Amber Riley (Glee, NBC’s The Wiz Live) coming to London West End to lead an all new production of Dreamgirls. The highly acclaimed 1981 musical is turning 35 this year and is heading across the pond to celebrate. Riley will play the Effie the role originated Jennifer Holiday in the original Broadway production and played on the screen by Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 film of the same name. by The show will be directed by Book of Mormon West End Director Casey Nicholaw.
Director and Choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Drowsy Chaperone,Something Rotten!) recently helmed the West End's production of The Book of Mormon. Nicholaw opened up about the opportunity to direct the West End production of this American classic telling press (via Playbill.com)
"I am beyond thrilled to be directing and choreographing Dreamgirls in the West End. It was one of the first shows I saw when I moved to New York in 1982 and has been my favourite show ever since. We've begun to assemble a terrific cast of actors here in the UK. We also have a terrific design team lined uP--it's going to be a smart and sexy production. I'm so excited about working with Amber. I loved her on "Glee" and when her name came up for this, I thought--Wow, I think she could be incredible--and then when she came in to audition for us, she blew us away!"
Producer Sonia Friedman also made a statement about first ever West End production of Dreamgirls:
"This great, now classic American musical is coming to London at long last, and I couldn't be more excited to confirm that Amber Riley will be joining the cast of Dreamgirls for the West End season… Having met Amber and having had the privilege of hearing her sing two of the iconic songs from Dreamgirls, 'And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going' and 'I Am Changing' –- I was left with goosebumps, tingles and tears; I was completely knocked out by this talented performer. London is very lucky to be the first to see her Effie."
Dreamgirls original opened on Broadway in 1981 written by Tom Eyen with music by Henry Krieger. Dreamgirls was nominated for 12 Tony Awards in 1982 winning six. The cast album recording also won two Grammy Awards in 1983.
Dreamgirls comes to the Savoy Theater this November. Tickets will go on sale in spring 2016. For more information visit the official website for Dreamgirlswestend.com.
