Musicals: January 2007 Archives

Everyone figures that "Dreamgirls" is based on the story of "The Supremes," the ultimate girl group of the 60s founded by childhood friends Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. Even though the movie is a fictionalized version of what went down with the group, stars Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson made no secret of who their inspirations were in shaping their characters.
"Absolutely Diana Ross was a huge inspiration," said Beyonce, whose character of Deena is very Ross-like. "Her music was always on, her movie posters on my wall. [Deena] is not exactly Diana Ross, it's not a movie of her life. But she was absolutely the inspiration."
Beyonce says she was nervous to meet Ross after the movie came out but said the meeting went fine. Ross has not commented on the film. But with her first new CD in many years due out next week, she no doubt will say SOMETHING about it. But, you never know. Ross has a way of saying a lot but not saying a lot and has rarely been very candid.
Hudson, winner of the best supporting actress Globe and the Oscar front-runner, said her characterization was indeed inspired by the late Ballard who, like Effie in the film, was replaced as lead singer then kicked out of the group. While Effie bounced back in the film, Ballard never did and died in poverty at the age of 32.
So, it was especially touching Monday night when Hudson ended her acceptance speech by saying: "I want to dedicate this award to a lady who never really got a fair chance. This award is for Florence Ballard. You will never be forgotten."

My guess is that there have been plenty of readers who think, "Why the hell does Greg keep going on and on about 'Dreamgirls'"? Well, you will get a chance to find out as the movie finally goes into wide release in 1,900 theaters in the U.S.
So fare, the movie has grossed $56.2 million domestically (as of Wednesday) and has earned all kinds of award show nominations. I think it's a shoo-in to reach at least $150 million. Three years ago, the musical "Chicago" went on to take in $170 million after it won the best picture Oscar. The movie is up for five Golden Globe awards on Monday and should win in some key categories and I think that could result in a nice box office boost as well.
So go see "Dreamgirls" this weekend and let me know what you think of it!

It's not even my birthday and this news comes on the front page of Daily Variety: Meryl Streep is set to star in the big-screen adaptation of the stage-smash of "Mamma Mia," a musical built around the songs of Swedith pop group ABBA.
This sounds PERFECT!!!
Anyone who saw "A Prairie home Companion" knows that Miss Streep can really sing. I'm just surprised she hasn't done it more often in film. Before "Prairie," the last time she sanf was two songs in "Postcards from the Edge." This marks Streep's first-blown musical.
The story is about a bride-to-be who never met her father and was raised by a single mother (Streep). The daughter invites three likely paternal candidates to the wedding. The movie will include 22 ABBA songs including :"Dancing Queen" "Take A Chance on Me" and "Knowing Me Knowing You."
Anyway, the film will be directed by Phillyda Lloyd, who directed the original stage production in London as well as on Broadway. Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks are among the executive producers.
I. Can't. Wait.