Press Release
DREAMGIRLS
Brings Glitz, Glamour, and Soul
to Walnut Street Theatre
PHILADELPHIA, PA: Walnut Street Theatre (WST) is thrilled to bring the acclaimed award-winning
musical DREAMGIRLS to life as they close their 216th season of dreams. This dazzling production
begins previews on March 25, opens April 2, and runs through May 4.
Stars rise and fall... but dreams live forever! This sensational Broadway musical tells the story of a
1960s Supremes-like girl group that catches its big break during an amateur competition. But will
their friendship – and their music – survive the rapid rise from obscurity to pop super stardom? Full
of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS is a sweeping and inspirational journey with a
dazzling production, powerhouse vocal performances, and an unforgettable score filled with pop,
R&B, gospel, disco and more!
First premiering on Broadway in 1981, DREAMGIRLS took the theatre world by storm, earning six
Tony Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Book. With book and lyrics by TOM
EYEN and music by HENRY KRIEGER, the show’s infectious score and dazzling spectacle quickly
cemented it as a Broadway classic. Following its acclaimed original run, DREAMGIRLS was
reimagined for a new generation in a star-studded 2006 film adaptation, which won two Academy
Awards. In 2016, the show made its long-awaited West End debut at London’s Savoy Theatre,
where it played to sold-out crowds and earned critical acclaim, including two Olivier Awards for
acting performances. Decades after its debut, DREAMGIRLS continues to shine as a beloved staple
of musical theatre, capturing the soul and spirit of an era.
WST’s production is helmed by director and choreographer GERRY MCINTYRE, whose dynamic
work has been celebrated nationwide. McIntyre made his WST debut as choreographer for Rodgers
+ Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Acclaimed for his choreography in the Berkshire Theatre Group’s
Godspell, McIntyre has directed previously at The York, The Hangar Theatre, and others; his
choreography credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Anything Can Happen in The Theatre, Side by Side,
Tommy and My Fair Lady at the Berkshire Theatre Festival.
CHRIS BURCHERI returns as Music Director, having completed Jersey Boys and ELF The
Broadway Musical at the Walnut earlier this season. Burcheri, currently in his fifth season providing
music and vocal direction at the Walnut, first took the podium in the 2019-20 season and has led
productions such as Rocky the Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Beautiful – The Carole
King Musical.
Leading the cast as The Dreams, the trio at the heart of the story, are AVEENA SAWYER as the
powerhouse Effie White, GABRIELLE BECKFORD as the ambitious Deena Jones, and KHALIFA
WHITE as the lively Lorrell Robinson; all three are making their Walnut debuts in these roles. CHALI
COOKE (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) joins as Michelle, rounding out the evolving girl group
as they navigate the music industry’s highs and lows.
E. CLAYTON CORNELIOUS makes his Walnut debut as he takes on the role of the electrifying
James “Thunder” Early, with JARRAN MUSE also making his debut as the smooth yet ruthless
Curtis Taylor Jr. DEVIN L. ROBERTS (Hairspray) portrays C.C. White, the young songwriter with big
dreams, while Tony Award nominee (The Scottsboro Boys) FORREST MCCLENDON (Finian’s
Rainbow) brings to life Marty, the group’s steadfast advocate and mentor.
The production’s talented ensemble features ANNE BRAGG (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical),
CORNELIUS DAVIS (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical), BONNIE KELLY (ELF The Broadway
Musical), ANDREW LEGGIERI (Mary Poppins), ZUMMY MOHAMMED (ELF The Broadway
Musical), DANA ORANGE (Jersey Boys), and SIERRA WILSON (ELF The Broadway Musical), all
bringing vibrant energy and stunning vocals to the stage.
Making their Walnut debut and rounding out the ensemble are Dance Captain IAN COULTER-
BUFORD, ADELEKE GORING, FAIRIN HIGHTOWER, TAYLOR J. MITCHELL, MONIQUE
STREETY, DEREK WALTON, and KARLEY PURNELL.
Bringing DREAMGIRLS to life behind the scenes is an exceptional creative team. Emmy Award-
winning scenic designer ANDY WALMSLEY debuts his designs on the Walnut stage while he sets
the stage with dynamic visuals. Lighting designer JOSE SANTIAGO enhances the production’s
vibrant atmosphere with his Walnut debut as well. ED CHAPMAN (ELF The Broadway Musical)
delivers an immersive experience for audiences as sound designer, ensuring every note resonates.
DUSTIN CROSS captures the era’s elegance with dazzling costume design, and DESTINEE
STEELE completes the casts transformations with stunning wig and makeup design; both make their
Walnut debuts with their fantastic designs. Together, this team crafts a visually spectacular
experience that transports audiences into the heart of The Dreams’ journey.
With its heart-pounding music, show stopping performances, and dazzling spectacle, DREAMGIRLS
is an unmissable theatrical event!
The 2024-25 Season finishes with DREAMGIRLS. Previews begin March 25, 2025, and the show
runs through May 4, 2025. Open captioning will be available on Sunday, April 6 for the 7pm
performance: audio description will be available on Thursday, April 17 for the 2pm performance.
For tickets and information, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com or call 215-574-3550.
All show titles, dates, and prices are subject to change.
