She's Staying! Jennifer Holliday Nixes Dreamgirls Retirement to Play Effie Again

Jennifer Holliday really means it when she belts the anthem "And I'm Telling You (I'm Not Going)!" The Dreamgirls Tony winner will play Effie yet again in a Virginia production of the hit musical, after retiring from the role in July. The production will run at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center in Vienna, VA from August 22, 2013 through 25. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Earlier this year Holliday told Saint Louis Today that her summer turn as Effie in the Muny's outdoor production would be her last. “I don’t want to turn into Norma Desmond,” she said at the time. Holliday originated the role of Effie when Dreamgirls opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre in 1981. In addition to Holliday’s win for Best Actress in a Musical, Dreamgirls earned five Tony Awards.

Dreamgirls is the story of a Supremes-like singing trio, who are torn apart by fame, fortune and inner group dynamics. Dreamgirls features music by Henry Krieger and a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen.

In addition to Dreamgirls, Holliday’s Broadway credits include Chicago, Grease and Your Arms Too Short to Box With God. In 1983, Holliday earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Female Performance for her Dreamgirls hit “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going).”

Click below to watch Holliday sing her signature tune "And I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going)!"