2006 film → Original Broadway cast recording → YouTube clips of Jennifer Holliday’s live performances → Then seek out a local stage production.
The group, now called , skyrockets to fame. Effie begins a secret affair with Curtis. Meanwhile, Lorrell becomes James Early’s mistress, despite knowing he won’t leave his wife. dreamgirls
Curtis strong-arms Early’s manager, Marty, out of the way. To appeal to white audiences, Curtis makes the lighter-skinned, less vocally powerful the new lead singer—relegating Effie, the powerhouse vocalist, to backup. Effie is devastated but stays. 2006 film → Original Broadway cast recording →