From ‘America’s Got Talent’: New Effie for ‘Dreamgirls’ at Garden Theatre
There’s a new Effie in “Dreamgirls” at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden — at least temporarily. Victory Productions, which is staging the show, announced Tuesday that “America’s Got Talent” competitor Cristina Rae will take over the role while Brianna Javis takes “a short break to rest due to vocal fatigue.”
Rae placed third in the 15th season of “America’s Got Talent,” and then returned this year for the all-star edition of the TV competition. She also performed in the off-Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors” as Crystal.
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“The role of Effie is a testament to vocal endurance,” said Victory Productions founder Fernando Varela, in a prepared statement. “As a vocalist myself, I understand the effort it takes to perform such a role night after night. It is why we’ve brought on Cristina Rae, a fellow AGT All-Star, to share this significant responsibility. This move ensures that both our gifted actors can continue to captivate our audiences without compromising their long-term health.”
Varela was part of the singing group Forte, which placed fourth in the TV show’s eighth season during the summer of 2013. His Winter Garden-based Victory Productions has been producing shows at the Garden Theatre since January.
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The show has seen several backstage personnel issues including multiple music directors and the abrupt resignation of its stage director before opening night. But “Dreamgirls” has proven a hit with audiences, recently extending its run by a week.
Victory’s announcement about Rae, who will share the role with Javis after her break, said ticket sales for “Dreamgirls” are “on pace to surpass all previous records at the theater.”
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Victory Productions has another “America’s Got Talent” star performing at the Garden Theatre after “Dreamgirls” closes in August.
Standup comedian Tom Cotter, who was runner-up in season 7 and also returned for the all-stars series, will perform at the theater, 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden, Aug. 18-20.
For more information on either show, go to gardentheatre.org.
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