Early this past April, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts held student auditions for roles in “Dreamgirls,” the musical by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen that won six Tony Awards and 13 nominations nearly 30 years ago. Inspired by the true-life successes of Motown R&B superstars, it starred Jennifer Holliday and ran on Broadway for more than three years. Its popularity continues to delight audiences both on tour and in the film version.
| IF YOU GO |
| “Dreamgirls” |
| Where: The Duke Ellington School of the Arts |
| When: Opens 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. daily, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18 |
| Info: $25 to $35; 202-337-4825; ellingtonschool.org. Gala Night with host Jennifer Holliday, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. $200. |
Next week a new generation of aspiring youngsters will show Washington how they have tirelessly created a production that defines all aspects of the unique school they attend. As head of the Duke Ellington School, Rory Pullens said he is proud of his outstanding staff and the gifted students who willingly devote their energies to an intensive curriculum designed to help them reach their own dreams.
The economic downturn has raised the possibility that this year’s shortfall of $500,000 means that some of his remarkable faculty may be let go. Determined that this could not happen, the goal of producing “Dreamgirls” and holding a Gala Night to avert such a dire prospect was established, and the entire school went to work.
“Every teacher made a commitment to make the musical part of the curriculum,” he said. “For instance, the social studies classes investigated how black performers were viewed and dealt with in this historical period, one today’s students have little connection with. The research delved into politics, class barriers, the theater, costumes and popular dances of the era.”
Lynda Grav?tt, the renowned actor and director of Broadway and Hollywood, has been on hand since the initial auditions last April. As director of the show, she and Charles Augins, chairman of the dance department, were seeking candidates who could sing, move well, read a script, have interesting personalities and a passion for their craft. They needed a commitment and the stamina to keep up with their academic work. Victoria Davis, a resident of Northwest Washington, answered all those qualifications.
“Being cast as one of the Dreamgirls has caused me to become more organized, stay on top of my grades and attend every class,” she said. “I’m aware of what I have to do at all times and stay in step. My goal has been to go to college, probably one with a conservatory where I can study opera. Since being in this show, I’m changing my thinking and may also consider Broadway.”
Pullens points out that the school’s current theme, “I Dream A World,” is fitting for all students in the arts and academics classes who are on the path to fulfilling a variety of dreams. In addition to voice, dance and theater majors involved in the show, the instrumental music department provides more than 60 orchestra members together with an R&B rhythm section.
The technical design department is creating the set and lighting, the costume department has made 325 costumes and the department of museum studies — one of the few such departments in high schools — has put together an exhibit. The visual arts majors have designed and painted the set, while the literature department deals with the media and communications, giving radio interviews and writing articles for local newspapers.
“We could not have a more perfect complement to our Gala than Jennifer Holliday,” Pullens said. “Part of an artist’s commitment is to give back to the next generation. I hope that our kids will do the same and give back to others when they grow up.”
