like I said the film is suppose to seem more realistic and wih that Deena is only a diva on stage and not off. The play never made Deena seem like a stuck up diva. J Hud did Effie 100 percent.
Correct Beyonce did not write the script, but there is a thing called a contract and certain celebrities with enough clout can have characters toned down if they like... Deena has some really bitchy scenes in the play during "Heavy" and leading up to "It's All Over"... She and C.C. have a huge argument. Beyonce played Deena as a dope... The only time She really did a great job was during the performance numbers...
I've seen several productions of the play. There was nothing bitchy about the Heavy scene.
I think Beyonce did a fantastic job. It's all over is the same as the movie version except for no Jimmy. Are you just not giving them credit, because they are not from your generation. I can be wrong, but most people who were young around the time of the original tend to be a little biased, because it would mean their glory days are over too. I may be wrong. Forgive me if I am.
Deena shows alot of frustration during "Heavy" and leading up to the "It's all Over" Scene Deena and C.C. get in to it. I am 22, and I loved Beyonce, but She did not give me Deena. I saw the movie 5 times in the theatre, and loved it, until I heard the 2001 Live in Concert cd and saw a bootleg of the original. Everyone always says there is only one Effie, but in my Heart there is only one Deena, and that is SLR!
If there is old footage of this quality why hasn't it been released on dvd yet??
iLiveMusic90 2 months ago
Holy crap that's the woman who played Rita Watson's mom in the Sister Act 2 movie haha wow that's pretty crazy lol
darrius15 9 months ago
i hated the film dreamgirls Bill Condon took the easy way out by following the Supremes. There was no reason why the act 2 opening couldnt have been used and Those costumes were ugly as hell
rocky362 1 year ago
Mama I want to sing.Sarafina,I have a dream,your arms are to short to box with god,the wiz ...black theater was good back in the 80's
level242 1 year ago
@level242 Dont for get the highly underrated Sophisticated Ladies
rocky362 1 year ago
Damn right no other show came close!
fossefan 1 year ago
Dreamgirls the movie went overboard trying to create the drama and tension and charisma the musical had... The Show did in 2 hours and 15 mins a night, live, what it took 6 months to film... The opening of the show is genius, 'Heavy', 'I am Changing',One Night Only all of these things were magic, even 'AIATY'... You just can't make it as exciting on film as it was live. The movie was very disney and sanitary to me, where as the show was whity, self mocking, campy and glamerous!
youndatmonkee 1 year ago
@youndatmonkee and the dreamgirls broadway play took almost 2 years to be written and go into production. So, it took 2 years for the people who first saw the show in 1981 to see what you are now. And the movie did capture the drama in a SHORTER amount of time then 2 years because they had such an amazing original to base it off of.
sphereone7 1 year ago
@youndatmonkee Campy? Really well I did find the Original Act was very "tounge in cheek" to me with te refernces to thesupremes and Miss Ross..ps please tell me you have that press confrence somewhere to be uploade
legedaryone 2 months ago in playlist Musicals
@legedaryone yes, there was alot of over the top stuff... but i loved it all...
youndatmonkee 2 months ago
It's interesting to see in the commercial they added a scene of Deena and Curtis kissing while Effie looks on shocked. In the actual show it's not at all 100% sure they were having an affair behind Effie's back. There's no visible proof like that.
In "Heavy Heavy" Deena flat out denies it and also puts down Curtis. She wouldn't insult someone she was having an affair with for sure...
uploaderguy1 2 years ago
Every awesome black broadway play dies once it hits Hollywood....Wiz,Dreamgirls,and next,Mama I Wanna Sing.
babyboi1002 2 years ago
You are wrong regarding of the commercial success of "Dreamgirls" the movie. It did very well compared to "The Wiz" which was a commercial and critical disaster. I think audiences today are more excepting of musicals moving to the big screen than they were then. The Wizard of Oz for example was filmed in 1939 but did not become a commercial success until 1959 when it went to television. A whole new audience had to be discovered. It is now the most popular musical film of all time!
eagleswing44 2 years ago
Okay, that's your opinion. Mama Want to sing was not put in the correct hands. That's why it won't succeed.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Wat was the song at 0:52
GazaBumbahClarte 2 years ago
"When I First Say You"
babyboi1002 2 years ago
My next complaint about the movie is they tried to make it the story of the Supremes. In the play, the comparison was there but the Dreams were strong enough on their own. They didn't have to stand in someone else's shadow or steal their thunder. Bill Condon should have called on Loretta, Sheryl and Jennifer before making a movie that destroyed their legacy. Guess he didn't know that in the 80's, despite Reganomics, Dreamgirls changed Broadway and the world. They were beautiful!
