Living the dream in ‘inspirational’ show
DREAMGIRLS TELLS THE STORY OF 3 TALENTED FRIENDS WHO EMBARK ON A MUSICAL ROLLER COASTER RIDE IN 1960S AMERICA. THE STARS TALK TO POST LIFE
You worked with Jennifer Hudson – who played Effie in the film version of Dreamgirls – on The Voice UK. What was that like?
When anyone says anything to me about Jennifer Hudson it still feels very surreal, like ‘that happened?’. She was my coach on The Voice, and I think that because she also came from a background of reality TV she had a lot of genuine wisdom. She was so patient and so understanding.
You’re playing the same role as Jennifer, but what do you bring to Effie?
With such an iconic role, it’s easy to compare actresses. But I have to remember I’m a completely different person, and that I have to put my own stamp on it. Over the course of a tour I can make the role very personal to me.
What life lessons have you learned through Effie?
She’s taught me a lot. In Act 1 we see Effie very overly confident, and we see her in a very different place in Act 2. She’s much older and wiser in some respects, and it’s taught me to balance that a lot. I think staying humble in this industry is so important – you can get completely swept away with it. It’s a very strong female show which is so empowering and Effie’s taught me about self-love.
NATALIE KASSANGA [DEENA JONES] What is it like being in such a monumental production, especially with three Black women as leads?
Dreamgirls was a huge part of my childhood. I remember when the film first came out falling instantly in love with it. Seeing the role of Deena played by Beyonce really inspired me and grew my love for music. I also fell in love with that era, the Motown era.
Have you learned any life lessons from Deena?
She’s a bit like me, she’s full of love. She’s all about family, she’s very driven, ambitious and wants to make her dreams come true. She wants everyone to achieve just as much as she does. And the sacrifice she makes in risking such an incredible friendship and sisterhood with Effie, who she’s grown up with. Making that sacrifice does teach you that there are going to be times in life where you have to take risks.
What was your favourite part of the film?
I fell in love with ‘I Am Changing’, sung by Jennifer Hudson, because she as the character Effie has the most difficult journey out of anybody in the show. When she finally finds her crown, and she finds her voice again, she comes back stronger than ever and she says ‘you know what? It’s okay, I can do this. I can start again, I can find my path.’
What do you want the audience to take away from this production of Dreamgirls?
I want them to enjoy themselves when they come to watch the show. People may look at it and think it’s just a jukebox musical, but it’s got a lot of history, it’s very inspirational, especially for people who may want to see themselves on stage. Just live in the moment, just enjoy it.
PAIGE PEDDIE (LORRELL ROBINSON) What’s it like being in such a well-loved and inspirational musical?
It’s huge; this is one of my dream shows to be a part of. I remember watching the film and the impact it had on me as a young girl to see women who looked like me looking so beautiful and glamorous and succeeding despite things being stacked against them. So to be a part of that now and stepping into the shoes of all the amazing people who have played these roles before is incredible.
What’s it been like knowing you are now going to be a role model?
It’s incredible to me to step into this role and be a role model for other people. I’m from Nottingham originally; I wasn’t surrounded by West End theatres. I guess that’s the importance of the tour, going to the cities where not everyone can afford to take a trip to the West End.
What are your highlights from the Dreamgirls film?
I love the song ‘I Love You I Do’ in the movie, which is not in the musical. One of my favourite moments is when the girls first meet Jimmy and he has this big production and they are on the road. Also ‘Family’, I think that song is really beautiful, the har
monies and the togetherness.
Is there anything you have learned from your character?
She wears her heart on her sleeve; when she’s thinking something she says it out loud. She has this joyful childlikeness about her. But she can stand up for herself at the same time. So playing her, naturally you have to be confident, and show off a little more than you would. So it’s allowing me to just be bold, kooky and funny and not take myself too seriously.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show?
Just being able to dream – dream big. That family aspect, keep hold of your nearest and dearest. To forget about everything else that’s going on in life and to enjoy the moment.
Dreamgirls is at the Alexander Theatre, Birmingham, from December 6-31.