Theatre Review: Dreamgirls
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2022 Touring Production of Dreamgirls at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*
Dreamgirls was due to be performed at the Alexandra Theatre in December 2020, as part of its much anticipated first ever UK tour. And we know how 2020 turned out. But nothing’s going to stop Effie, Lorrell and Deena from keeping Birmingham audiences enthralled this Christmas.
Many will have seen the 2006 movie adaptation, with it’s performances by Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce, but Dreamgirls the stage musical is over 40 years old, first appearing on Broadway in 1981. The story is loosely based on Berry Gordy’s Tamla Motown and The Supremes. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard (and later the beautifully named Cindy Birdsong) were a shining example of the importance of black music, and black women, in America’s music history.
Dreamgirls tells the story of a black all-female singing group called The Dreams, and their rise to fame. In turbulent 1960s America, where rock and roll is king, this R&B girl group evolves from naïve backing singers for the eccentric Jimmy Early (Brandon Lee Sears) to taking centre stage and their own chance in the spotlight.
Their journey to fame and fortune is not a smooth one. For all the adoration and glamour, show business is a fragile and ruthless environment, with a seedy underbelly. The Dreams face creative differences which test their friendship. And within each woman is a voice, fighting to be heard.
Like in The Supremes, the original front woman Effie is relegated to a backing singer role in favour of the more “aesthetically pleasing” Deena. She not only loses her role in the group, but also her lover Curtis. Angry and frustrated, her behaviour spirals and she is eventually ousted from the group. But her talent shines through as she pursues a solo career, meaning that her path will almost certainly cross that of The Dreams along the way.
Nicole Raquel Dennis (Effie), Natalie Kassanga (Deena) and Paige Peddie (Lorrell) give some of the most accomplished and passionate performances I’ve ever seen in musical theatre. From the solo numbers to the stunning harmonies, the trio have spine-tingling vocals. Only the most confident of performers can truly pull off the coveted role of Effie White, and Nicole Raquel Dennis is an absolute powerhouse. As well as belting out those huge numbers, she also delivers the emotional, softer numbers with feeling. Nicole is full of charisma and oozes scene-stealing star quality.
Matt Mills portrays cruel used car salesman/manager Curtis Taylor Junior to perfection. His hunger for success pushes The Dreams to the limit, with bullying, backstabbing and betrayal. Brandon Lee Sears also pulls out a standout performance as the gyrating Jimmy with an outstanding stage presence which delights the audience.
Paige Peddie has wonderful comic timing as kind-hearted Lorrell, and comes into her own vocally during “Ain’t No Party”. Natalia Kassanga plays a blossoming Deena, who finally finds her confidence to become the star of The Dreams. You can see her growth during the show, and she more than holds her own in the heartfelt duet “Listen” with Nicole.
Dreamgirls is almost entirely sungthrough, with the dialogue set to music and performed beautifully by the talented cast. There’s disco, there’s soul and there’s R&B. It’s an incredible original score. There are only a handful of musicals which end the first act with an absolute showstopper, and Dreamgirls is one of them – it’s unusual to get a standing ovation before the interval but Nicole Raquel Dennis deserved every second of the packed theatre’s adoration.
The exquisite costumes and vibrant set designed by Tim Hatley reflect the era perfectly. The dresses become more glitzy and glamourous to reflect the growing success of the group, culminating in the iconic fish-tailed sequins. Clever lighting by Hugh Vanstone frames each scene, clearly defining “backstage” and “onstage” action with light and shade.
I’m telling you, I’m not going… to let you miss this opportunity to see this sensational show. Dazzling and beautiful, sweet dreams CAN come true. After all, you can’t argue with two standing ovations.
Dreamgirls is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 31st December 2022. Purchase your tickets here.
All production photos by Matt Crockett