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
Condon knows the history of the musical well. I think he made the best possible musical he could (though I wish they hadn't cut as much music). Michael Peters' original choreography was superior (Bennett hired him to do most of the routines).
EricMontreal22 2 years ago
Eric, I disagree. If Condon knew the history of Dreamgirls he would not have tried to make them into the Supremes. According to Mary Wilson and Diana Ross "Dreamgirls is not the story of the Supremes". The play came at a time when Broadway didn't believe plays featuring Black people could sell. Dreamgirls changed everything. As a struggling playwriter I remember being very proud of the Dreams. They made me believe that one day one of my plays could make it to Broadway.
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
It was brave and genius of Bennett and Eyen to go out on a limb at the time and not make Dreamgirls a "black musical" the way nearly every other past musical with black leads hd ended up being advertised (or when they redid a show, like Hello Dolly with a black cast) but realize that race playe an aspect but the show was still universal.
However, in The Musicals of Michael Bennett Eyen clearly says it was based on the Supremes and only after lawsuit threats did they tone down some of that.
EricMontreal22 2 years ago
Eric, I have to disagree again. The promotion literature for Dreamgirls said it was inspired by the Supremes, Etta James and James Brown (the model for James Thunder Early). Second, all stories, tragedies and human struggles are universal. Thus, the term black musical applies to the cast not the story. Dreamgirls was called a black musical several times yet its cast and story crossed over many divisions including race, gender and age. This was not an easy task during the Reganomic 80s.
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
Fair enough--I totally agree with your last coment at any rate (maybe I wasn't clear but I meant that it was to Bennett and everyone involved's credit that they tried their hardest to avoid the now dated and offensive black musical tag even if it still crept into some reviews, etc--
EricMontreal22 2 years ago
This i agree with.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I don't get that. Black musical? It's a musical with a predominantly black cast. The focus of the show wasn't all race, but I don't think there was a reason too for a show like this.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I don't understand--you don't get why they made Dreamgirls?
EricMontreal22 2 years ago
No I said I didn't get your statement on it not being a black musical. I meant "no reason to for a show like this"
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Again, a Black musical refers to the cast not the show. Example: when the Wizard of Oz was done by a Black cast (The Wiz) it was called a "Black Musical." The only differences were the cast and the music. But Dreamgirls crossed racial barriers, age, and even gender. Straight men wanted to and went to see Dreamgirls -- from Donald Trump to Richard Pryor. We were in love with the Dreams. I have great memories of the show and the movie tried to kill the magic and take those memories away.
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
Sir, the race thing was not my argument. That was Ericmontreal. The movie is a movie. Get over it. The movie was great. If someone like you (speaking in general) did it, it would have missed the mark by making everything like the play page for page. That was your time. Old people set in their ways do not help motivate our young people. They still trying to shine. I think it's tired. Dreamgirls was great for its time. The Movie was good. The new tour version is even better.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
We disagree.
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
I guess we do. I'm fine with that. Let's Do lunch. lol
josephjmg18 2 years ago
@KurtLovesMotown The movie did not TRY to kill the magic and take memories away....it introduced the magic to another generation and there is nothing wrong with that. Broadway and film are two different mediums and 1981 and 2006 are totally different in terms of how those mediums come to fruition.
iLiveMusic90 2 months ago
Not true. Mary Wilson wrote a autobiography called Dreamgirl. And she said when she went to see the show she cried cause it was more real than fiction. A lot of groups from that time paralled the supremes. And one day your play can come to broadway, but you to let that bitterness go and bring in some new help.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Jose, I enjoy your comments however I've met Mary Wilson and she has said, on several occasions that Dreamgirls is NOT the story of the Supremes. She did say she saw elements of her own story in Dreamgirls. Think of this, if Dreamsgirls was the story of the Supremes, wouldn't Diana and Mary collect royalties? Or, at least, wouldn't they have filed lawsuits?
