REVIEW | Dreamgirls UK Tour
★★★★★
Since its closure at the Savoy Theatre back in 2019, the theatre community was always waiting for this spectacular production to come back onto the stage. It finally arrives on its first-ever UK and Ireland tour (performing until February 2023) and it absolutely delivers every breath of the zest and show-stopping vocals we were after.
Audiences are transported to 1960s Detroit, America. Famous for decades as the home of the American automobile industry, in the 60s, it became the heart of Motown Sound production. This recognisable sound paved the way for one of the most successful Black-owned businesses to stand in its own lane in the mainstream world. It gave importance to Black women and Dreamgirls is a shining example of showcasing why music was important for them; socially and economically.
At the heart of this chaotic and fast-paced world is many stories to be told. In this musical, it is the story of The Dreamettes who take centre stage.
This young band from Chicago is formed by friends Effie (Nicole Raquel Dennis), Deena (Natalie Kassanga), and Lorrell (Paige Peddie) who make loose similarities to the popular Motown band, The Supremes. A girl band that similarly rose to fame and fortune during the 1960s. They come to Detroit packed with ambition and determination to become stars. It isn't long before they stumble on the opportunity of a lifetime, all thanks to Curtis Taylor Jr. A Detroit used car salesman turned Svengali, who convinces them that he's the man to make all of their dreams come true. He brings another rising music artist, Jimmy Early (Brandon Lee Sears) along for the ride too.
Curtis Taylor Jr drives his greed for success to the detriment of the Dreamettes; dominating different states and changing their name to the 'Dreams' to reflect a new image and era for the women. Cracks begin to show as the impact of their success starts to appear. Effie is pushed to the sideline so that Deena can become a more 'aesthetically' pleasing image of the band. In response, there's a spiral in Effie's behaviour, amplified by the insertion of a new band member to replace her. She leaves the band and soon pursues a music career again, only this time as a solo artist. It is the strength of the relationship between the women that brings them back together in the end.
Tim Hatley's set and costume design are noticeably slick and reflecting of the era. The Dreams developing success is represented in how their costumes become more jaw-dropping and glamorous to the eye. Dreamgirls is a visually delightful production, but it is the sound that makes this show stand out. This musical has a distinguishable soundtrack and is aligned with some of the best vocals that make it such a huge triumph. Ranging from the ensemble numbers to the solo numbers, there is consistency in how each song is delivered to perfection.
This touring cast is breathtaking from start to finish. They deliver a show that is exhausting to watch because the energy does not stop. At the helm is Nicole Raquel Dennis as Effie. This role enables Nicole to shine and her rendition of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' made it difficult to pick my jaw up off the floor. She is an awe-inspiring talent to witness and it feels like we're all witnessing the performance of her life up there. Nicole brings new energy and life into this role, whilst also executing the more emotionally driven parts of her character's story in this show.
Joining her as the Dreams are Deena Jones (Natalie Kassanga) and Lorrell Robinson (Paige Peddie). They have different journeys to undergo in this production and each brings their own life to these well-known characters. Kassanga is the perfect component for Raquel Dennis in their rendition of 'Listen'. Their gorgeous harmonies radiate off the stage and into the hearts of the audiences in a single breath. They both absolutely deserve their own time to shine in this show because their performances are brilliant.
These leading women are in good company and supported by a brilliant first-class cast, particularly the ensemble who did not miss a beat of the slick and high-level choreography that intertwines itself into this story. Dom Hartley-Harris is an almighty force as Curtis Taylor Jr. His take on the ambition and drive of this character is great but it is his first-class male vocals that really make him stand out. The audience soaked in every moment to enjoy Brandon Lee Sears's infectious vigour as Jimmy Early. He is hilarious from the moment we first meet his character!
This production is sublime and will certainly take your breath away! It is a must-see production!
Ticket information for Dreamgirls on its UK & Ireland tour can be found here.