BWW Reviews: DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in Cincinnati
While it's not quite the famed Apollo Theater in New York City, "The Dreams" are playing at Proctor & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center now through June 20th and they give an amazing performance.
"The Dreams" are the girl group from the 1960's who struggle to make it big and then struggle with what happens when they do make it in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Effie White (Moya Angela) is the powerhouse of the trio, always taking the lead. That is, until they start to gain some notoriety as backup singers for Jimmy "Thunder" Early (Chester Gregory) and their manager, Curtis (Chaz Lamar Shepherd) decides to place a more camera and press-friendly Deena (Syesha Mercado) front and center instead. Rounding out the trio is Lorrell (Adrienne Warren), who is often the peacemaker of the group. In between songs, the story eventually winds around several interconnected relationships between the characters and some interesting clash of personalities as well.
The powerhouse songs roll through this musical with barely a time for the cast to catch their breath yet they deliver each one of them superbly. Moya Angela brought a big portion of the audience to its feet before she had even finished one of the most well-known songs in the first act, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." It was impressive to see the emotional performances, also well delivered in the other numbers, including the other iconic song, "One Night Only." And Chester Gregory's Jimmy is so flashy and a fun change.
Not only does this show have amazing musical performances, but beautiful costumes and a great set and lighting design as well. I'd have liked to have seen more characterization, more of the struggles and behind-the-scenes than shown, even if it meant sacrificing a musical number or two, but the really, I suppose the show is about the music.
One of my favorite parts was "Steppin' to the Bad Side," where the choreography gets a chance to shine. While the audience is seeing the actors dance from their view, at times they also see an aerial view of the same dance on the screens that form the backdrop for much of the musical. It's a dazzling effect.
If you loved the 2006 star-studded musical movie version of Dreamgirls, then you'll for sure love this production. If you love classical musicals, then you'll also find something to love about this production as well.
Presented by Broadway Across America, Dreamgirls is playing now through June 20th at Procter & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center. Call 1-800-982-2787 or visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com for ticket information.
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