From Bey's board:

R.C: How do you feel about Dreamgirls getting the Hollywood treatment?

SLR: It's hard. Believe or not in the 1980's when Dreamgirls opened we completely changed theater, we changed who came to the theater, and who was interested in theater. And now 25 years later, people find it so easy to act like we didn't do what we did. Loretta Divine and Vondie Curtis Hall were in the original company, there were some great folks who are still working today.

R.C: How do you feel about Beyonce portraying the role you originally bought to life - Deena Jones?

SLR: It's interesting, when Tom Eyen who is the creator, had this idea, he said that the Dreams, have to be three obviously black girls. 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. Because they aren't trying to push her, that's why the Dreams had to be three obviously black girls.

So when they cast Beyonce in the role of Deena Jones. I said, "Wow, this is exactly what Tom Eyen said would happen." They going to take to that light, bright blackish blonde girl because they feel comfortable with her. That's the reality.

R.C: Who would you have cast as Deena Jones?

SLR: That's hard because the industry isn't pushing her, so you don't have an obvious one to pick from. The closest one I can think of, that's an obvious black girl with that glamour thing to her is Lauryn Hill. Heather Headley is kind of close but she's not Deena. You know Deena is Diana Ross, she's a drama girl, an out right glamour girl.

I like Sheryl Lee. I think it took courage for her to say what she said, not to mention being able to say it without bitterness or hate coming across.

I love Sheryl Lee Ralph. Mmm, sexy...

agreed FunkM.

Rhondab said:

Hi Rhonda.

FunkMistress said:

So true but you know some dumbasses will dismiss her as a "Beyonce hater" just for saying this. Hollywood is all about image and selling a lie to people. If you can find substance in Hollywood, do it a favor and kill it before it turns to shit.

FunkMistress said:

BlaqueKnight said:

Too bad, because it actually has nothing to do with Beyonce as a person.

I have always dug Sheryl. When she got married I was not a happy camper.....

Harlepolis said:

A couple interesting points in there. First, that's the first comment I've seen from Sheryl Lee about Beyonce in the role that isn't positive. Granted, she's not talking about Beyonce's ability at all rather the casting choice, but she's always been very supportive of this movie.

Secondly, to read her saying, "You know Deena is Diana Ross," is a bit shocking. For legal reasons, Tom Eyan and Michael Bennett NEVER said that it's based on The Supremes. When Sheryl Lee was on Martha Stewart a couple of months ago, she was adamant about anyone implying that it had anything to do with The Supremes. Of course, everyone knows it is, so I find it interesting that somebody so closely associated with the production would publicly comment like that.

I think she ment it in a personality-wise matter, I guess

Though I noticed this too, earlier.

RipHer2Shreds said:

You're so gay.

FunkMistress said:

Only a li'l bit.

Very interesting and a great read. Sheryl is cool people and I'm glad she said what she did cause I believe what she's saying.

Speaking of Sheryl Lee,,,love this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...ee%20Ralph

Harlepolis said:

Great clip! I her! I wonder how many people only know her as Moesha's mom.

I used to love SLR in the 80s show It's A Living.

JackieBlue said:

which one is Sheryl?

meltwithu said:

The FINE one.

Harlepolis said:

What movie is that from?

JazzyJ said:

Looks like Uptown Saturday Night?
[Edited 6/26/06 13:45pm]

Go on Sheryl! I've always loved her. She's speaking the truth. And I agree she is sexy. I was re-confirmed when I saw the episode of "Moesha" when the ("Mom" character) had the house to herself and she was walking around wearing nothing but a towel. And dropped it when Moesha's friend walked in on her accidently. Wish I knew the damn name of that episode. (lol)

Wow. Good For Sheryl Lee Ralph. No disrespect to Beyonce, But that is the truth. They cast Beyonce for ticket sales I suppose. But she is all wrong for the part and her being in the movie waters down the whole message of the story.

JackieBlue said:

it aint Its A Livin without Ann Jilian!

Do y'all know that SLR was in one episode of Wonder Woman in the 70's with Lynda Carter? it must've been one of her first roles, and def pre-Dreamgirls.

I caught a re-run and noticed her. She plays another IADC agent (it's the modern 70's version) working with Steve Trevor (I don't think we ever see her with Diana).

The weird thing is, there was a semi-regular Black actress who plalyed a similar role, named Eve, but SLR was only in one episode and had a different name.


PS Dreamgirls is my favorite b'way show of all time; saw it 3 times in the 80's and a revival in Atlanta with Miss Jennifer Holliday a couple years ago.
[Edited 6/26/06 20:38pm]

GaryMF said:

Definitely interesting Sheryl is so damn gorgeous

JackieBlue said:

Good grief, you gave me a new gray hair just LOOKING at this ....

...I even remember the overdone chorus in the theme song;

"eeeeeiiiiTs.....aaaaah.....LI-VIIIIING"





but hey, where's Ann Jillian?
[Edited 6/27/06 5:08am]