The Original Dreams aren't Happy

Jennifer Holiday, who made the role of Effie White famous in the broadway hit, Dreamgirls is speaking out. She feels pushed aside by the film's producers who apparently use her rendition of, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" in the film's promo's but give her no credit.

In a candid interview, Jennifer tells the Boston Globe how she has unwittingly become a reflection of her most famous role. She's upset that the producers never approached her to be involved in the film. "Why is it necessary for them to wipe out my existence in order for them to have their success?" Holiday has publicly pondered. "It's scary that they can be so cruel. I know it's business, but why do they have to go to this extreme? I'm a human being. Why do I have to die to make them a winner?" Holiday's life has taken some Effie-like turns. She suffered from severe depression, had two failed marriages, and tried to commit suicide on her 30th birthday. She later lost a whopping 200 lbs. and started recording again but it's been an uphill struggle.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, the original Deena is just as miffed. "When Tom Eyen who is the creator, had this idea, he said that the Dreams have to be three obviously black girls," Ralph said in a recent interview. "Why? Because America will always go for that light, bright, long-haired black girl because they will feel comfortable building her up, since they see themselves in her. But for the obviously black girl, if she makes it, she deserves to be right there...So, when they cast Beyoncé in the role of Deena Jones, I said, 'Wow, this is exactly what Tom Eyen said would happen. They are going to take to that light, bright blackish blond girl because they feel comfortable with her. That's the reality.'" - OUCH!!

The only former Dreamgirl to appear in the film was Loretta Devine.

I understand how the former Dreamgirls would be bitter about being excluded. But I wonder if they made these comments before actually seeing the movie. Admittedly, I never saw the stage version featuring Ralph or Holiday, but I thought both Beyonce and Jennifer did an amazing job making these roles their own and encourage any and all to see the film.