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
I never said it was based on the supremes. It was loosely based on a supremes like group. And I quoted from Mary's autobiography. The show has always been deemed loosely based on a similar story.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I agree Eric.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
They are older and you must be open you letting young people come in and give their vision too. I wish older people would stop trying to be in they glory days. Loretta was brought in. And the Effie from the 87 play was brought in to play deena's mom. The movie and play were about the 60's. No one complained about the 80's touches on the original show, so don't complain about the new touches add. No complain all you want it's your prerogative.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
But younger people are coming in and messing it up...I wasn't even born when the OBC came out,but it's far better than the movie....the movie has KILLED Dreamgirls....end of story....lol
babyboi1002 2 years ago
Okay we can not have mature debate with you saying "end of story." Also the movie was a hit. Alot of people loved it. A movie is different from a broadway musical. Broadway acting is not needed for film. It would be silly to non broadway fans. Like I said Bill Condon (who is not young by any means) did the best he could do for all audiences and it was a great effort, because it got you in the seats to see it too.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I'm not disagreeing with you...movies has to be mainstream(cater to a larger audience)broadway doesn't....that doesn't make it acceptable though...
Movies care more about putting butts in seats,rather than pulling off something great...the only movie I've seen that was based off of a broadway play that was decent was Gypsy....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
I thought dreamgirls was very good. And it attracted a brand new audience who will go see the play. It's actually kinda selfish to make a movie that only certain people will be entertained by. I feel like Dreamgirls stuck to the main story, except for the little tidbits you all are complaining about which really doesn't make or break the story.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
NO IT DIDN'T....Had not been for the music,it could have passed for another movie
babyboi1002 2 years ago
In your opinion. I thought it was a great film. I love the stage play and the film, because I know whats necessary to make a film successful. And it did very well over all, You are a fan of dreamgirls, I am too. However I don't decide if I like something for myself not based upon someone just being a constant complainer.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Dreamgirls would have been GREAT,if it was named something else
babyboi1002 2 years ago
..........the movie that is
babyboi1002 2 years ago
I don't think the movie version of Dreamgirls was "bad" by any means. I just feel it was grossly overhyped and except for a couple of steller perfomances it did not live up to what the mucical was. Maybe I just expected too much. I waited a long time for this show to come to the big screen. I remember when Whitnet Houston was being considered for the roll of Deana Jones. Diana Ross's held up the release of the screen play in court for years. Miss Houston was to be my Deana Jones.
eagleswing44 2 years ago
I read somewhere that she wanted to sing Effie songs too
babyboi1002 2 years ago
It's true about Whitney's tantrums but that was not the only reason the movie was held up. There were legal maneuvers that had to be taken care of as well. There is much involved in bringing a musical, book, screen play to the big screen.
To josephjmg18: Once again you are right, I am feeling nostalgic because it's apparent I come from a different time period than yourself. This allows me to critique the show as I see it today and how I saw it yesterday. It's constructive critique.
eagleswing44 2 years ago
It was actually held up because Whitney would only do the film if she could do and I am telling you as well. I think doing it now was a better look for the film. I don't think anyone else could have done a Dreamgirls film like Bill Condon. I don't think it would work for everyone to have a two how musical with liberrati on Screen. And no offense sir but as i said before I think you are still feeling nastalgic.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
If you was to see Rent, while us music lovers loved it and it stuck to the show, if went over everyone else's head and was not big at the box office.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I wasn't a fan of Rent play...so I didn't consider the movie
babyboi1002 2 years ago
The play was far better than the movie. Sheryl, Jennifer and Loretta were the Dreams. In the play, when the girls step out on their own, you forgot about Jimmy. Not so in the movie. In the movie, after Jimmy the movie died. The girls looked horrible. The gowns looked like thrift store ripoffs and they couldn't dance. The original Dreams could have gone toe-to-toe with the Supremes but not the movie Dreams. The movie sucked.
KurtLovesMotown 2 years ago
WOW!! That was great, I really hope one day I can see a recorded version of the OBC. Im sure it is out there, somewhere!
FAME1980 3 years ago
It's puts the movie to shame
babyboi1002 3 years ago 4
AMEN!!!! Fatoynce and Jamie Skunk are horrible!!!!!!!
krystalroom 2 years ago
This could have been the movie....lol...lol
babyboi1002 3 years ago
Gosh, I wish I could have seen this back then... This play is truly legendary!
slimsxyblkwoman 3 years ago
Wish i coulda seen this on broadway
Jtazz 3 years ago
Selendomono "When I First Saw You" that was S.Ralph and Bharney I believe.
sexyt6012005 3 years ago
As much as I loved the movie... damn, I would've loved to have seen this on stage and on Broadway.
jstrewth 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
No wonder the movie was so bad...
