Jaw-dropping Vocals &  Radiant Sets Make this a dazzling show

              by Pat Lindsey

At least once each summer The Muny bestows upon its audiences a dazzling production that is star-studded and bejeweled with beautiful costumes and sets and wrapped in a memorable soundtrack. “Dreamgirls” is that show this summer.

“Dreamgirls is a spectacularly soulful and emotional tribute to the black musical artists of the 1960s and 1970s who worked their way through racial prejudice and gender biases to achieve success.

Loosely based on the history of Diana Ross and the Supremes, “Dreamgirls” made its Broadway debut in 1981. Since then, it has continuously given audiences everything they want–exciting and memorable music, fantastic choreography, and out-of-this-world vocals.

The story begins when three young black female vocalists enter a talent contest and lose. An opportunist named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Charl Brown) recognizes their talent and decides to be their self-appointed manager.   The girl group (Tiffany Mann, Aisha Jackson, Courtnee Carter) gets its break at the Apollo Theater in New York and becomes known as the Dreamettes.

They then begin a life on the road, traveling from one city to the next, while relying on each other and their colleagues for that sense of family and community that they miss. It isn’t long before Effie White (Tiffany Mann), the lead singer of the group, falls in love with her manager, Curtis. Likewise, Lorrell (Courtnee Carter) is swept off her feet by James “Jimmy” Thunder Early (Nick Rashad Burroughs), a James Brown-style performer and a married man who often travels with the group.

The drama heightens when Curtis decides to showcase Deena Jones (Aisha Jackson) as the lead singer and make Effie a backup singer. Effie fights for her man and her lead position in the group, but is soon replaced with another more glamorous singer (Natalie Kaye Clater as Michelle).

From Harlem to Hollywood, the performers evolve and the culture changes. Success is defined in many different ways and everyone makes personal sacrifices. There finally comes a time when the women decide to go their separate ways and give their farewell concert in New York.

Sometimes its difficult to find one standout among a cast as star-studded as this one, but Tiffany Mann is without a doubt the queen Dreamgirl. When she sings, “(And I’m Telling You) I’m Not Going” at the end of Act I, I had goosebumps traveling all over my body for the entire song. Her peformance was rewarded by thousands with thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Music permeates throughout the show and its dialogue. A few of the outstanding songs are “Dreamgirls,” “Cadillac Car,””I Am Changing,” and “One Night Only.”

The passage of time during “Dreamgirls” is marked by the women’s changing wig styles, the gorgeous costumes, and the brilliant use of projection screens surrounding the stage. Leon Dobkowski has created dozens of lustrous costumes, some of which allow the women to make quick changes right before our very eyes.

Two ensembles are vital to this show as they pull off a peppering of big dance numbers choreographed by Leisa Kaye. There are no slow spots. Everyone and everything keeps moving. Director Robert Clater and Choreographer Leisa Kaye are “Dreamgirls” veterans who have been part of its other productions and have stellar reputations to maintain.

Well-developed charismatic characters, powerhouse voices, fabulous choreography, and a host of contributions from an exceptionally talented creative team make “Dreamgirls” a timeless favorite and one of this Muny season’s best. Don’t miss the thunder of applause from grateful audiences.

“Dreamgirls” will run through July 3 nightly at 8:15 p.m. at The Muny in Forest Park. For tickets, go to muny.org or call 314-534-1111.

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