the dreamgirls
Sophia Aguilar
Updated on May 21, 2026
Written by composer Henry Krieger and playwright Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls is said to be a fictional story based on girl groups of the 1960s such as The Supremes, The Shirelles and The Marvelettes – but speculation that it was based on The Supremes and their relationship with Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records has been
Is Dreamgirls about Diana Ross?
Although Deena and Curtis, the band’s manager, getting married and Deena becoming the band’s lead singer, Beyoncé confirmed that Dreamgirls isn’t about Ross and The Supremes. “Deena is not Diana Ross,” the singer shared with Oprah.com. “It was very clear that a lot of the storylines never happened to Diana.
Is Dreamgirls worth watching?
June 6, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… While Dreamgirls has many fantastic attributes — brilliant musical numbers, top performances, and some amazing camerawork and editing — it doesn’t quite gel, ensuring that this musical never moves from being a good film to a supreme one.
Who were the original dream girl?
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 is Jimmy supposed to be in Dreamgirls?
Eddie Murphy as James (Jimmy) “Thunder” Early; inspired by R&B/soul singers such as James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye, is a raucous performer on the Rainbow label engaged in an adulterous affair with Dreams member Lorrell.
Was Diana Ross married to Barry?
Despite their lengthy relationship, Ross never married Gordy. Nonetheless, their lives shifted when she became pregnant with her first child, Rhonda Ross. Although Gordy was Rhonda’s biological father, he and Ross didn’t tell their daughter the truth until she was 13.
How old was Deena Jones in Dreamgirls?
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.
Is Dreamgirls based on Destiny Childs?
The Supremes: The Broadway play “Dreamgirls” was based on the life and times of the Motown trio. Destiny’s Child: Beyonce will star in a Hollywood remake of “Dreamgirls,” cast in the role inspired by Ross.
Are Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé 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.
Did Eddie Murphy sing 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.
Is Dreamgirls appropriate for a 10 year old?
The MPAA rated Dreamgirls PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content.
Who was Effie White based on?
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.
Was Dreamgirls a musical first?
Background. Dreamgirls had its beginnings as a project for Nell Carter. Playwright Tom Eyen and conductor Henry Krieger first worked together on the 1975 musical version of Eyen’s play The Dirtiest Show in Town.
Who replaced Florence Ballard in The Supremes?
Tensions mounted between the two women, and the high-spirited Ballard became increasingly sullen and testy. After a Supremes performance in Las Vegas, Gordy replaced Ballard with Cindy Birdsong, whom he’d been quietly grooming. Tellingly, the group subsequently would be known as Diana Ross and the Supremes.
How many Supremes were there?
It should be remembered that The Supremes owed their sound in recordings to Diana Ross and the lady deserved the extra credit for being an exceptional talent, but on TV or in concerts, audiences were fascinated by all three Supremes, by their performances and by their individual personalities.