Deena's star rises because Curtis' instincts are right on target. "The thing about Curtis is that he's almost always right about things," says Condon. "And what he wants to do -- break through racial barriers to get black talent heard and seen – is heroic. But the more successful he becomes, the more brutal he is in his disregard for the dreams of the people around him.

"Curtis is someone who is addicted to dreams," Condon continues. "As soon as he accomplishes one thing, he's on to the next."

"When people think of dreams," says Beyoncé Knowles, "they only think of beautiful, shiny things. They don't think about sacrifice and the price you pay to gain success and accomplish those dreams. There are so many complicated things that come along in life. And we touch on all of those things. But, ultimately, it's about getting those dreams…and for many of us, making 'Dreamgirls' was a dream."

Condon infused the cast with two vital performers who appeared in the Broadway play a quarter century ago. Hinton Battle played James "Thunder" Early in the production as a summer replacement, taking over the role from its originator. "'Dreamgirls' is special because it is truth; it is reality," says Battle. "It really tells the story of how things were, the struggle of the record industry, with payola and how white recording artists were taking songs from black artists and making them hits. Ultimately, though, it's a story of passion and love and all the great things we yearn for. The film has an ability to reflect on the past, but also comment on the future by dealing with where African-American music is in today's culture. That's what makes it even more relevant today."

In another nod to the original Broadway production, Loretta Devine—who originated the stage role of Lorrell—appears in the film as a jazz diva. "At the time when we were doing 'Dreamgirls' onstage, we had no idea what we were creating and how important it would be 25 years later," muses Devine, who feels Condon's expanded storytelling will bring in a whole new audience. "The music is like opera. People respond to it because it's fabulous—it's beautiful; it's fashion; it's passion; it's talent; it's heart. And it has this great story, about love and about sisterhood."

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