BWW Reviews: Glittering New DREAMGIRLS @ Ahmanson
Slick, sleek, glitzy best describe the brand new tour production of the 1981 runaway hit Dreamgirls. Making use of the latest technology, the sometimes glaringly bright show is in your face from the top and never eases its pace for a split second. Why the excess? Today's audiences demand it.
Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Divine were the original Dreams and the 1981 more simplified show was the phenom of its time. When Holliday sang "I'm Telling You I'm Not Going", the vocal emotion came from the depths of her soul - it was one of the most memorable moments in Broadway history. Moya Angela as Effie in this new production has a terrific set of pipes, emotes on cue, and with Robert Longbottom's direction - her body never stops moving - the number is still a showstopper, but, somehow, it affected me less. Holliday's skillfully paced dynamic had me shaking in my seat; Angela's less so. Times have changed. Young audiences, used to American Idol and other TV musical programs, get easily bored if they don't see an overabundance of technique. Well, this show has it in spades.
At one point the bright lights hitting the audience almost blinded me, but the younger audience members seemed to love it. If I'm showing my age, forgive me! Despite the surplus, I still enjoyed the show.
The entire ensemble is immensely and equally talented. Angela, Syesha Mercado as Deena and Adrienne Warren as Lorrell are wonderful together and in solo spots. Chester Gregory as Jimmy Early will blow your mind. He sings, moves and sells every tune as if it were his last. Chaz Lamar Shepherd makes Curtis a tough hustler of dynamic proportions. Praise as well to Trevon Davis as CC, to Milton Craig Nealy as Marty and to Margaret Hoffman as the replacement Michelle who holds her own just fine.
Longbottom's direction and choreography sizzle, William Ivey Long's costumes are sumptuous, Robin Wagner's sets glitteringly functional and up-to-date and Ken Billington's lighting design fits the rock concert-style-show to a tee.
This Dreamgirls wows and is definitely now. Forced to compete with the 2006 film, its over-the-top design and presentation will especially delight its young newfound fans.
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