DREAMGIRLS Returns to the Harold Washington Cultural Center for a Limited Engagement

Three Performances July 25-27, 2014

CHICAGO, IL – Renowned Director John Ruffin announced his second revival of the critically acclaimed and award winning Broadway musical, Dreamgirls at the Harold Washington Cultural center in Chicago. The limited engagement of only three performances runs July 25-27, 2014.

Theater 47 first performed a successful run of Dreamgirls at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in the spring of 2012. The show was a part of the “Broadway to Bronzeville” series created by the show’s director, John L. Ruffin.  The original production of Dreamgirls initially premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on December 20, 1981.The show  closed on August 11, 1985, after 1,521 performances. Dreamgirls  was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six. It was later adapted into a motion picture from DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006.

Dreamgirls follows the story of all-girl singing trio from Chicago called “The Dreams” and the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry. At first, the Dreams’ manager falls in love with the lead singer, Effie. Later, he abandons her both romantically and professionally, replacing her with someone thinner. Eventually, Effie manages to recover from the blow and builds a successful career going solo. In the end, during the group’s farewell appearance, Efie is reunited with the Dreams resulting in a happy ending for all.

John L. Ruffin is no stranger to the world of theater, he has written, produced and directed many successful stage plays such as “Love Me and Leave Me,” “The Ideal Husband” and “All My Single Ladies.” He has also directed other record breaking Broadway stage productions such as “The Wiz,” “Dreamgirls,” “The Color Purple” and “Imitation of Life,” in his native Chicago.  The mission of his performing arts company –Theater 47, is to evoke an artistic awakening and provide affordable entertainment options to communities and families — particularly those who have never had the opportunity to see a Broadway production.

In an effort to bring Broadway to the masses, John Ruffin ‘s Theater 47 Performing Arts Foundation, in conjunction with Coball Entertainment; will launch a national tour  this fall of the Tony Award winning hit Broadway musical, “THE COLOR PURPLE.”  Theater patrons can also look forward to upcoming  tours produced and directed by the T47 and Coball  collaboration  in 2015  to include; ”DreamGirls”, “The Wiz” and “Imitation of Life”

The upcoming Chicago performance of Dreamgirls will feature an infusion of technology into the scenic design, new costumes and updated choreography. “We wanted to bring the show forward without compromising the integrity of the original production,” said the show’s director, John Ruffin. “Audiences can still expect a great production filled with engaging music and dramatic intensity.” The show is being mounted as a limited engagement production and sneak preview in preparation for the 2015 national tour.

Under Ruffin’s direction, 45 of Chicago’s most talented stage actors, dancers and singers will bring to life one of the most successful shows in the Broadway portfolio. The core ensemble features Tashika Benson as Effie White, Jennifer Johnson as Deena Jones, Aeriel Williams as Lorrell Robinson, K.C. Lee as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Todd RaSean  as C.C.. and Melinda “Sandy Redd” Bussie as Effie’s replacement Michelle Morris. Mike Kenady will take on the role of James “Thunder” Early.

Performance Schedule

Friday, July 25, 2015               7:30 PM

Saturday, July 26, 2014           7:30PM

Sunday, July 27, 2015             5; 00PM

Tickets are available online at, www.johnruffin.com and at the Harold Washington Cultural Center box office.