Review
This review is of the 1997-1998 revival of Dreamgirls, not the original
Tony-award winning production in the early 80s. I was fortunate enough to
see this production in it's last night at the Wilshire Theatre in Los Angeles.
It's currently touring the country, awaiting a theatre and opening date on
Broadway to hopefully make it into the Tony Awards.
The show that I saw seemed a little dated. At first watch, there were not many
songs that jumped out and grabbed me, with perhaps the exceptions of
"When I First Saw You" and "Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love/Dreamgirls". There
was a good deal of witty lyrics, fun songs, and soul. It was a production
unlike almost any I've seen before, with songs that were definately more
soulful and pop-like than I'm used to. Looking back, Roz White's rendition of
"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" was amazing; full, long, emotional, and
a wonderful display her talents. La Tayna Hall was a great Deena Jones, and I
enjoyed Napiera Groves, Darrin Lamont Byrd, Brian Evaret Chandler, Tonya
Dixon, and Gary E. Vincent as Joanne, Marty, Curtis Taylor Jr., Lorrell Robinson,
and C.C. White respectively. Keven Anthony was also wonderful as the outrageous
James Thunder Early, a fun and great character. All in all, Dreamgirls
is a worthwhile show to catch if possible; although still a bit raw and
somewhat un-polished, I have no doubt that by it's Broadway opening, it will
be worthy of a Tony nomination.
Links
Dreamgirls [midiplicity]
A small site with very little information on the musical. The only site that
I've found thus far however. Keep checking back here for a more detailed
site that may be done by me.
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Phantom of the Opera.
Les Miserables.
Rent.
Beauty and the Beast
Titanic.
Ragtime.
Miss Saigon.
High Society.
Dreamgirls