TheRealUnderherfeet 3 years ago
selendomo, the song is "Steppin to the bad side". I saw the obc in hollywood at the pantages, and was lucky enough to play deena years later. I wish we had those sets!!
ColtraneAndRain 3 years ago
wow cool i luv this
kkgirl300 3 years ago
sorry to double post but does anyone know the title of the song that starts at 49 seconds?
Selendomono 3 years ago
When I first saw You..In the musical this song was a duet between Deena and Curtis..it was about Deena telling Curtis she doesnt want to sing anymore
legedaryone 3 years ago
i would love to have seen this production. It took a genius to make that show playable. the movie had the advantage of putting images with the song but here they had to sing it and tell the story at once. tough show to stage but it looks wonderful.
Selendomono 3 years ago
Comparing this to the movie I noticed something. At the (movie) beginning all the girls turn their wigs around because the other girl group has the same style. Then Effie puts her back the right way.
But in the stage show Effie leaves it turned around. Hmmm.
chopsnslams 3 years ago
At 0:31-0:33, Holiday reminds me of Hudson.
MiZZaD 3 years ago
"...YES YOU DO!" I love that!
rey0girl 3 years ago
look at Jenny she now what to do give it up for the Queen of Black Broadway Ms.Jennifer Holliday!!!
serglew09 3 years ago
OH, MY GOD!!!! The bit starting in :30 was stolen almost shot for shot in the commercial for the 2nd National US Tour of "Sunset Boulevard!"
emlodik 3 years ago
i wish i can see the whole original play!=(
dwilson2010 3 years ago 2
ok the powers that be put all those wonderful clips of the show on a dvd so those who didnt see it the first time round can watch it in all its glory.thankyou very much you know who you are stop being selfish and letting in rot on some shelve somewhere.shame on you.
madboom 3 years ago
damn, the movie was jus like it, same songs and all
allaboutmoney20 3 years ago
Well, considering the movie was based on this musical, what did you expect? Then again, the film version of CABARET is nothing like the original stage version, save for a couple songs. But the story was completely rewritten and several songs scrapped and new ones added.
musicaltheatergeek79 3 years ago
I didnt expect nething bcuz i had never seen the play. but seeing this preview showed that the movies was exactly the same
allaboutmoney20 3 years ago
Except for the ACT 2 Opening Scene.
Which still has alot of fans still upset because it was scrapped from the movie.
FAME1980 3 years ago
Which one? The OBC or the National Tour?...They had different openings
babyboi1002 3 years ago
Well the fact that neither was included angered some diehard fans. But I personally would have been pleased with the one from the National Tour, I really love "Step on Over" & the dialogue of the ladies during that part.
FAME1980 2 years ago
TBH....if it wasnt for the songs...you really couldn't tell that the movie was based off off DreamsGirls.....lol
babyboi1002 2 years ago
Lol true.. but I am not even gonna bad mouth the movie completely. There were some things in the movies that look better than the stage. Example: Steppin' to the Bad Side & One Night Only (Disco Version) were very visually pleasing in the movie.
FAME1980 2 years ago
Steppin' To The Bad Side? YES!!!....Very well done....One NIght Only(Disco)?No....wasn't flashy enough for me....Effie's version "looked" better in the movie...(in the studio was alot better than just standing there)...hehe
babyboi1002 2 years ago
WHAT!?!?! Your telling me that, the background full of empty water jugs was better than the club atmosphere they created in the movie?!? WHAT!!!!!!????? lol
FAME1980 2 years ago 2
First offThe movie used them same water jugslol
Given that the play was done on stage, it was impossible to create a full club scene
When I said it was better, I meant the routine(the press in and out the scene),the energy(the Dreams constantly moving around, in the movie they really just stood there and the half naked men with the sticks did all the worklol), and the outfits(the flamboyant outfits in the play compared to the Fashion Bug jumpsuits and lopsided wigs from the movie)lol
babyboi1002 2 years ago
I think the choreography for the film version was better (with the exception of the payola dance part of "Steppin").
lf1234 2 years ago
Jimmy's stuff?....maybe...but none of the Dreams stuff...in the movie they were stiff
babyboi1002 2 years ago
Stiff, really? I wouldn't use the word stiff. I mean if you didn't like it okay, but I would hardly call those moves stiff, especially compared to the choreography in the show.
lf1234 2 years ago
Yes...stiff...One Night Only...stiff...Love,Love,Me Baby...VERY stiff...The Dreams did ALOT more movements in the play....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
Not while Jennifer Holliday was in it.
lf1234 2 years ago
Yes...even then...They did alot more moving around on Move,DreamGirls,and Heavy in the play....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
Question; do you like any Dreamgirls other than the originals or do you just hate the movie's girls?
