Broadway Star: Donald Jones Jr. (Frozen, Aladdin, Chicago) directs and choreographs Mill Mountain Theatre’s upcoming Spring Musical: Dreamgirls, running March 25 – April 11 on the Trinkle MainStage. A dazzling journey through 20th-century American popular music, Dreamgirls follows the rising stardom of The Dreamettes, an all-girl Motown group from Chicago. Known for its 2006 feature film adaptation starring Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls is filled with show-stopping musical numbers from the genres of gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco, and more.
“I’m really excited to be working with the entire team at Mill Mountain Theatre,” says Jones. “And thank you [to MMT’s Producing Artistic Director] Ginger, for your belief in my vision. It’s been 10 years since we first worked together on my first professional job outside of university, and it’s an honor to stage my first professional production with your support.”
Donald Jones Jr. is a director, choreographer, and performer, originally from New Orleans. In 2009 he graduated from Louisiana’s Northwestern State University and moved to NYC in 2013, where he has consistently performed both on and off Broadway for the past 6 years. In addition to his work as a performer in Frozen, Aladdin, and Chicago, Donald has staged numbers for numerous Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS variety shows, choreographed for Nick Jr.’s Blue’s Clues, and assisted with choreography for Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
“This story is just one example of how black musicians paved the way for many of the music genres that inspire America. The themes of change and self-acceptance will be expanded upon in this production to mirror the diverse and dynamic women we celebrate today,” Jones says. “I am proud to have the opportunity to inspire new and young, diverse audiences with a story of triumph through the experiences of black artists. This is not only a black history musical, it’s an American history musical. Let’s make magic!”
Dreamgirls explores themes of ambition, hope, and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry. Dreamgirls has music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger, with book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen. Songs include, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “I Am Changing,” “One Night Only,” and “Steppin’ To The Bad Side.”
Dreamgirls is Directed & Choreographed by Donald Jones Jr., Music Directed by Seth Davis, and Production Stage Managed by Bill Muñoz*, with Scenic Design by Jimmy Ray Ward, Lighting Design by Bill Webb, Costume Design by Keith Schneider, Properties Design by Matt Shields, Sound Engineering by Savannah Woodruff, Producing Artistic Direction by Ginger Poole, and Technical Direction by Karen Gierchak. *Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Dreamgirls is sponsored by Avis Construction Co.; BB&T Wealth; BEC Enterprises, Inc.; Brandon Oaks Retirement Community; Business Solutions, Inc.; Davenport & Company; Entre Computer Center; Harry “Skip” W. Hamilton, III at Davenport & Company; Howell’s Motor Freight, Inc.; Pinnacle Financial Partners; and Roanoke Valley Orthodontics. Grantors include Actors Equity Association, Blue Star Theatres, Center in the Square, National Endowment for the Arts, Theatre Communications Group, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and WVTF Radio.
Dreamgirls begins performances on March 25 and runs through April 11 on the Trinkle MainStage. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling the box office at 540-342-5740.
