BWW Reviews: Dazzling with the DREAMGIRLS at Mad Cow

The most striking thing about Mad Cow Theatre's production of DREAMGIRLS is the amount of sparkles on the costumes and the live band accompanying the performers. Few Orlando musicals use a live band because of logistics; however, with music written by Henry Krieger and lyrics/book by Tom Eyen, anything less than live music would be a travesty. Though the band is not seen, they are heard loud and clear.

This production hit the 1960's-1970's era on the head with big hair, big dreams, fancy footwork, and great harmonies dressed in brightly colored mod-hippie outfits. From the start audiences fall in love with the Dreamettes as they try for their big break in the up-and-coming R&B music scene. Throw in race issues, changing pop culture, and a cut-throat industry and there's enough drama to tear Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson's group apart. Everyone has their dreams that come with highs and lows. Eventually they each learn that fame does not always buy happiness.

To add to the costumes there is enough boogie fever in those glittered shoes that makes the audience clap along to the high-energy dance numbers. Scenes like "Steppin' to the Bad Side" and "One Night Only" totally encapsulate the look and feel from this time.

Jayne Trinette was born to play the firecracker role of Effie White. Trinette gives the role enough comedy not to hate Effie's unjustified diva mentality. Don't worry, Trinette nailed Effie's solo ballad "And I'm Telling You" with such gusto that she drowned out the sounds of the passing train that runs next to the theater.

Each of the Dreamettes had huge voices, but also blended effortlessly together during group numbers. Cherry Hamlin as the lead Dreamette, Deena Jones, was quite likeable and steps effortlessly into the diva role. Jasmine Thompson as Lorrell Robinson seemed gentle and the peacemaker of the group until she doesn't get her love. Jamil Claxton as Effie's brother and Dreamette songwriter, C. C. White was charming and smooth.

Notably, Clinton Harris as James "Thunder" Early was an audience favorite. His character is that guy everyone wants to be, but is so out of touch with reality you feel bad for him. Harris forced soul and passion for the industry out of every pore of his body even through his breakdown.

Chris Blem's costume designed was perfectly matched to the 1960s. Audience members giggled at the styles, mentioning that some had similar outfits still in their home closets. The only nag about this production is that the entire set budget seems to have been blown on the glitter costumes, but for a production like DREAMGIRLS, dozens of glittery costumes are a must have.

Directed and Choreographed by Ray Hatch, DREAMGIRLS stars Jayne Trinette as Effie White, Cherry Hamlin as Deena Jones, Jasmine Thompson as Lorrell Robinson, Van Dobbins as Curtis Taylor Jr., and Jamil Claxton as C.C. White. They are joined by Clinton Harris, Felander Stevenson, Sheryl Carbonell, Jerusha Cavazos, Elaina Walton, Dwayne Allen, Khalifa White, Ricardo Lastrapes, Shonn McCloud, Clarence Reynolds, Damany Riley, Clinton Harris, Michael Sapp, Kevin Zepf, Shannon Lynch, Victoria White, and Erika Thomas. This production's five-week run is nearly sold out, so hurry and get seats before July 7, 2013. www.madcowtheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Tom Hurst

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