Some actors from the Dreamgirls stage musical were cast in this film.
Hinton Battle (Curtis's record producer and partner in the schemes) was a replacement Jimmy Early on Broadway. He was also the original Scarecrow in The Wiz -- the Michael Jackson role in the film. Loretta Devine, the jazz singer who sang in the club when Jimmy died, was the original Lorrell. Yvette Cason, Deena's mother, understudied for Effie on Broadway.