What about the guys?
lf1234 2 years ago
I don't hate them...I just think it sucked....after Jimmy...the movie died....the MANY changes to the story were bad for the movie....if it wasn't for the music,you wouldn't know that you were watching Dreamgirls...
...as far as the men in the movie....CC was GREAT!!!!....Jimmy was awesome(hated that they made him a druggie and that Eddie couldn't sing)...Marty...well...idk...and Curtis was great as well....he was alot meaner in the movie,but I guess that went with the new story lines....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
The movie did very very well, so no these changes were not bad choices. They were more developed changes. Things for stage and film are different. Stage is more exaggerated and films you almost wanna feel like someone picked up a camera and documented something (i mean in reference to the acting approach) It made the story more relatable to today. We are able to go into more subjects today than we did then. I'm sure Michael would have went the same direction.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
What planet are you on? I've seen the musical 4 times and I can tell you whole heartedly the choreography in the film was awful compared to the original musical choreography. Beyonce was a poor choice for Deana because she is not musical on her feel. Deana should have been a much thinner woman as well as was designed for the original score. I hate when popular stars like her, Fox and Murphy are cast just because people know them and they draw profit. It demeans the true art.
eagleswing44 2 years ago 6
what do u mean sho should have been more thin, she was hella thin she was thinner that sheryl , and if you think about who else do you think could play the role of jimmy and curtis, and i beleive evrybody did what the director told them to do, so dont be mad at them, be mad at bill
TVBrothasTV 2 years ago
also...didn't MB wanted dark-skinned women to play the Dreams?
babyboi1002 2 years ago
No he never said that. I think it related to a common issue of hollywood where the lightskin slim girls would get more attention by making Bey Deena. I thought that was a good thing in the movie. I think this is a generational difference. The stageshow suits would not work for todays audience, it's not what audiences would relate to 60's wear in our heads.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
babyboi1002;Michael Bennets' idea was to keep the cast as black as possible. It was not to in any way demean the "lightskinned sisters of then or now. There were many understudies who were fair skinned that played the rolled of the "dreams".
eagleswing44 2 years ago
No...but he would rather cast dark skinned Dreams than light.(unlike today,where directors are quickly casting light skinned girls as Deena)...that could be one of the reasons why Clair Huxtable(LOL) didn't get the role of Deena once SLR left...he went with LLB...
babyboi1002 2 years ago
No sir, He was originally considering Phylicia Rashad before SLR.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
No he didn't...SLR was Deena in Project 9(pre-Dreamgirls) and Michael had NOTHING to do with that...PH wasn't apart of Project 9
babyboi1002 2 years ago
@TVBrothasTV - I'm not mad at anybody and believe me my friend Deana played by Beyonce was not thinner than Sheryl Lee Ralph at that time. When Dreamgirls hit broadway these were little known performers who earned their right to be called the "dreams". It's sort of like Diana Ross playing Dorothy in the "Wiz". Beyonce wanted to be Deanna and that's what she got. It was the least know performer Jennifer Hudson who upstaged them all.........You go girl!
eagleswing44 2 years ago
And if Beyonce was not the biggest star of today, you wouldn't have such a problem. Alot of people loved Diana Ross in the wiz.. There goes that "I hate big hollywood stars cause I can't be one." Everyone has to start somewhere. Beyonce paid her dues in music and had to audition like everyone else did. The character of Deena is not suppose to be the shining light, so that's invalid. Theater is usually featuring lesse known actors, so don't see your point. You are so biased. check yoursel
josephjmg18 2 years ago
josephjmg18: I am a major fan of Diana's music but her "old ass" knew she was not right for this part. The Wiz movie had it's moments but it was a major flop in terms of financial and overall score success. Had Berry Gordy used his head and based the movie on the actual story and realized his ass was not a Hollywood director, the movie may have had more commercial success. I'd like to see it redone by someone in the industry who knows how to stay true to the story and the music.
eagleswing44 2 years ago
josephjmg18: No one wants to steal Miss Beyonce's moment of fame here. The movie would have had better reviews with unknown actors playing all the rolls. Maybe not commercial success because that's how deluded the uneducated public is. I don't have to see Beyonce, Eddie Murphy or Jamie Foxx to enjoyed great talent. Big names are what sell and that's what it's all about. Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson still stole the show regardless. Oh, and by the way I am a star"! Happy New YouTube!
