Four decades ago this evening, the remarkable Dreamgirls original Broadway cast took their first Broadway bow at the Imperial Theatre.

We have all watched the absolutely iconic 1982 Tony Awards performance of the six time Tony Award winning musical. The tuneful musical, with direction by Michael Bennett and choreography by Bennett and Michael Peters, tells the story of Effie Melody White (Jennifer Holliday), Deena Jones (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Lorrell Robinson (Loretta Devine) as they navigate the 1960's music industry as The Dreams. The musical enjoyed an incredible Broadway run from December 20, 1981 - August 11, 1985.

Let's travel back to the early 1980's to enjoy these fabulous throwback clips of the brilliant original Broadway cast. The commercials alone are phenomenal!

"It's All Over" / "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" at 1982 Tony Awards

Extended Version of Broadway Commercial

Revised Version of Broadway Commercial

"Dreamgirls" on 1983 MDA Telethon

Jennifer Holliday Interview with Amazing Performance Footage

"Dreamgirls"

Dreamgirls OBC Cast Members Loretta Devine, Deborah Burrell and Terry Burrell presenting at 1985 Tony Awards

"Dreamgirls" / "One Night Only" on 1988 Tony Awards Tribute to Michael Bennett