Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film- Page 2
Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Joined: 12/31/69
#25re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 12:48pm
Margo, I completely agree. They will need a powerhouse. Who would you like to see cast as Effie?
Now, who's to play Lorell and Michelle?
#26re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 12:50pmJennifer Hudson as Effie...ALL THE WAY!
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
Marlothom
Broadway Star Joined: 4/13/04
#27re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 12:54pmI might not seen Usher ACT, but his video performances are phenomenal, as well as his live act, I think is a great choice and JAMIE FOX! Hello, that is a blessing to this movie...I can already see the chemistry between him and Beyonce (did anyone see the Grammys when he sang Georgia on My Mind with Alicia). Obviously, the Broadway stars would be better, but as it has been mentioned before, the Hollywood Studio System and the Broadway world simply do not mix well, however, as in Chicago, I look forward to seeing many Bway favorite dancers in the ensemble (SHANYNA STEEL!!!)since this is primarily a black movie...and would not be surprised if we saw Lilias or Jennifer Holiday make cameos, did anyone see Pieces of April? (Ms. White was wonderful in it). I also would love to see J.Hud as Deena.
"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."
#28re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 12:56pmJennifer Hudson would be great.
#29re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:04pm
Not really feeling the Jennifer Hudson thing...she was very wooden to me on AI and her voice was loud but not too controlled...I know she has alot of fans out there, tho, so it is only my opinion.
Pieces of April, great movie...Lillias was fab...
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
#30re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:11pmI am not crazy about Beyonce being cast and I am not crazy about Eddie Murphy as Thunder Early. When I heard Usher was doing the movie I thought he might be good in the role. The boy can dance. I think an unknown needs to be cast as Effie. And I hope they are not messing with the C.C. White character. Choreographer? If memory serves me correctly, David Geffen refused to have the concert version filmed. He wouldn't even let PBS do it because he said the motion picture was in the works. I am sure some of you may know this.....does he have a lot of say concerning the cast and the script? It sounds like there will be some changes. So it would have been nice to see the original show, even in concert form, presented on film. It is not fair to judge this movie yet....but I have a feeling I am not going to be too crazy about it. And I LOVE Dreamgirls. However, I will go to see it.
Just give the world Love.
bjivie2
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/04
#31re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:17pm
Has anyone thought about the fact that they wanted Usher, so they deliberately changed the job of CC to choreographer instead of songwriter?
Lilias White won't be making a cameo, most likely, but there are rumors that they're trying to get the three original Dreams in a cameo (most likely in the opening sequence), but who knows if all three of their egos will fit in the same sound stage.
Eeeeeeyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaannnnnddddd aaaaaaaiiiiiiiiyyyyyyaaaaaammmmmmmm teeeeeeeelllllliiiiiinnngg yyyyooooooouuuuuuuwwwaaaahh...
Marlothom
Broadway Star Joined: 4/13/04
#32re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:18pmI wonder if the two supporting ladies in Ray (one of them being my fave Ms. Regina King) will find themselves in the film. I would love to see the woman who played Ray's wife as Michelle, and not sure where to put Regina, but she can make anything work.
"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."
#33re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:21pm
I don't think Usher's voice is anything special at all! He is very whiney.
And who said Chicago worked because it casted popstars? Umm, what popstar were casted in Chicago? They basically chose actors who are known for their acting, and also had a secret talent for singing, and dancing. The only exception was Queen Latifah - she was a rapper (not a popstar) with a hidden secret talent for singing.
Now Usher - that is casting a popstar with a medicore voice, and acting skills.
#34re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:21pm
I don't think Usher's voice is anything special at all! He is very whiney.
And who said Chicago worked because it casted popstars? Umm, what popstar were casted in Chicago? They basically chose actors who are known for their acting, and also had a secret talent for singing, and dancing. The only exception was Queen Latifah - she was a rapper (not a popstar) with a hidden secret talent for singing.
Now Usher - that is casting a popstar with a medicore voice, and acting skills.
sweetiedarlinmia
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/8/04
#35re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:24pm
And I now continue with my familiar refrain:
JENNIFER HUDSON NEEDS TO BE EFFIE!
I am curious to see who they cast as Lorell and Michelle.
MargoChanning
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
#36re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:38pm
CC being made into a choreographer is an incredibly minor change. In the show, he's the songwriter and is there with them every step of the way. It's easily believable that CC might have helped choroegraph the group in their talent show days. He could still be the songwriter as well. It adds a dimension to the character and gives Condon an excuse to add CC to a dance number or two. It's a good idea -- it makes CC a slightly more interesting and dynamic character than he is in the stage version. A nice, but hardly significant change.
Geffen has always owned the film rights to the show as well as a bunch of other subsidiary rights. He's long been very protective of the property, having refused many overtures for a film version over the years. He and Dreamworks are the producers, so while Condon has a free hand to a point, Geffen can always step in if he doesn't care for the direction Condon is taking the project in (doubtful that'll happen, though).
