A revival of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls is set to debut next year, and producers are looking for three new lead actresses.
The production will open in New York City in fall 2026, producers announced Monday, Sept. 15, according to local news station WABC-TV.
Five-time Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown (Hell’s Kitchen, Gypsy, Choir Boy) will direct and choreograph the musical.
The producing team includes London-based Sonia Friedman, New York producers Sue Wagner and John Johnson, and Tony-winning actress LaChanze who has moved into producing, The New York Times reports.
Related: Sheryl Lee Ralph Honored on Walk of Fame With ‘Abbott Elementary’ Cast by Her Side
Dreamgirls follows Effie White, Deena Jones and Lorrell Robinson — a trio of Black female singers as they rise to stardom. Created by Tom Eyen, who wrote the book and lyrics, and composer Henry Krieger, the story was inspired by R&B groups like The Supremes and highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black women in show business.
The musical first opened on Broadway in December 1981, and starred Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine. The original run lasted four years and helped launch the three performers into stardom.
Ralph, who originated the role of Deena Jones, was recently honored with a star on the Walk of Fame after more than 40 years in the entertainment industry and since her breakthrough role in the hit musical. Devine joined her at the ceremony.
In 2021, the trailblazers reunited for a benefit that raised money for Broadway Cares.
The original production was directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, and won six Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Holliday.
The show’s first Broadway revival was in 1987. The production’s continuous success later led to a 2006 film adaptation starring Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles and Anika Noni Rose. The movie won two Academy Awards, with Hudson taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Auditions for the leading roles in the 2026 stage production will be held in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Rome and Paris.
Audition details will be announced later.
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