BWW Reviews: DREAMGIRLS Explodes With Vocal Artistry

There is no scenery to speak of. It's a modest, you might say Spartan, stage whose space embraces the orchestra and leaves what you assume will be a tight fit for a song-and-dance cast of twenty. You are inclined to wonder how such an ambitious endeavor as mounting an award-winning musical known for the divas who made it famous will fly here.

And then, you're blown away! You're simply in awe of the explosive vocal artistry of the ensemble. You're reminded again of the power of an individual's artistic vision. You are exhilarated by the wealth of local talent that resides in your community.

That's the experience of the opening night of Dreamgirls at Desert Foothills Theatre.

In his directorial debut, Damon J. Bolling has more than fulfilled his dream of staging this show; he has delivered a powerhouse theatrical experience ~ and you could care less if there's splashy scenery. Choreographer Lynzee Foreman has sketched out all the right moves with economy and flash. Lauri Mershon has draped the cast in elegant gowns and suits. And the orchestra, conducted by Dan Kurek, provides rich, vibrant, and perfectly balanced accompaniment.

The team has set the minimalist stage for a cast that will literally knock your socks off, grab you by the lapel, and speed up your adrenaline.

Honestly, you don't need to think about Jennifer Hudson or Beyoncé when Chanel Bragg and Krystal Pope belt out their numbers. The two have mastered their respective roles and given definition and authenticity to their characters.

And you know you're in music heaven when Ms. Bragg launches into And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going. Her voice is enormous and beautiful and its very power takes your own breath away.

At that moment in the show, you know for sure that you're witnessing a tour de force.

In fact, you are transfixed by the vocal power and passion of the other members of the ensemble, not one of whom mentioned in the following summary does not stir your heart or warm your soul.

Acting on the axiom that show business can be ruthless and that loyalty may be a function of the deal, Dreamgirls tracks the rise to stardom of the Dreamettes, the parting of their ways with their lead singer Effie (Ms. Bragg), and their ultimate reconciliation ~ all the while riding the tide created by their slick manager, Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Miguel Jackson). Taylor has read the tea leaves of the music marketplace and determined that their future success requires crossover from R&B to pop music ~ and he'll go to any lengths to fulfill his ambition. He finagles the trio's career, first arranging for them to be backup singers to the falling star of the king of R&B, James "Thunder" Early (Ivan Thompson), bribing DJs to play the group's recording, and ultimately making Deena (Ms. Pope) the lead. Effie betrayed leaves the group and begins her own trajectory to fame, and Michelle (Ebony Green) fills the gap in what is now Deena Jones and the Dreams.

The story has its dramatic twists and love turns. It's got a great score. It's classic Broadway! And at Desert Foothills Theatre, it's a must see show, running at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center through March 1st.

Photo credit to Tiffany Bollock

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