Yvette Cason

Yvette Cason is an American television, theatre, and film actress, and a former Miss Black America from Washington, D.C. She gained recognition as an understudy for the character of Effie White in the original 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, and later reprised the role in the 1985 international tour and 1987 Broadway revival. Cason showcased her talent on the big screen in the 2006 feature film version of Dreamgirls, where she portrayed May, the mother of Deena Jones. She has also made television appearances, including a role as Mrs. Blanchard in an episode of the sitcom The King of Queens. Cason's early musical training was at The Sewell Music Conservatory in Washington, DC. She is notably known for her portrayal of Dahlia, the wicked stepmother, in the original 1996 run of Sisterella.