eagleswing44 2 years ago
Nothing comes easy in life. No one is born a big name. You have to work to get there. You can't get a role in a big film because you feel entitled. There are no hand outs in life.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Not many people loved Diana in the Wiz....you need to go back and read some of the reviews....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
It's not about the reviews. It's a cult classic. Alot of movies get bad reviews but critics are critics. There still alot of people who love the wiz.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I wouldn't call The Wiz a "cult classic"....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
What I hate most of all in the movie is that it seems that no one did their homework on being black in the 60's.Look at the outfits...Heavy(there wasn't many,if any,black acts wearing MOD outfits)Dreamgirls(the dresses were from the 50's,not 60's) Love,Love Me Baby and Hard To Say Goodbye(looks like something singers would wear today)
babyboi1002 2 years ago
@babyboi1002 - Sharon Davis who designed the costumes was actually an Oscar nominee for best costume design for "Dreamgirls". I liked the original costumes better but then again I liked everything about the original play better. I was in moved by Anika Noni Rose's Lorell and Jennifer Hudson" Effie. Michael Bennett had a vision and directed and choreographed the show flawlessly for the stage . May he rest in peace!
eagleswing44 2 years ago
Good thing she didn't win....
babyboi1002 2 years ago
For Stage is correct.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Well actually the look from heavy is an exact replica of an alphete the supremes wore when flourence was there. I disagree on the rest. Most of things from the original stageplay was more 80's inspired than 60's. I think the movie reflected more of a girl group from that time. And the Love me baby alphete is inspired from the performance the supremes did of lovechild.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I completely disagree. You have to understand the difference between stage and film. The acting for film is more natural and realistic. Stage is suppose to be exaggerated. So I don't see your point cause millions loved the film, but you probably being of a different generation can't see the great changes that were necessary to make with this film. And Beyonce lost alot of weight for this role. "Not musical on her feel" what does that mean?
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I agree with you on one point: I am from a different generation. I'm from a generation where black was "considered beautiful" and there was a movement to keep it that way. I think you have stage and film confused my friend. Stage is "more natural". You can do anything to exaggerate or manipulate movement, looks, sound, visual, and yes, "even weight" with film. Not musical on her feet means she is not believable and personally like Janet Jackson "she can't act".
eagleswing44 2 years ago
1. Janet Jackson is over 40 years old. You are still in that era.
Come out. 2. No ask any theater actor. Everything in a play has to be exaggerated, because of the venue. It's not natural to do liberrati in real life. Thats more for a musical play. Which is perfect for stage not for film. Come out of thinking about only what you like and what works for everyone. Bill did great at pleasing everyone except for those who don't want to come out of that time period to appreciate it.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
1. Janet Jackson is over 40 years old. Let someone younger have it. 2. It's obvious you just like rooting for the underdog. 3. Beyonce is the lead of a musical group. How can that be unbelievable. All her Diana Ross isms were great too. That whole "considered beautiful" thing sounds like you are caught up in skin color too much. 4 and for the last time stage acting has to be more extra, so people will notice things. Film not necessary for that.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
I'm glad you finally agree on the stage acting thing cause you had it backward in the last writing. The academy of arts and science(Oscars) apparently did not find Beyonce very believable that's why Jennifer Hudson got the Oscar. I was only using Janet as an example of Singers who think they can act and can't. I would deffinately call myself a rooter for the underdog. I also however appreciate raw natural talent, not Hollywood Barbie or Ken dolls made up to look talented.
eagleswing44 2 years ago
No I didn't I stated the same way.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
Which is why we always say (me being black myself) some black people are never satisfied. If it's so bad do a remake.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
It has nothing to do with being satisfied,it's about doing something justice....None of the original actors really said anything positive about the film about a story they help create...and as a huge fan of DG,I can't either......
babyboi1002 2 years ago
If someone who didn't know the old musical saw it, it has to work for them too. Not everything in the old play would work in a 21st century film. The girls were not going to be doing musical theater type of dance, because it's a movie.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
The movie (One Night Only) Disco was more realistic. We are talking about a major film, you have to capture those who like musicals and those who don't. It made since they were in a gay club.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
That was the reason why Rent the movie didn't do too well at the box office, because they didn't know where to cut music and make dialogue. Not everyone seeing the movie is a die hard musical fan. Having that long performance at the beginning of that part in the movie would of came off silly to be singing heavy and move over again. It would of just took up space for A MOVIE.
josephjmg18 2 years ago
for all the slow people giving me thumbs down, i meant that in a good way
allaboutmoney20 3 years ago
Fantastic! Although I remember 15 and 30 second commercials, I don't recall this extended 90 second version.
