Dreamgirls star signs on for Gay Days at Disneyland

Jennifer Hudson, star of the upcoming film version of the musical Dreamgirls, will perform at this year's unofficial Gay Days at Disneyland on October 7, organizers announced Friday. The three-day event in Anaheim, Calif., runs October 6–8; Hudson will appear at the Kingdom Dance Party at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney.

"We are thrilled to have Jennifer on board, as she has ties to Disney," organizers told Advocate.com, referring to Hudson's stint on the Disney Cruise Line, where she's performed shows. Out DJ Kimberly S. returns to spin at the Kingdom party.

Hudson, an American Idol finalist, reportedly beat out American Idol winner Fantasia to win the choice role of Effie, one of the three titular Dreamgirls in the film, which is being adapted and directed by Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters, Kinsey). Beyoncé plays Deena Jones, the lead—a character loosely based on Diana Ross—but in the film Hudson will sing the show's standout number, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," sung by Jennifer Holliday in the original Broadway production. Holliday earned both a Tony and a Grammy for her performance.

The ninth annual Gays Days at Disneyland begins with a welcome party called Wonderland on October 6 at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, also in Downtown Disney. That event will benefit the Trevor Project, a nonprofit that provides the nation's only 24-hour hotline for LGBT teens. Drag diva Momma will host Wonderland, with special appearances by Honey Labrador and Will Wikle (Big Brother, Logo's Round Trip Ticket).

Gay Days attendees, who typically wear red shirts to be visible among other park guests, will visit the Disneyland theme park on Saturday, October 7, and the California Adventure theme park on Sunday, October 8. Both gatherings in the parks, which are privately organized and not endorsed by the Disney company, include scheduled rendezvous times for specific groups, such as gay youth (sponsored by the Trevor Project), gay families, women, singles, and gay male "bears." Organizers also sponsor a scavenger hunt and group photos each day. For more information or to buy tickets to the parties, go to gaydaysanaheim.com.

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