The Hoogland Center for the Arts is excited to present the smash-hit musical Dreamgirls on August 22-24 and 29-31. Dreamgirls will be directed by professional performer, and Springfield native, Nattalyee Randall.
Dreamgirls is a powerful and captivating musical that takes audiences on an emotional journey through the turbulent world of the American music industry during the 20th century. With its roots in the rise of iconic girl groups like The Supremes, it showcases the complex dynamics of ambition, friendship, love, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of gospel, R&B, pop, and disco music.
The plot centers on The Dreamettes, a group of three young women—Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson—who initially struggle for recognition in a cutthroat industry. Their breakthrough comes when they are discovered by ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr., who helps them transition from background singers to the stars of their own group, The Dreams. As they rise to fame, however, they face challenges such as personal and professional rivalry, shifting loyalties, and the relentless pressures of success.
At the heart of the musical is Effie, a powerful and talented singer whose passion and determination often put her at odds with her bandmates, especially as Deena—initially the less prominent member—becomes the group’s frontwoman. One of the most iconic moments in Dreamgirls is Effie's unforgettable solo, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," a song that showcases her emotional range and serves as a powerful anthem of defiance and heartbreak.
Premiering on Broadway in 1981 at The Imperial Theatre, Dreamgirls had an immediate impact, running for over 1,500 performances. The musical helped launch the careers of many performers, including Jennifer Holliday, whose performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" became a defining moment in the show’s legacy and topped the Billboard R&B charts in 1982. The musical also inspired the 2006 film adaptation starring Jennifer Hudson, which introduced the show to a new generation of fans.
Dreamgirls remains a timeless exploration of the power of music, the cost of fame, and the complex relationships that shape the lives of those who pursue stardom.
Showtimes: Friday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 24 at 2 p.m.; Friday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, August 30 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 seniors over 60 and students. Call (217) 523-2787 or go to hcfta.org to reserve tickets.
About Nattalyee:
Nattalyee Randall currently resides in NYC but is originally from Springfield, Illinois. She attended Western Illinois University for Music and English Education. She is an activist, ultra marathoner, teacher, director, producer, writer, and actor. You can catch her in the movie “The Ghost Who Walks” on Peacock TV.
She just recently Associate Directed “Hot Wing King” at Hartford Stage and Assistant Directed “Sister Act” at Cape Fear Regional Theater. She was the child wrangler for Lion King on Broadway and currently has a voice studio exclusively teaching children on Broadway and pursuing Broadway. She was the General Manager Fellow for “A Christmas Carol” on Broadway.
She directed and executive produced the award winning documentary “The Race Against Race” which world premiered at DOC NYC, the Trail Running Film Fest, Over the Rhine Film Festival, and also played on PBS. The film chronicles Nattalyee’s story of how she transformed “Running while Black” into an act of protest in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. Her next doc “Don’t Look Too Far Ahead” is currently on the film festival circuit this year.
Insta/Twitter: @Nattalyee @50MileRunForJusticeProtest
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