ShutEmDownNow 3 years ago
All the girls were pretty but Loretta Devine had a classic beauty to her face. Damn she was tall too.
chopsnslams 3 years ago 3
Wow! They were the best! The movie version is crap. Now you can see why the movie version was afraid to show clips of the original Broadway version.
KurtLovesMotown 3 years ago 4
When Effie says, "I'm not singing behind anybody" that's not Jennifer Holliday's voice.
I'm not sure of who it is but I know it's a voice I've heard on a lot of cartoons during the 80's.
chopsnslams 3 years ago
No, that's young Jennifer's voice. She just looped the line in the studio for clearer audio. None of this here is live audio from the commercial shoot. But now that I think of it, Jennifer should have done cartoons! She has a unique voice, and I love that rasp of hers.
actorschmactor2000 3 years ago 2
Thanks for giving the info. She sort of sounds like voiceover actor Susan Blu who had been doing voiceovers sinse the late 70's. She did voice for many cartoons like, JEM and The Paw Paws.
I could tell all the music was from the actual soundtrack album. I wonder if that dialog line was from unused tapes of the soundtrack recording sessions.
She could still do voiceover work.
chopsnslams 3 years ago 2
The portion of "And I am telling You..." must have been from an alternate take because that's not the version on the soundtrack album. I'd love to hear that take in its entirety!
cshb 3 years ago
she was like 20 when she was in the play
alexanderg0916 3 years ago
get off the drugs
louiman7 3 years ago
It is too bad they never filmed the entire production of the original broadway cast like this commercial.
Looks like they just filmed parts of the shows and edited them together for this. Someone wrote elsewhere that this had a longer version shown in movie theaters during the play's run.
Here it looks like they changed a few things for the commercial. Effie never had proof that Deena and Curtis were having an affair "them kissing". Then you can tell it's lipsynching not them live.
chopsnslams 3 years ago
actually that was in the play, Effie does see them kissing...its after the press conference, right before "heavy heavy"...Curtis is singing, "...its only the beggining, only the beggining, its gonna be you, your face will be everywhere..." and Effie comes out of the shadow as says "what about me?"...the commercial restaged it but that did happen in the play. Anyway, yes there is another longer version of this i have it on dvd along with my other Dreamgirls clips! This is an edited version of it!
GETOSUPASTAR 3 years ago 4
This commercial is too long...was it edited for television at some point?
jetset59 3 years ago
What's the scene before & after Curtis kisses Deena? Is it Heavy('cause Effie & Deena are wearing the costume from their 2nd performance of Heavy)? But i think that after Heavy, Drving Down The Strip comes next and then a dressing room scene (a scene where Deena, Lorell, and C.C. is surprised by Jimmy's arrival and then C.C. & Deena argues over Effie's temperamental attitude).
rcxox72793 3 years ago
The scene that is shown is from the end of the "press confrence/only the beginning"... When curtis say's "Your face will be every wear, your smile will be every where... etc" and Effie cries "What about me?"... The wear their 'Dreamgirls' performance dresses in the play, but changed i for this commercial. There is a few things different in this commercial. The girls are wearing their 'Steppin to the bad side' costumes, during 'Fake Your Way to the Top'..
youndatmonkee 3 years ago
I AGREE! No other show comes close!
rcxox72793 3 years ago
Wow. That was, like, the whole entire show summed up in one-and-a-half minutes, wasn't it? LoL
But I still got goosebumps. What a great show.
ItalianDivo101 3 years ago
so wish i could have seen it
Jarrod005 4 years ago
I can't believe that after all these years, I have never seen this full commercial---- I love it.
marklovesportland 4 years ago
Do you or anyone else here have the footage from this Musical. I have the entire audio from the 1981 Opening night. I would like to see "Heavy" and "One Night Only" (Disco).
JesusFan 4 years ago
I have it..
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
wow... i sooo wish i could have seen this! but i wasn't born yet ;(.
stanleycoleman 4 years ago
me neither, i would've loved to have seen this, it's a shame there is no dvd of the full play.
