January 26, 2007 -- THE Oscars may have snubbed "Dream girls," but Broadway's ready to welcome back one of its most beloved musicals with open arms.

John Breglio, a lawyer who oversees the estate of "Dreamgirls" director and choreographer Michael Bennett, has called a meeting next month to discuss plans for a Broadway revival, said Henry Krieger, the show's composer.

"We're going to figure out how to do this," Krieger told The Post. "We think it's time. All is good."

The movie version of "Dreamgirls" has been generating plenty of hype, although the film suffered a setback this week when it failed to snag an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

It did, however, pick up eight other nominations, including three for new songs Krieger wrote for the movie.

Krieger said it was too early to discuss details about the revival, but theater insiders speculate that Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson may be asked to reprise the role of Effie on stage.

Hudson, a self-described "theater baby," is said to be eager to do a Broadway show.

Breglio, one of the most powerful lawyers in the theater business, is a likely candidate to produce "Dreamgirls."

On Broadway this season, he produced another Bennett show, "A Chorus Line," which next week will recoup its $8 million investment.

"There's a lot of interest in bringing 'Dreamgirls' back to Broadway," Breglio said in a written statement yesterday. "The owners of the musical decided a year ago not to make any decision about a Broadway revival until after the film was released.

"As for my producing a new production of 'Dreamgirls,' for the time being my focus is on 'A Chorus Line.' Whether or not I want to jump into another project this soon is something I need more time to consider."

The original production of "Dreamgirls" opened at the Imperial Theater to rave reviews in 1981.

http://www.nypost.com/sev...riedel.htm

This was inevitable, as is the talk of Hudson doing the show. She's already been on B'way, and though it was a one-off performance it might work in her favor.

I saw a blip of this in the paper and was curious. If Jennifer reprises the role that would be wonderful for her.

I missed the first go round so I would definitely go see this version. And best of all, no Beyonce!

JackieBlue said:

Don't talk to fast..... I woulnd't be suprise if Jen and Beyonce do a limited engagement with the New Production.....

banks said:

RipHer2Shreds said:

Uh-oh...she'll beat Beyonce by winning a Tony, Oscar, Globe, Grammy and possibly an Emmy (she'll maybe guest star on something) soon!

I am going to check with my inside source to see if there's any truth to this.