Dreamgirls

Act I

In 1962, at the world-famous Apollo Theatre in New York City, The Dreamettes arrive late for a talent contest that they hope will launch their R&B career. The trio, featuring the powerful lead singer Effie White backed up by willowy Deena and sassy Lorrell, is accompanied by Effie's brother C.C., who writes all their material. Smooth-talking businessman Curtis Taylor manipulates the contest, and The Dreamettes do not win the trophy. Instead, Curtis becomes the group's manager, and he negotiates a job for the girls as backup singers for gospel star Jimmy Early.

Jimmy and The Dreamettes begin touring, and they soon record their first song, "Cadillac Car," written by C.C. But the song is also recorded and popularised by a white group in a bland pop style. The girls, C.C., Curtis, and Jimmy's agent Marty are all outraged. Curtis vows that the group will not be taken advantage of again ("Steppin' to the Bad Side").

Curtis books Jimmy and The Dreamettes as the first black act to appear in Miami Beach, and everyone is elated. Meanwhile, Curtis begins a relationship with Effie, primarily to manipulate the fortunes of the group, and Jimmy - despite being married - begins a relationship with Lorrell.

Seeking a wider audience, Curtis promotes the girls as their own act, The Dreams. But first, Curtis decides to replace lead singer Effie with Deena, whom he believes has the 'look' of success. Effie, embittered by this betrayal, resists singing backup, and C.C. and the group try unsuccessfully to comfort her ("Family"). Meanwhile Jimmy, enticed by Curtis' aggressive management style, leaves his agent, Marty.

The Dreams, now led by Deena, find greater success ("Dreamgirls"). Privately, however, relationships within the group continue to deteriorate. Effie's behavior and appearance further decline, and tempers flare ("It's All Over"). Curtis is forced to replace Effie with Michelle, and Effie's pain and frustration finally spill over ("And I'm Tellin' You I'm Not Going"). The new trio, redubbed Deena Jones and The Dreams, headlines at the Las Vegas Hilton, and their future appears bright.

Act II

Five years later, Deena and The Dreams are at the pinnacle of their career. Effie, on the other hand, struggles to pull herself together. With Marty now acting as her agent, Effie auditions for a job in a Chicago club ("I Am Changing").

Tensions continue to escalate with Deena and The Dreams; C.C. and Curtis have serious artistic differences over C.C.'s new song "One Night Only," and Deena intends to pursue a movie career, much to Curtis' dismay ("When I First Saw You"). With Jimmy's career in a deep decline, Lorrell finally leaves him, bitterly noting that after seven years, Jimmy never did divorce his wife ("Ain't No Party").

Back in Chicago, C.C. apologises to his sister for deserting her, and they reconcile ("I Miss You, Old Friend"). He offers her the song "One Night Only," and Effie's recording of the song moves toward the top of the charts. Curtis, incensed that Effie would challenge the Dreams' disco version of "One Night Only," uses his influence to undercut Effie's version. But Marty uncovers Curtis' illegal business practices, and Deena finally leaves Curtis. After years of bitterness, Effie and Deena reunite. The Dreams present a farewell concert ("Hard To Say Goodbye, My Love") and just before the curtain closes, they invite Effie on stage for one final performance of their signature song, "Dreamgirls."

Principals
(4 female; 4 male)

Effie Melody White — lead singer of the Dreamettes
Deena Jones — backup singer of the Dreamettes; later lead singer
Lorrell Robinson — backup singer of the Dreamettes
Michelle Morris — backup singer; replacement for Effie
Jimmy (James Thunder) Early — principal soul singer
C.C. (Clarence Conrad) White — composer and brother of Effie
Curtis Taylor, Jr. — Cadillac dealer and manager of the Dreams
Marty — theatrical agent for J.T. Early

Supporting
Stepp Sisters — four girl singers; non-speaking
Charlene — backup singer for J.T. Early
Joann — backup singer for J.T. Early
M.C. — master of ceremonies, Apollo Theatre
Tiny Joe Dixon — winning talent contest singer; non-speaking
Little Albert & The Tru-Tones — male quintet; non-speaking
Band (The James Early Band) — six male singers; non-speaking
Wayne — record producer/director
Dave — solo tenor; non-speaking
Sweethearts — two girl backup singers; non-speaking
Frank — press agent
Jerry Norman — nightclub owner
Carl — nightclub pianist; non-speaking
Five Tuxedos — male quintet; non-speaking
Les Styles — girls’ backup quartet; non-speaking
Edna Burke — applause meter reader; non-speaking
Dwight — TV studio director
Stage Manager — TV studio
Brian — pit orchestra drummer; non-speaking
Mr. Morgan — Effie’s lawyer
Security Guard — backstage, Chicago

Ensemble
Chorus Men & Women
Fans
Reporters
Stagehands
Party Guests
Photographers
Film Executives

The original Broadway production had a cast of 32 performers, including chorus. Some doubling was employed in the minor parts.