If you start the song overly filled with emotion, there’s no way you’re going to make it through, it’s like trying to drive and cry at the same time – it’s just not safe – so I crashed and burned. Then one day I was so full of emotion, and I remember him telling the band to keep going. I remember in rehearsals Robert Longbottom would often tell the band to stop playing before we get to that number and say, ‘I’m not going to let her sing it until she’s ready’. Yes, when I first performed it we were in the New 42nd Street Studios in New York City, and I just remember being terrified. I call it a marathon – it takes you completely falling on your face first a few times in order for you to learn how to pace yourself. You mentioned your standout solo, 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going', is an incredibly powerful vocal. * Moya Angela says performing in Dreamgirls is a dream come true Related: Singer Jocelyn Brown on how we can invest in Britain's music scene ![]() You need to have stamina, discipline and a focused mindset to really pull it off. No matter who plays it before you there are big shoes to fill. Jennifer Holliday was the first Effie in 1981, so I have to give her props because she started this for all of us. You know, doing eight shows a week is much harder than acting in a film, because you perform every day whereas in a film once you're done rolling, you're done. Did you feel that you had big shoes to fill? What cracks me up the most is that by the end of the show, it’s like you guys are watching a soap opera you’re telling Deena that she has to leave Curtis, yelling out things like ‘yeah, girl, leave him’, which is very American.Įffie has been played by some huge stars, including Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 film. It helps when we get such a great response because when you’re doing a show within a show like Dreamgirls, I find that we really do feed off the audience. I feel like everyone can relate to the story in their own way.Īs an actress, how does it feel to get such a great reaction from your audience? It’s one of the most powerful vocal pieces ever to be written in musical theatre. That’s when the big song, 'And I’m Telling You I'm Not Going' comes up. She’s never had anyone break her heart before, so she lashes out, messes up the group and they replace her. She meets this man, Curtis, who’s promising her the world, and so she goes with it, but he ends up leaving her in the background and putting Deena in the spotlight, so she’s bitter, hurt and frustrated. Effie is a firecracker – she’s young but she thinks she knows everything. You are going to get some of the best singing you have ever heard. What can someone unfamiliar with the show expect? You’re starring as Effie in Dreamgirls, tell us a bit more about the role. I feel like we’re setting a new precedent for the London audience. ![]() They say you guys are more reserved, but we seem to get the audience on its feet every single night – and I wasn’t expecting that. It feels much more special than Broadway… I’m just kidding! This city is awesome, so I’m really honoured to be here and be a part of this theatre community. Tempus: Hi Moya, welcome to the West End! You’re well known for your work on Broadway, so what’s it like to star in London? Tempus caught up exclusively with the star to find out the how theatre production differs in New York and London, why she believes there’s never been a more important moment for diversity on the stage, and how she perfects one of the most technically difficult songs ever written. Her captivating portrayal of lead role Effie White in London's The Savoy Theatre production of Dreamgirls – a role made famous by singer Jennifer Hudson, who starred alongside Beyoncé in the Oscar-winning film – has garnered Angela critical acclaim and a host of awards, including the 2016 LA Ovation Award Winner for Lead Actress in a Musical and 2010 NAACP Theatre Award Winner for Lead Actress. And she shows no sign of stopping there. After sell-out stints in The Lion King, Ghost the Musical and Dreamgirls on New York's Broadway, now the international musical theatre actress is riding high here in the West End too. Moya Angela is a force to be reckoned with. * Moya Angela stealing the show as Effie White in Dreamgirls at The Savoy Theatre
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