In an early tryout of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, Effie Melody White’s big number, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” appeared early in Act 1. “Audiences wouldn’t stop applauding, so they had to move it to right before intermission,” Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role of Effie in the show, tells Closer. The part won Jennifer a Tony, while the recording of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart and won her a Grammy Award in 1983. “It’s remarkable for a song from a Broadway show to go all around the world,” Jennifer, 63, says. “It made me a household name.”
And it hasn’t stopped. Jennifer’s rendition of the showstopper is still part of her live performances. “I am going to be playing the Café Carlyle in New York in February and March,” she says. “It’s a small, elegant and historic supper club. I’m doing a jazz set but, of course, I always have to do my song from Dreamgirls.”
What are your favorite memories of doing Dreamgirls?
It’s funny, we just passed our 42nd anniversary of our Broadway opening. My fondest memories are of us creating our roles. That was the most exciting part because each of the principals had a lot to say about our parts. There was a lot less pressure. We were just creating something for the love of the show and love of theater.
Did the pressure build after the show opened?
Yes. Once the show is up, it becomes very grueling. It’s not like you can do a lot of things outside of the show. People don’t even realize that.
This story is from the March 04, 2024 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 04, 2024 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mouthwatering BRAISED DISHES
These simple, flavor-packed suppers are just what the doctor ordered this winter
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT Opens Up About Her New Projects
Jennifer Love Hewitt has always loved celebrating the holidays, but this year promises to be J her most special season yet.
Girl Interrupted
For Nicole Kidman, the film Babygirl is an affair to remember. In this erotic thriller, she's a high-powered tech CEO whose suppressed desires are unleashed by a new, young intern (Harris Dickinson) -threatening the life she's built for herself.
DEBBIE ALLEN MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
BORN IN Houston, Deborah Kaye Allen knew what she wanted to do fairly early on.
JEFF BRIDGES LIFE is a GIFT
THE LONGTIME ACTOR FEELS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE LESSONS HE’S LEARNED THE HARD WAY
The PATRICIA NEAL Only I Knew
THE OSCAR WINNER'S CLOSE FRIEND SHARES PERSONAL STORIES OF HER KINDNESS, GRACE AND RESILIENCE
NICOLE KIDMAN HEARTBREAK & Healing
THE STAR OF THE NEW FILM BABYGIRL IS STILL COMING TO TERMS WITH THE LOSS OF HER PARENTS
ANNETTE O'TOOLE Just SAY YES
The Virgin River star shares her favorite career memories and the scoop on her life today
5 WAYS TO OFFSET TOO MUCH SITTING
GET A MOVE ON A FEW SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO AVOID HEALTH RISKS
GONE WITH THE WIND Secrets, Scandals & Lost Scenes
THE BIG SCREEN'S GREATEST LOVE STORY STRUGGLED WITH HISTORICAL REALITIES FROM THE BEGINNING