The Broadway musical DREAMGIRLSmakes its debut January 23 through February 2 at Tennessee State University, and tells the story of a make-believe, all-female group that makes it big in the 1960s and 1970s while facing the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame.
Presented by the Circle Players in collaboration with Tennessee State University, the play will take place at the Cox-Lewis Theatre in the Performing Arts Center.
Performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees on January 26 and February 2 at 3 p.m. A Saturday matinee takes place February 1 at 3 p.m.
Dreamgirls takes audience members to a time when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound…a time when music lovers were screaming at Elvis and listening to the Beatles, but were dancing to the new beat of countless groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Shirelles and The Temtations. Dreamgirls doesn’t just focus on singing, dancing and performing, but also the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry…the business part of show business that made possible this cultural phenomenon.
Dreamgirls has a memorable score that features R&B flavored songs, many of which may be familiar to audiences, especially the title song, Dreamgirls, and the powerful solo And I am Tellin’ You. The music, singing and choreography of Steppin to the Bad Side will have audiences tapping and clapping along.
The music direction is by Dianna Poe, former TSU Choir Director and voice instructor, and director of the Nashville Symphony MLK Celebration Choir. Choreography is by Ashley Danielle and Tim Larson, and also serves as production manager.
Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors 60 and older. Special discount tickets are available for $11 on Thursday, Jan. 30. Group rates are available for 10 or more by calling 615.332.7529 or boxoffice@circleplayers.net.
TSU student tickets are $5 and $10 for faculty and staff. Ticket discounts are available in person with campus ID at the Performing Arts Center box office prior to any performance.
For more information, call 615.332.7529.
With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
