Nightmare for original 'Dreamgirl'

NEW YORK, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Jennifer Holliday was the toast of New York when "Dreamgirls" was on Broadway but she says, she's been "swept aside" by makers of the film adaptation.

Holliday talked to The Los Angeles Times after performing for a packed house in Manhattan's Ars Nova Tuesday, receiving a standing ovation for the voice that helped earn the Broadway show six Tonys and a 4-year run.

The movie, staring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy is based on the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes.

In the Broadway production, Holliday played "Effie," the singer dumped just as the group she'd help build begins to attain success. Many saw Holliday's portrayal as the "heart and soul" of "Dreamgirls" the paper said.

Her trademark song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is used only in the film's trailer. Holliday doesn't even have a cameo in the movie.

New York Post columnist Liz Smith says, "Word came down to omit any photo of her from publicity for the movie version."

Holliday's career has been fraught with challenges. Her weight ballooned to 340 pounds, and two marriages failed. But after gastric bypass surgery, she's 200 pounds lighter and performing again, the Times said.