“Dreamgirls” Set for Broadway Return: Iconic Musical to Shine Again After 40 Years

Broadway is set to witness a momentous occasion in Fall 2026 as “Dreamgirls,” the beloved musical that defined an era, returns to the stage for a newly envisioned revival. The announcement marks 40 years since the production first dazzled audiences at the Imperial Theatre in 1981, introducing a bold fusion of R&B, soul, and showbiz storytelling that would leave an indelible mark on theater history .

Originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, “Dreamgirls” centers on the rise of the fictional girl group The Dreams—Deena, Lorell, and Effie—whose journey through the turbulent world of show business resonated with themes of ambition, identity, and resilience. The show’s score, composed by Henry Krieger with book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, produced legendary numbers such as “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only,” and the title anthem “Dreamgirls.” The 1981 premiere ran for 1,521 performances, earned 13 Tony Award nominations, and won six, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Leading Actress for Jennifer Holliday’s unforgettable portrayal of Effie White .

The show’s cultural influence extended far beyond Broadway. It inspired generations of artists, served as the foundation for the Oscar-winning 2006 film adaptation starring Jennifer Hudson, and became a touchstone for diverse audiences, especially within Black and LGBTQ+ communities .

The 2026 revival will be directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, one of the most dynamic creative forces on Broadway today. Brown’s reputation is built on her Tony-nominated work for both direction and choreography, including the 2022 revival of “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf,” as well as choreography for “Choir Boy,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Gypsy,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and “Once On This Island” . Her appointment signals a bold new chapter for “Dreamgirls,” with expectations of innovative storytelling, inclusive casting, and authentic representation.

Brown’s previous work has been praised for its intersectional lens and her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, making her leadership in this revival especially significant for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC audiences .

In a move reflecting the production’s commitment to inclusivity, producers have announced a worldwide talent search to cast the central trio—Deena, Lorell, and Effie. Auditions will take place in major cities across North America, Europe, and Latin America, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris . This effort aims to discover performers with unique perspectives and lived experiences, encouraging artists of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to bring their voices to the iconic roles.

The production’s open call aligns with Broadway’s ongoing push for greater representation and visibility for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC creatives. By actively seeking diverse talent, “Dreamgirls” positions itself as a platform for stories and performances that reflect the richness of global communities and the theater’s evolving landscape .

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, “Dreamgirls” holds personal significance. The musical’s themes of self-acceptance, the pursuit of dreams, and overcoming adversity resonate deeply with audiences who have faced societal barriers and discrimination. Effie White’s powerhouse anthem “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” has become an unofficial rallying cry within queer spaces, celebrated for its defiant emotion and unapologetic authenticity .

Over the decades, “Dreamgirls” has been performed at Pride festivals, drag shows, and community events, its music and message embraced by generations of LGBTQ+ performers and fans. The original production and subsequent revivals have featured openly queer artists, further cementing the musical’s place in LGBTQ+ cultural history .

In an era when conversations about representation and inclusion are at the forefront of the arts, the 2026 revival promises to build on this legacy. Under Camille A. Brown’s direction, the creative team is expected to foster an environment where LGBTQ+ artists and narratives can flourish, both onstage and behind the scenes .

As “Dreamgirls” prepares for its return, anticipation is building within theater circles and LGBTQ+ communities alike. The show’s enduring popularity, combined with a renewed commitment to diversity, suggests that the revival will be more than a nostalgic event—it will be a celebration of progress, artistry, and the power of dreams.

With Camille A. Brown’s visionary leadership and a global casting call, “Dreamgirls” is poised to reflect the voices and stories of a new generation. Fans and newcomers can look forward to a production that honors the original’s groundbreaking impact while embracing the inclusive spirit of contemporary Broadway .

For LGBTQ+ audiences, the promise of a “Dreamgirls” revival is more than a return to the stage—it is a reaffirmation of the musical’s message: that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. As the curtain rises, Broadway and the queer community prepare to dream together once more.