Take a trip back to the music and dreams of the 1960s by attending the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, and a silent auction at the 2nd Annual President’s Scholarship Dinner-Theatre Gala set for April 24-25 in the Grambling State University Assembly Center.The musical is presented by the President’s Scholarship Dinner-Theater Committee in collaboration with the Theater, Music and Art departments.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., the student-performed production includes a meal prepared by Chef Chuck and the Aramark staff and a silent auction where patrons can bid on artwork donated by GSU students. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for GSU students (student ID required).
For additional information, call (318) 274-2217.
Dr. King David Godwin, chair of the Speech and Theatre Department and Dreamgirls director, said the play “is the total embodiment of an era gone by.”
Written by Tom Eyen with music composed by Henry Krieger, Dreamgirls is based on the show business aspirations and successes of rhythm and blues entertainers such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown and Jackie Wilson. The play follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago called The Dreams, who eventually become superstars.
“On a more universal level, the play speaks to the value of family and to the importance of ethics and honesty,” Godwin said. “Above all, it reminds the viewer to never give in, but to strive forward in spite of the circumstances.”
On Dec. 20, 1981, Dreamgirls opened at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway and won a Tony Award for Best Musical. The production was adapted into a motion picture in 2006.
The GSU production features music by Dr. Larry Pannell, chair of the Music Department. The art exhibits are coordinated by Donna McGee, Art Department chair. The signature artwork of Dreamgirls, designed by art faculty member Larry Holston, is also part of the auction.