1angel23 4 years ago
Jennifer Holiday gives me goosebumps every time i hear her sing
she is amazing!
sixrubberduckies 4 years ago
I can respect your opinion. It's just that in Broadway, acting is different. In a theater you have to over state your emotions on a big stage in a big theater, so everyone would get it. Alot of the stuff in the play would not have translated well to those who are not into the whole broadway thing. The movie had to be natural, while still being a musical.
josephjmg18 4 years ago
I just think they should have had Deena be more strong acting. I loved how strong Deena was during act 2. She comes out during the ACT II opening (the new and original) and is so empowered and glamerous. And I am a supremes fan and thought some of the added supreme elements were neat, but now I feel that and making Effie a welfare mother is a little over the top...
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
Jennifer Hudson did a really fine job playing Effie White in the movie
blkdee07 4 years ago 2
Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose should appear in a Revival production.
broadwaymike92 4 years ago
That would be awful... The only person who was truly fit their character was Anika Noni Rose... She really captured the true opitome of Lorrell... And unfortunately Bill Condon cut the 'fuck' out of her role i.e. "Ain't No Party"...
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
And i was so pissed that the cut AINT NO PARTY..instead they had to give Beyonce her own song in the movie. She didnt need her own song. It was another way of catering to a spoiled diva
blkdee07 4 years ago
They gave everyone their own song. Instead of ain't no party thay had "Patience"
josephjmg18 4 years ago
Sorry to reply late but I'm just reading this. You could also say they cut "Ain't No Party" to fit Love You I Do into the movie.
Effie didn't need another big song in the movie. Also since she get a small part of the song "Patience" wasn't much of a substitute for her losing her big NUMBER.
chopsnslams 3 years ago
what they should had cut was beyonce's "LISTEN" which wasnt really that revelant in the movie. the movie producers should have kept "AINT NO PARTY". The movie also didnt need "PATIENCE". Like in he play, the movie should of had deena & effie singing to each other when they reconciled which was before the final number when all the girls sang the finale of dreamgirls
blkdee07 3 years ago
i think jennifer hudson fit her role well
Tidusmax 4 years ago
yea, so do I... But, She was lacking a certain raw quality, that Effie needs... She was a little too phony at being over the top and diva like... J. Hud is too sweet and it shone through too much... Beyonce wasn't diva enough in the role, she made Deena in to a wimp...
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
See, certain things that work for Broadway, just doesn't work for film. Film is suppose to have more natural behavior. Broadway is suppose to be over the top. So, it wouldn't have worked if she was as over the top as Holiday was in the play.
josephjmg18 4 years ago
Beyonce downplayed being a diva because the story line ironically parallels Destiny's Childs innergroup turmoil. And She doesn't want to look like a true bitch. But Deena grows and becomes more Sexier as the play progresses and is a bitch at times. I have always loved Beyonce, but I love Deena Jones and Beyonce did not capture Deena too me. A J. Hud is just too humble and sweet.
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
I disagree. First Beyonce didn't write the script for the movie, so nothing is done because she wants to look a certain way. Like I said the film is suppose to seem more realistic and wih that Deena is only a diva on stage and not off. The play never made Deena seem like a stuck up diva. J Hud did Effie 100 percent.
josephjmg18 4 years ago
Correct Beyonce did not write the script, but there is a thing called a contract and certain celebrities with enough clout can have characters toned down if they like... Deena has some really bitchy scenes in the play during "Heavy" and leading up to "It's All Over"... She and C.C. have a huge argument. Beyonce played Deena as a dope... The only time She really did a great job was during the performance numbers...
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
I've seen several productions of the play. There was nothing bitchy about the Heavy scene.
I think Beyonce did a fantastic job. It's all over is the same as the movie version except for no Jimmy. Are you just not giving them credit, because they are not from your generation. I can be wrong, but most people who were young around the time of the original tend to be a little biased, because it would mean their glory days are over too. I may be wrong. Forgive me if I am.
josephjmg18 4 years ago
Deena shows alot of frustration during "Heavy" and leading up to the "It's all Over" Scene Deena and C.C. get in to it. I am 22, and I loved Beyonce, but She did not give me Deena. I saw the movie 5 times in the theatre, and loved it, until I heard the 2001 Live in Concert cd and saw a bootleg of the original. Everyone always says there is only one Effie, but in my Heart there is only one Deena, and that is SLR!
youndatmonkee 4 years ago
I feel the exact same way. Shery Lee Ralph made me want to be Deena. She played "the star" soooooo wonderfuly and gave you every bit of diva
legedaryone 4 years ago
So you are one of those people who root for the underdog
josephjmg18 4 years ago
Thank you for posting this
candyrayne 4 years ago