It is not only the first time “Dreamgirls – the musical” has been staged in Sweden – it is the first time it has been played in a non-English-speaking country.
– There is a responsibility and a sense of pride in being the ones to bring this musical to Scandinavia, says director Edward af Sillén.
It was during a meeting between him and the China Theater that the musical came up.
– They asked me what musical I dream of doing, and I immediately answered “Dreamgirls”, he says and continues:
– The music is incredible. The song “And I am telling you I’m not going” became the first modern showstopper – that is, a song that completely stops the performance. The audience and the character feel so much in the scene before the song comes that the atmosphere is electric, and then comes this song which is the power ballad of power ballads.
“Dreamgirls – The musical” is Chinateatern’s next musical production. Photo: Mats Bäcker
Even for the protagonist Laila Adéle who plays Effie White is the musical special.
– They are characters with genuine feelings. And then it’s a great story regarding that time. Trying to break through in that genre as a girl group in the 60s in the US… it was so difficult, says Laila Adéle.
Edward af Sillén agrees, and says that’s why they shouldn’t change much in the script.
– We will make everyone who loves “Dreamgirls” proud, and we will make it as it is written. History is too important. It is a history of the black music culture in America during a certain time. When Motown broke through and gave this entire music culture its confidence; a musical movement that is also political. But the musical is also regarding women’s liberation in the music industry, as well as finding their self-confidence.
In the movie “Dreamgirls” from 2006, Anika Noni Rose played the role of Lorrell Robinson, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter played the role of Deena Jones and Jennifer Hudson played Effie White. Photo: DreamWorks SKG
The character Effie White has been played by the greats Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson, with the latter appearing in the 2006 film version.
– It has been my dream role since I saw the film for the first time. Effie completely grabbed my heart with her huge voice. And she has skin on her nose with amazing self-confidence, but at the same time low self-esteem. Besides, she is a little older than the other two girls, and no one can hurt her little sisters or her, she says and continues:
– I can relate to her so much. There have been many no’s in my career as well. At the same time, she takes, and demands, her place. You continue to fight for what you believe in and for what is the passion. I will bring a lot of my experience and baggage into my interpretation of Effie.
Laila Adéle, Janice Kavander and Mary N’Diaye. Photo: Mats Bäcker
It is the first time that Laila Adéle, Janice Kavander and Mary N’Diaye are working together.
– When they came in and did a number as a trio for the first time, time stood still in the room, says Edward af Sillén.
He says he understood then that it would end.
– I thought that this will actually happen. That we will be able to make “Dreamgirls” in Sweden.
About the set of “Dreamgirls – the musical”
The musical premieres this autumn at the Chinateatern in Stockholm. All dialogue will be in Swedish. Producer is Nanette Hayes and 2Entertain.
The director is Edward af Sillén, and Calle Norlén has written the Swedish translation of the dialogue.
Originalmanuset is written by Tom Eyen, and the music is composed by Henry Krieger.
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The whole ensemble. From left back row: Alexander Larsson, Prince Mpedzisi, Minou Deilert, Peter Gardiner and Christopher Lehmann. From left front row: Mary N’Diaye, Janice Kavander and Laila Adéle. Photo: Mats Bäcker
