Review: DREAMGIRLS at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre

Opening their 41st season in tremendous style, the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center offers a superb production of the Tony winning musical Dreamgirls. Running through October 1st at the Oakdale venue, this incarnation boasts a stupendous cast who are absolute naturals in their respective roles. Excellently directed by CM Artistic Director Patrick Grossman (who also serves as Choreographer and Set Designer), the show is certainly a must see for the fall season.

This tale - created by Tom Eyen (Book & Lyrics) and Henry Krieger (Music) - is inspired by the megawatt success of such acts as The Supremes, The Shirelles, and others. For this story, we follow the "The Dreams" who become music superstars while coming across the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the entertainment industry. Body image, ego, and a lot of backstabbing abound in this saga.

"The Dreams" are comprised of Laura Laureano portraying Deena Jones, Amanda Camille portraying Lorrell Robinson, and Crystal Fauntleroy portraying Effie Melody White. These women are true super talents and absolutely attack each number flawlessly. Highlights include the emotional "Hard To Say Goodbye, My Love", the show's title song, and Ms. Fauntleroy's showstopper of the iconic "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going".

Among the men, standouts include Kevin Knight in a return engagement to a CM production of Dreamgirls as manager Marty, CM vet Dondi Rollins, Jr. as crooner Jimmy Early (Jimmy's breakdown in Act II leaves the audience in absolute stiches), and a charming Londel Collier as Effie's brother C.C. The majority of this show is serious, dramatic moments, but the guys also deliver in making sure the audience laugh, too. They receive thunderous applause for their performance of "Cadillac Car".

Truly, in this busy production, the entire company is sensational as is the creative team. Mr. Grossman's clever set is top notch enhanced beautifully by Alison Weinberger's lighting design and Ronald Green III's gorgeous costumes (the gal's dresses are highlights). And special kudos also to resident Music Director Matthew W. Surico and the stellar live orchestra.

And so, The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre certainly has another hit with Dreamgirls. An outstanding cast and music from the 60's and 70's make for a thrilling night of theatre.