The Selma Times-Journal

A production of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical turned blockbuster movie “Dreamgirls” is coming to J.A. Pickard Auditorium on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30

p.m.

The cast is a fresh faced, energetic and talented bunch – the Selma High School choir and band. Both groups were practicing Thursday afternoon on campus for the spring concert, their final performance of the school year.

Choir members were “Steppin’ to the Bad Side,” singing and dancing to one of the musical’s signature songs while band members performed warm up exercises next door.

Latresha Woods, choir director, and Brandon Williams, band director, made the joint decision to bring “Dreamgirls” to Selma, saying the musical “would be a good show for the students to do.”

“(The students) are so excited about doing ‘Dreamgirls,'” said Woods, adding the concert will also feature the songs “Move,” “Cadillac Car,” “Dreamgirls” and “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Freshman choir member Ashlyn Goodwin, 15, said she and her peers have been practicing for two months. In addition to singing and dancing, she’s looking forward to playing dress up and debuting a glamorous hairstyle on stage.

“I’m excited because a lot of people know about the movie so it’s something the adults and the kids can relate to,” she said. “To me the songs are oldies, not something our generation’s used to, but I like it.

Senior choir member Collins Pettaway III, 17, and his sister, junior choir member Candice Pettaway, 16, were asked to choreograph all the numbers. Collins said he and his sister really had to get into the movie to get inspired.

“One night, I watched it as much as five times,” Collins said.

Collins, who’s been in the choir his entire high school career, said the spring concert is a bittersweet occasion. He’s ready to graduate and attend Alabama A&M University this fall, “but it’s my last high school concert.”

“I appreciate the experience and I’m just speechless,” he said. “I hope everyone comes out to support the Selma band and choir,” he said.

Admission to the spring concert is $5 dollars for adults and $3 for students. For more information, call 334-874-1680.