After a five-year break, the Lone Tree Arts Center returns to producing professional theatrical events this fall with the iconic musical, Dreamgirls.
Article by Marcus Turner, Lone Tree Arts Center Associate Executive Director for External Relations
It is widely acknowledged that live theatre has an inherent power. There’s a universal experience of spending a few hours watching a story unfold before our eyes – we can feel transformed, moved, comforted, or just purely entertained. At the Lone Tree Arts Center, we’ve recognized and harnessed this power by producing our own theatre with such productions as Evita, Beehive: The 60s Musical, and August Wilson’s Fences. Now, in 2023, we’re primed and ready to bring theatre back to our community with an unforgettable production: Dreamgirls.
Originally produced on Broadway in 1981, Dreamgirls made a huge splash in its debut. The story of a girl group and their rise to fame still speaks to audiences with themes of love and making sacrifices to get what we want. On top of the relatable content of the story, the songs throughout the show are truly unforgettable. The original cast recording won two Grammy Awards and Jennifer Holliday’s recording of her solo song “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” was a #1 single on the Billboard R&B charts.
What does it take to produce a show like Dreamgirls?
Bringing a momentous production like this to the Lone Tree Arts Center is no small undertaking. Hours of creative and administrative work ensure that all the parts are in place – from costumes and wigs to sets and lights to music and direction, collaboration is key to success. Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Leigh Chandler assembled an exceptional team of creative talent to bring the show to life – helmed by director Kenny Moten, a regular performer on the LTAC stage.
“Having Kenny Moten direct this production is an incredible honor,” says Chandler. “We were all excited to return to theatricals after 5 years and to do it with Dreamgirls makes it all the more thrilling.”
A Return to Form for Lone Tree Arts Center
After producing Beehive: The 60s Musical in 2019, the LTAC staff along with City leadership decided to pause and consider the most financially feasible ways in which theatrical events can be produced. While past productions were successful in their critical and audience reception, the financial side of producing theatre requires careful examination in order to be strategic and fiscally responsible.
Now with this return to producing, the stage is set for the Lone Tree Arts Center to resume its tradition of creating theatrical events that audiences and critics love. The record speaks for itself – in the short time producing, Lone Tree shows have received multiple Henry Awards, the local theatre awards given out by the Colorado Theatre Guild. From Best Musical for Evita to multiple acting awards, the caliber of talent that performs on the Lone Tree stage has been well established.
Keeping in that tradition, the cast of Dreamgirls brings a wealth of experience and artistry to their roles. Featuring a cast primarily made up of actors from the Denver region, Dreamgirls shows that there is no shortage of talent to be found right in our own backyard.
Join in on the fun, get your tickets today!
Tickets for this unforgettable production are on sale now – don’t miss this opportunity to witness a remarkable story and witness the power of live theatre for yourself.
Get your tickets for Dreamgirls>>