‘Dreamgirls’ brings sound of 1960s to IU Auditorium

Long-running Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” will close the IU Auditorium’s 2012-13 season with a two-night run Tuesday and Wednesday.

The show, with the backdrop of the 1960s R&B scene, follows the Dreamettes, an up-and-coming girl group that catches a big break after being discovered by an influential talent agent.

Tensions flare among the women as their image and organization evolve. The show chronicles the struggles the women face individually and as a group.

“Dreamgirls” won numerous awards upon its original 1981 run on Broadway and was nominated for 11 awards at the 1982 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The musical was later adapted into a motion picture starring Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson, who won an Academy Award for her role as Effie White. The film won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy in 2007.

Cast member Krystal Simpson said she just joined the cast recently as an ensemble member and understudy for Dreamettes members Deena and Lorrell, but she has really enjoyed her time with the cast and crew thus far.

“I think the traveling is nice as far as the tour is concerned,” Simpson said. “I really like the glamour of the show. The costumes and makeup are top notch.”

Simpson is a junior studying musical theater at Otterbein University in Westminster, Ohio. She said her experience working on “Dreamgirls” has been very different from her college shows, and it’s cool to be involved with a show that’s been popular for so many years.

“I think the storyline and music are what make it so timeless,” she said. “As far as the music, there are a lot of songs that people know or are familiar with.”

Tickets start at $20 for students and $38 for the general public and can be purchased at the auditorium’s box office or through its website, iuauditorium.com.

Simpson said audience members can expect a magical, magnificent theater experience.

“It’s a really incredible show,” she said. “Some shows have down moments, but every moment is big with this show. It’s visually captivating, the singing is incredible and the music is really groovy.”