Ujima Co. & Shea's Performing Arts Center announce anticipated co-production of 'Dreamgirls'

Blockbuster musical production opening in Buffalo September 2025 

Shea’s Performing Arts Center Press Release and Photo

Ujima Co. Inc. and Shea’s Performing Arts Center announce plans to co-produce “Dreamgirls” at Shea’s 710 Theatre for a multiweek engagement in September 2025, with performances during the Buffalo Theatre District’s annual “Curtain Up!” weekend. The partnership is the second co-production for Ujima and Shea’s following a highly successful, award-winning collaborative presentation of “The Color Purple” in 2023.

“ ‘Dreamgirls’ is a celebration of the trailblazing women who shaped the sound of American music during the civil rights era,” director Tioga Simpson said. “Through legendary songs like ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,’ ‘One Night Only’ and ‘Dreamgirls,’ the production authentically captures the experiences of Black artists navigating an industry – and a world – grappling with profound change. In partnership with Shea’s, Ujima is proud to bring this story to life with the integrity and passion it deserves, elevating ‘Dreamgirls’ powerful legacy of honoring Black women who defied barriers to make their voices heard.”

“Producing ‘Dreamgirls’ in collaboration with Ujima is more than just bringing a Broadway classic to Buffalo; it’s about saluting the voices, stories and culture that have shaped the fabric of American music and theater," said Brian Higgins, president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. "This production embodies resilience, hope, and the power of dreaming big – qualities that resonate deeply with our community. We’re honored to present such an iconic story, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to an unforgettable experience that will inspire and uplift.”

Inspired by iconic, 1960-70-era Motown musical groups, the dynamic musical features the story of The Dreamettes, an ambitious trio of talented performers following the dream to make it big. Along the way, theatregoers are taken on a journey showcasing hope and heart through rock ’n’ roll, R&B, blues, gospel and jazz. Intertwined is the evolution of the brutal reality of the music industry and the fight for civil rights.

Performers who are 18 years of age or older by Aug. 5, 2025, are invited to auditions taking place at Shea’s Performing Arts Center rehearsal halls between 6-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 7-8. Organizers are specifically seeking actors of Black heritage or those with roots in the African diaspora for this production. If invited, auditioners are asked to hold Jan. 14-15 for callbacks. 

For vocal auditions, please prepare 8-16 bars of a song, reflecting the soul/R&B style and musical period of the 1960s and 1970s, which highlights your vocal range, demonstrates your personality, and captures the essence and musical style of “Dreamgirls.” Songs from “Dreamgirls” are not permitted. Performers interested in auditioning must sign up for a time slot at https://bit.ly/dreamgirlsauditions.

The book and lyrics for “Dreamgirls” were written by Tom Eyen with music from Henry Krieger. The show was originally produced on Broadway by Michael Bennett, Robert Avian, Geffen Records and The Shubert Organization, with orchestrations by Harold Wheeler.

A film adaptation of “Dreamgirls,” produced by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures, was released in 2006. The movie’s creative team and all-star cast, which included Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover, was nominated for and won numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Grammy Award. 

“Dreamgirls” is presented by Ujima and Shea’s through arrangement with Concord Theatricals (www.concordtheatricals.com) and is scheduled to run on the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage from Thursday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sep. 28. Tickets are not yet available.

Follow Ujima Theatre Company & Shea’s Performing Arts Center for additional announcements about “Dreamgirls” in the months ahead: Facebook / Instagram @ujimacoinc.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is on Facebook / Instagram / X @sheasbflo.