In the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, Effie, Deena, and Lorrell form the fictional singing group called The Dreams.
The three women initially perform as a trio in a talent competition before becoming backing singers for Jimmy “Thunder” Early. As the group’s career develops, Deena takes over as lead singer, while Effie’s role is reduced. The resulting conflict drives much of the musical’s drama and explores ambition, friendship, discrimination, and the pressures of the music business.
Dreamgirls premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on December 20, 1981. The book and lyrics were written by Tom Eyen, with music by Henry Krieger. The musical was inspired by the history of Motown and girl groups, but The Dreams are fictional rather than a direct theatrical depiction of one real group.
The name can be confused with “The Dreamettes,” the trio’s earlier name in the story, or with the title Dreamgirls itself. The group’s later professional identity is The Dreams, making that the specific answer to the question.