Prince's Dreamgirls Delivers

Richard M. Parison, Jr., the Prince's associate artistic director stages this new production and pulls in some power house performers from New York and Philadelphia. While the Prince may not boast a large stage, this seems to work for them as the focus on the emotional journey of the women has an intimate impact on the audience.

Dreamgirls follows the dreams of three talented young ladies from Chicago as they go from nervous backup singers to superstars. It's 1962, Effie, Deena and Lorell find themselves in the wings of the Apollo theater in Harlem in a talent contest that lands them the background vocals spot for soul singer James Thunder Early. But the girls are not alone. With the help of Effie's younger brother and songwriter C.C. White who eventually writes them a hit song, only to have it compromised by a shifty manager Curtis Taylor, Jr.

The trio undergo trials, betrayal and loyalty at the hands of one another and others as they learn the heartbreak of show business. But in the end the dream comes full circle.

The Prince's production uses this fine cast to carry the story well. Nova Y. Payton plays Effie White as a fierce and defiant survivor with a voice that could rattle the rafters. She fails to show much emotion in her portrayal of Effie but offers a heart wrenching " (And I'm Telling You) I'm Not Going" the pivotal song that says it all and ends the first act.

Dreamgirls might be called a Motown operetta in that very little words are spoken, thus the fluidity of this show largely depends on the director (Richard M. Parsion Jr.) and choreographer (Mercedes Ellington). Both elements are somewhat lacking as the characters have little opportunity to develop and the dancing is fairly pedestrian. The character of Curtis Taylor, Jr., the self centered manager is pretty predictable from the start, a bit to the discredit of Kevyn Morrow, a credible actor and quite wonderful singer.

The direction of Effie's two show stopping songs "I Am Changing" and " I'm Not Going" while well sung, are missed opportunities to treat the audience to equally show stopping direction.

Costume designer Mark Mariani has done an superb job with these digs and wigs as well. With 15 costume changes one would have to believe the real show is backstage.

Joining Payton for this dynamo trio is Cjay Hardy Phillip (Lorrell Robinson) and Chauntee Schuler (Deena Jones). Both gals complete this team to form an unbeatable force of energy, charm and raw talent. Schuler plays her Dianna Ross-like role as well as Dianna Ross would. While, Eugene Fleming enjoys the role of James Thunder Early with a huge amount of magnetism and over the top antics that keep the audience glued to his every shimmy and soulful note.

Sets and staging are anything but elaborate, but lighting designer Troy Martin-O'Shea manages to capture most of the nuances of each moment from a subtle shadow to blaring big numbers.

With over 30 musical numbers that range from Rhythm & Blues to Disco, taking us from the 60's to the 70's, the Prince's 12 piece orchestra (including the orchestra supervisor)  delivers an amazingly full sound to compliment this excellent cast. Dreamgirls could very well be the Prince's entry for this year's Barrymore nominations.

Photo Credits: Prince Music Theater, press

Dreamgirls plays at the Prince Music Theater, Philadelphia, PA from December 3-31 (to be extended!) For tickets and information visit www.princemusictheater.org