Many years ago, on my first trip to New York City I saw my first real Broadway musical. That show was DREAMGIRLS. I was transfixed on the music, the musical the set and the performances. Since then DREAMGIRLS has been one of my favorite musicals. I have listened to the soundtrack so many times I know all the lyrics. The original Broadway production of DREAMGIRLS opened December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre and won six 1982 Tony Awards. Dreamgirls closed on Broadway August 11, 1985, after 1,522 performances. Dreamgirls features music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy-Award winner Tom Eyen. The original Broadway production was directed by Michael Bennett (a Chorus Line) and choreographed by Bennett and Michael Peters.
I was glad to see DREAMGIRLS on this season’s line up for the Dallas Summer Musicals. Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Hopeful talents Deena Jones, Lorrell Robinson and Effie White are performing as The Dreamettes when ambitious agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. discovers them. He lands them a job as backup singers for the soul and rock ‘n’ roll sensation James “Thunder” Early and begins to guide their quickly rising career. However, when the beautiful Deena emerges as the star of the group rather than the full-voiced Effie, the girls are brought to personal and professional crossroads.
In 2006, DREAMGIRLS was adapted into a movie starring Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover and an a former American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson in her first acting role. Hudson went on to win an Oscar for her stunning performance as Effie White. In this newly revised production of DREAMGIRLS, director Robert Longbottom pays homage to Michael Bennett’s original staging. With the innovative use of three moving panels, LED lights and minimal props, the Dreamgirl’s set takes us from the stage in the Apollo Theater to Las Vegas and more.
DREAMGIRLS stars Moya Angela as Effie White and feature, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson, and Margaret Hoffman as Michelle Morris with Chaz Lamar Shepherd as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Chester Gregory is James “Thunder” Early, Trevon Davis as C.C. White, Milton Craig Nealy as Marty Madison in a cast of 26 performers.
The opening night performance of DREAMGIRLS at the Music Hall at Fair Park was dazzling and full of energy, due mostly to the over the top performance of Chester Gregory as James “Thunder” Early. His exuberant dance moves brings to mind the early performances of James Brown. In songs like “Fake Your Way to The Top” and “ I Meant You No Harm”, Mr. Gregory shows his vocal range and a good sense of comedy in his performance.
But what of the DREAMGIRLS? Syesha Mercado a contestant from the seventh season of American Idol is Deena Jones. Adrienne Warren plays Lorrell Robinson and Moya Angela has the role of Effie White. Each one of them shines in their roles. Syesha Mercado is wonderful in her role of the naive Deena, who goes from back up to lead singer of The Dreams. Singing the title song “Dreamgirls” Mercado exhibits the star quality that the role of Deena requires. “Listen”, which was written by Beyoncé for the movie was revised and sung by Effie and Deena. The song didn’t fit in the movie, but sung as a reconciliation of their friendship was a perfect addition to this production.
Of course the role of Effie gets more attention because she has the ‘big’ songs. Singing the show-stopping, “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going” is the test for anyone playing the role of Effie and Miss Angela rose to the challenge. As did the audience, in a standing ovation.
Whether you are fans of the movie or just want to spent a wonderful evening full of great song, dancing and energy, you will enjoy DREAMGIRLS, present by the Dallas Summer Musicals at Music Hall at Fair Park through July 18, 2010. Ticket prices range from $20 to $85 and will be available at from your Corporate Concierge or The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center. Group orders of 15 or more may be placed by calling 214-426-GROUP.