Review: Dream Cast and Production Electrify Milwaukee Rep's DREAMGIRLS

The glitter and shimmer of show business underscores the 'American Dream' at Milwaukee Rep this October. The mulit-award winning Broadway production Dreamgirls, floods the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater with showstopping light, song and an equally award-winning cast to dazzle Milwaukee audiences.

The grand, ever changing setting recreates moving stage elements derived from ancient Greece techniques that rotate in split seconds and were envisioned by Scenic Designer Todd Edward Ivins. In this story loosely based on the rise of American girl singing groups, most notably The Supremes, four singers' lives unfold over two decades through more than 200 costumes using approximately 75 pounds of sequins concieved by designer Alexander B. Tacoma. Add in music direction by Dan Kazemi complemented with choreography by Stephen Mear and Dreamgirls seamlessly presents technical perfection.

At the heart of the story, four amazing women recreate these performers who transform from backup singers to international superstars in the almost three hour, fast-paced production. Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements solidifies his vision for stellar performances by directing Nova Y. Payton (Effie Melody White), Trisha Jeffrey (Deena Jones),Dan'yelle Williamson (Lorrell Robinson) and then Alina John (Michelle Morris) in perfectiing a picture of the fabulous songstresses that evolve from the "Dreamettes" to "The Dreams." Payton often raises the Powerhouse roof through Effie's passionate personality whle Jeffrey's softer voice conveys the charisma Diana Ross possessed, on stage or in the fashion world.

To complement the fiesty quartet, Cedric Neal plays the drug addicted, R&B, soul singer James "Thunder" Early to the max---especailly when hs walks up the center theater aisle with white curtain flowing behind hime or fliritng with the audience members during a song. Manager Curtis Tayolor, Jr. might represent Motown mogul Barry Gordy, and actor Jared Joseph wins the heart of Effie and later, Deena, in his cavalier zealouness to bring the black musicians to the forefront of American popularity. When the production begins in the 1960's, black musiscians rarely, if ever, performed in "white" venues or for live "white" audiences. Often their stellar hits written by black musicians were stolen or covered by white performers without copyright/monetary recourse until recently. C.C. White, played by Richard Crandle, represents a black songwriter subjected to this humiliating practice.

Amid all the glitz and glamour of the fabulous scenic design, hypnotizing pop music, exciting supporting cast, and couture-worthy costumes, the audience might overlook the immediate message underscoring the musical and The Rep's Broadway style production. First that is, to realize the dark underside of a superstar's life---to remain current instead of only a 'one hit' wonder demands that the musicians discover new songs to elevate the performer to the top ten on the Billboard charts consistently. Drugs and alcohol, along with difficult relationships attempt to relieve this pressure, and that often their personal identitiesfor being "too black," were replaced with qualities to attract those white audiences in that era, whch ultimately undermines the truth in the American Dream. What is the supposed American Dream---to be a superstar? To achieve success, money, weath?

In the Powerhouse lobby, The Rep places a board asking audiences to post answers to the question: What is the American Dream? Perusing the notes became a fascinating proposition: happiness, money, success were prominent posts. However, others included: to help people care for the future, do unto others as you would yourself, and that we love one another were also posted. In Dreamgirls, these four women come to realize "their dreams were not what they thought they would be"---while Curtis Taylor discovers he can destroy his very own dream by pursuing only success first.

When experiencing this incredibly spellbinding Dreamgirls, a sensual feast for eyes and ears played out in song and dance, remember that dreams are fragile. One post on the theater lobby board seems to concisely convey the theme flowing through this musical in poignant honesty: While dreams, even those of musical superstars, may fail a person, "without a dream or vision people persish."

The Rep''s electrifying Dreamgirls renews all the audiences hopes, and their dreams, for an exceptional future.

Milwaukee Rep presents Dreamgirls at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theatre in the Patty and Jay Baker Theater Complex through November 1. For special programming, information on performances or tickets, please call 414.224.9490 or www.MIlwaukeeRep.com.