BWW Reviews: DREAMGIRLS at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre

The national tour of the hit musical "Dreamgirls" is currently at Seattle's Paramount Theatre.  You may have seen a production of this before.  Or maybe you've only seen the 2006 movie.  Or maybe you're only familiar with that one song from the show.  Whatever the case, the current tour of this outstanding show is a production not to be missed.  It rocks, it rolls and more importantly, it reaches it's audience as the cast really knows that there's more to this show than just powerhouse songs.

The story is a familiar one.  Centered on a fictional girl group in the 1960's, "The Dreamettes", the show tells the story of their rise to fame and the ultimate ousting of one of their members.  Deena, Effie and Lorrell are three best friends who enter a talent contest at the Apollo Theatre in the hopes of making it big.  But their loss of the contest only leads them to become backup singers for the headliner of the contest, James "Thunder" Early thanks to their new manager Curtis who says he can make them big stars.  Eventually the backup singers break out on their own and "The Dreamettes" become "The Dreams" but with the glamorous Deena singing lead instead of the more powerful and rubenesque Effie.  Deena's star takes off and the group becomes "Deena Jones and the Dreams" and the disillusioned Effie begins acting out which ultimately leads to her expulsion from the group.

So why see this production when you can just watch the movie?  Because as good as the movie is, nothing beats the live emotion these performers are pumping off that stage every night.  And thank the theater Gods that the producers didn't go for any stunt casting on this but went with performers with the chops to handle these amazing roles.  Moya Angela is nothing less than superb as the trod upon Effie.  Not only does she have the voice to give Jennifer Holiday and Jennifer Hudson a run for their money, but she infuses Effie with so much heart that during the iconic "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" number at the end of Act One, you could actually feel the breakdown the character is having.  It's one thing to sing the song well but when you put that much into the character and the story of the song, you bring it up to a level beyond pleasant to hear.  It becomes an experience to see and feel as well and Angela brings that in every aspect of her performance.  And the stakes she raises in that one number, only make the payoff in Act Two with her other powerhouse numbers and moments that much sweeter.

But this story is about the Dreams, there's more than just Effie.  Not to worry, the rest of the cast is up to par as well and every character gets their moment.  Adrienne Warren knocks her performance of Lorrell out of the park.  What is often a throw away part (being the 3^rd member of the group), Warren brings life to her own storyline and her crossroad in Act Two will leave you breathless.  Another outstanding performance is turned in by Chester Gregory as the one man spectacle that is James "Thunder" Early.  Seattle audiences may remember him from his role as "Donkey" in the pre-Broadway tryout of "Shrek The Musical" a little while back.  Or you may not since his performance left most people wanting for more.  So much so that he was replaced before the show went to Broadway.  Well, I think we can chalk that up to a part that was just not a good fit for him.  Not the case here as he takes on Early with gusto and is an absolute pleasure to watch.  The only part of the show I was a little disappointed with was Syesha Mercado as Deena.  The former American Idol runner up has a good voice (although I kept losing her when she wasn't belting) but I had problems buying her as the larger than life Deena Jones who steals the spotlight from Effie by just being there.  She manages to give a somewhat redeeming performance at the end of the show with her powerhouse duet with Effie of "Listen" (a song which was written for the 2006 film and then rewritten as a duet for the tour) but I only wish she had brought that kind of passion to the rest of the show.

This new tour of the 1981 Mega-hit incorporates some of the elements of the movie (including the aforementioned "Listen" as well as a bit more fleshed out story elements) as well as a brand new Act Two opener which was written for the tour.  Combine that with stunning LED displays instead of a set which were an amazing use to this new trend of theatrical technology (I felt they only over used their new toy a few times) and this becomes not just another tour of a great show but a whole new interpretation that not only shines on it's own but still honors the original.  So like I said, no matter what your history with seeing or hearing this show has been, this is the production to see.  And I'm telling you, you SHOULD BE going!

"Dreamgirls" runs at Seattle's Paramount Theatre through April 11^th.  For tickets or information call 877-STG-4TIX (877-784-4849) or visit them online at www.tickets.com, www.stgpresents.org or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

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