The musical Dreamgirls got its big screen debut this past weekend. Opening across the country in 852 theatres, and scored $8.7 million in one day, which is AMAZING comparing to similar greatly reviewed new movie such as Charlotte’s Web, doing $9.6 million in 3728 theatres over the weekend.

Dreamgirls was orginally a hit Broadway musical with 6 Tony’s and 1521 performances in the 80s. The big screen adaptation stars heavyweights including Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, and Jamie Foxx, which new comer Jennifer Hudson (ex-American Idol finalist) completely stealing the show with her emotional performance and blow-your-mind vocals. Eddie Murphy also delivers stellar performance and gives life to the character James Thunder Early, combining the charisma of James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and more all in one. Beyonce, Eddie and Jennifer all received Golden Globe nominations, as well as nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Song “Listen”.

I went for a 12:30 am show last night, and the theatre in Time Square is suprisingly packed. The audience shouts out in praise throughout the movie and applauding the performances of the cast. The story is loosely based on Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Berry Gordy Jr of MoTown records. I can totally see bits and pieces of many of today’s music moguls in each of the characters also, from P Diddy to Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola. The music is amazing, capturing the soul and essense of 3 decades.

Go watch it if you haven’t already. You can watch the movie trailer on YouTube here.