And I'm very happy he didn't allow the concert to be filmed. While it was valuable to have a full account of the score (which is why he allowed a CD), it lacked polish and was too often poorly sung (Hedley was a disaster -- Lorrell's music was way out of her range and she was painfully flat throughout "Ain't No Party"; Audra had way too much vibrato for Deena; and Lillias choked on "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" -- probably the worst rendition I've ever heard from her).
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#37re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:44pm
I think the casting ROCKS! We can trust Condon.
I can not wait to see this film.
broadwaystar2b
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/04
#38re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:45pm
My only issue with the casting is:
If they changed CC into a choreographer, does this mean he's now going to be coming back to Effie singing "Effie I have a dance and only you can dance it the way it should be!!!" ?
How is that going to fit the story, expecially the 2nd Act?
#39re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:47pmMargo...I do agree with you on the singing in the concert. "Ain't no party" was a bit of a train wreck. And I was not crazy about Audra doing Deena. But I enjoyed it overall. I am aware that Geffen has been very protective of the property. I hope he has finally made the right decisions. Only time will tell!
Just give the world Love.
#40re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:49pm
Agree w/ you Margo...the change in CC's part wont throw off the storyline.
I also agree that noone was in good voice for the recording of the concert. I was very disappointed as well (especially in Headley, who I really like...just out of her range.) I do think that the timing of the concert was unfortunate. I would not have wanted to get up and sing that score the week of 9/11, and didnt Billy Porter (who I love) have to rerecord half of his vocals? It is still a great recording of one of the greatest scores ever written...thank God for Geffen!
"You're lyin', you're lyin', I've never been so thin!"
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
Marlothom
Broadway Star Joined: 4/13/04
#41re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:52pm
As long as they keep Whoopi out it, I'm happy...lol.
Does anyone else think that they are going to take the operetta element out, and just keep the songs...for example, as mentioned before, "Effie I have a song for you", will probably now be a scene and this will happen A LOT as all of dreamgirls is sung...that being said, I think the music to Heavy/Argument and the argument before AIATY is phenomenal and will be sad to see it go.
"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."
broadwaystar2b
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/04
#42re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:53pm
That is true about Billy Porter
He was sick when he did the concert
I was extremely disappointed in Heather Headley, but she was miscast to begin with
I would cry tears of joy if they kept "It's All Over" in the film version, it's a shame it wasn't included on the OBCR
Updated On: 5/12/05 at 01:53 PM
#43re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 1:58pmI agree Marlo that the Effie's downward spiral will be tough, but if it is being so protected by Geffen, maybe they have a solution to keep all of that in...seems it will be easier on screen than on stage...am I wishfully thinking? Please dont let them cut that!
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
TonyaFanatic
Broadway Star Joined: 12/29/04
#44re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:06pmi think they will keep the operatic format. thats one of the most powerful and effective elements of the show. and like Margo the Incredible did say earlier, Geffen is soooooo protective of the material. he didnt want it touched unless it was in the right hands, and with that piece of information, plus the genius of Bill Condon, i say the film will be a success.
"Girl, this cupcake is the jumpoff"- Adriane Lenox
#45re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:16pmugh, i'll be avoiding this film like the plague. jamie foxx, usher, beyonce, can it get any worse? why dont that add adam sandler in there then it will be really annoying.
crp2000
Leading Actor Joined: 12/2/03
#46re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:19pm
Can't wait to see who's going to play Effie. Thank God they're looking to cast an unknown. Can anyone think of a few "unknowns" EXCLUDING all former American Idol contenders??
Marlothom
Broadway Star Joined: 4/13/04
#47re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:20pmI agree and I am excited to see it. I wonder if they will keep the same Bennet style choreography. Glad to hear the operatic element will be kept (most likely).
"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."
#48re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 4:10pm
Lorell is going to be Fantasia if I have anything to say about it! I think she would be a great addition to this mix. Homegirl is fiyah! If she does get the part, whoever plays Effie will have to be redikuluz! If they are truly looking for an unknown for Effie, I think Lorell will be a somebody that is already a star because I think it throws the symetry off to have Beyonce and two unknowns. It's better to have Lorell and Beyonce be known and then introduce the person playing Effie as the centerpiece.
I'd like it if they mix in some broadway people into some of the minor roles.
Usher has quite a few acting credits. I thought he did well in his dramatic role in "Light It Up" with Vanessa Williams and he's had some minor appearences in "She's All That" "The Faculty" and appearences on "Moesha." His part is not that big anyway, and he can sing the role. I'd rather see Usher in this than him releasing his 18th single off his CD "Confessions."
silent
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/04
#49re: Jamie Foxx and Usher Join Dreamgirls Film
Posted: 5/12/05 at 4:44pm
I really hope Fantasia is not cast as Lorell. She is nowhere near the singer Heather Headley is..and if Heather couldn't pull it off...Fantasia certainly can't. I can't even imagine Beyonce and Fantasia in the same group.
Tarralyn Ramsey has the vocals for Effie but I don't know if she can act. Then again, Beyonce is in this film so...
I still hope to see Deborah Cox apart of this film, if only to have a true vocal talent and actress in a role in this movie.
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