Early this past April, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC held student auditions for roles in "Dreamgirls," the musical by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen that won six Tony Awards and thirteen nominations thirty years ago.
Inspired by the true-life successes of Motown R&B superstars, it starred Jennifer Holliday and ran on Broadway for more than three years.
Its popularity continues to delight audiences both on tour and in the film version.
Next week a new generation of aspiring youngsters will show Washington how they have tirelessly created a production that defines all aspects of the unique school they are privileged to attend.
As head of the Duke Ellington School, Rory Pullens is proud of his outstanding staff and the gifted students who willingly devote their energies to an intensive curriculum designed to help them reach their own dreams.
The economic downturn has raised the possibility that this year's shortfall of $500,000 means that some of his remarkable faculty may be let go.
Determined that this could not happen, the goal of producing "Dreamgirls" and holding a Gala Night to avert such a dire prospect was established and the entire school went to work.
Every teacher made a commitment to make the musical part of the curriculum.
For instance, the social studies classes investigated how black performers were viewed and dealt with in this historical period, one today's students have little connection with.
The research delved into politics, class barriers, the theater, costumes and popular dances of the era.
For Pullens, the most inspirational aspect of working with the students on this project is observing the learning process they have gone through to achieve this product.
The typical high school show has a run of two or three days at most.
This show will run an unheard of 14 shows.
Already 3,000 tickets have been sold, a reflection of how highly Washington and surrounding communities regard this school.
Lynda Gravátt, the renowned actor and director of Broadway and Hollywood, has been on hand since the initial auditions last April.
As director of the show, she and Charles Augins, chairman of the dance department, were seeking candidates who could sing, move well, read a script, have interesting personalities and a passion for their craft.
They needed a commitment and the stamina to keep up with their academic work.
Victoria Davis, a resident of Northwest Washington, answered all those qualifications.
Being cast as one of the Dreamgirls has caused her to become more organized, stay on top of her grades and attend every class.
She and the others are constantly aware of what they have to do at all times and stay in step to bring off the show in a professional manner.
Pullens points out that the school's current theme, "I Dream A World," is fitting for all students in the arts and academics classes who are on the path to fulfilling a variety of dreams.
In addition to voice, dance and theater majors involved in the show, the instrumental music department provides more than 60 orchestra members together with an R & B rhythm section.
The technical design department is creating the set and lighting, the costume department has made 325 costumes and the department of museum studies - one of the few such departments in high schools, has put together an exhibit.
The visual arts majors have designed and painted the set, while the literature department deals with the media and communications, giving radio interviews and writing articles for local newspapers.
"There is nobody better than Jennifer Holliday to host our Gala," Pullens said.
"Part of an artist's commitment is to give back to the next generation.
I hope that our kids will do the same and give back to others when they grow up.
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