Tony-nominated Brenda Braxton — currently starring on Broadway in "Chicago" — will direct and choreograph the Bermuda production of "Dreamgirls".

Ms Braxton is perfect for the role, as she was in the original Broadway cast of "Dreamgirls" and has directed a later production.

Ms Braxton will be in Bermuda next week to oversee auditions for the upcoming Gilbert & Sullivan Society production. Auditions take place at 7 p.m. on April 11, 12 and 13, at the Bermuda School of Music in the Old Colony Club Building.

Ms Braxton's relationship with "Dreamgirls" goes back to 1981 when she opened the show in Boston.

"I've been in love with 'Dreamgirls' for more than 20 years, but there's an extra thrill bringing it to Bermuda," Ms Braxton said. "This show, with all its great music and fascinating black characters, has been a highlight in my life. I'll bet it can have the same impact for Bermuda's talented performers."

Based on the careers of The Supremes, The Shirelles and similar acts of the Motown era of the 1960s, the musical has won Tony Awards in six categories, including Best Book and has been recognised with Tony nominations for Best Musical and Best Original Score.

Adapted for film and released last year, the Oscar-winning movie features Bermudian actor Daren Herbert.

In addition to staying with "Dreamgirls" for its entire four-year Broadway run, Ms Braxton toured with the international company and later directed and choreographed the show for the 2001 Actor's Fund Benefit. Talks of a Broadway revival had her looking forward to appearing in "Dreamgirls" once more, but plans fell through.

"Yes, I was sorry about that," said Ms Braxton. "Whatever disappointment I felt fades when I think about coming to Bermuda to spend time with these incredible characters and songs once again. And I can't wait to get to know and work with the people of Bermuda."

The Broadway veteran was also excited about working with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Bermuda, which were the first amateur theatre company in Bermuda to earn rights to "Les Miserables".

The Gilbert & Sullivan Society is a 32-year-old performing arts charity known for large-scale, professional-quality musical theatre. A successful run will allow the society to expand its support of emerging arts organisations and performing arts scholarships throughout the Island.

Currently, Ms Braxton is starring on Broadway as Velma Kelly in "Chicago". She has been appearing regularly on Broadway sinceI>joining the all-black production of 'Guys and Dolls' in 1976. That appearance launched a career that has included roles in such well-known Broadway musicals as 'Cats', 'Jelly's Last Jam' and "Smokey Joe's Cafe".When asked about working with such legends as Robert Guillaume, Peter Allen, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, Ms. Braxton said: "All great talents. Now I want to see what Bermuda has to offer."

In addition to her Tony Award nomination, Ms Braxton has received the NAACP Theatre Award, Chicago's Jefferson Award, Washington DC's Helen Hayes Award and a Grammy for Best Cast Album.

For accomplishments off-stage, Ms. Braxton has received the Dr. Martin Luther King "Living the Dream" Award from then-New York Governor George Pataki and the Josephine Baker Award from the National Council of Negro Women. Both awards recognise her for founding Leading Ladies Just for Teens, a series of seminars created to empower teenage girls.

The Bermuda production of "Dreamgirls" will be performed at City Hall in Hamilton in October 2007. Details about the auditions next week and the October performances are available at www.dreamgirls.bm.