”
Dreamgirls
”
is an explosion of fantastic talent and super entertainment.
This is one show you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. The
performers put forth such amazing talent and energy, one wonders
how they do it eight shows a week.
“Dreamgirls” is an explosion of fantastic talent and super entertainment. This is one show you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. The performers put forth such amazing talent and energy, one wonders how they do it eight shows a week. Even opera leads usually don’t work two days in a row. The original production received many awards and made stars of and garnered awards for Jennifer Holiday on Broadway and won an Oscar for Jennifer Hudson for the movie version. This production is not to be outdone; the cast is spot on with outstanding performances by every person who tirelessly steps on the Curran stage.
The story is loosely based on Diana Ross and the Supremes act of the ’60s and ’70s who belted out soul, R and B and pop music ,and changed the vision of black entertainers of the time.
Moya Angela more than holds her own as the zaftig, strong-willed Effie White, who will break your heart with her rendition of the show-stopping “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” She brought the audience to their feet at the end of the first act.
I am not great believer in standing ovations, but this one got to me.
The biggest scene stealer in this production is a young man who brings a new and fresh energy to the James “Thunder” Early role. Chester Gregory is a complete show in himself: his funky, captivating rendition of this character has never been stretched or done as well. He belts out his numbers with a powerful voice channeling James Brown, Little Richard and Michael Jackson. At one point, he held a long note from his lowest bass note and slid it higher to a tenor major A – without a break – all while hitting physically, elastic, impossible choreography. (He outdid Eddy Murphy, who did an excellent job in the part in the movie.)
The sets by Howard Werner/Lightswitch and glittery, stunning costumes by William Ivey Long, run right along with this remarkable production. Consider that 305 costumes and 275 wigs are used for each performance. Gorgeous changes of wardrobe appear before your eyes on stage in seconds. The sets move the audience from backstage to front effortlessly without becoming confusing. Robert Longbottom’s refreshing updated direction and choreography keeps this very convoluted plot moving and interesting.
Spend a high powered evening with “Dreamgirls” and you can’t help leaving the theatre rejuvenated. This is a solid presentation that doesn’t stop to catch its breath.
***
‘Dreamgirls’
Where: Curran Theatre 445 Geary St., San Francisco
Through: Sept. 26
Tickets: $30-$99
Details: Call (415) 551-2000 or visit www.shnsf.com.
