Dreamgirls at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre - Review

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Tue 06 Dec 2022 - Sat 31 Dec 2022

Hit show Dreamgirls is this year's Christmas musical at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. It made a star out of Jennifer Hudson for the song And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going - but is it more than just one big number?



Dreamgirls is on at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre until December 31. Charting the ups and downs of a Supremes-style girl R'n'B band as they climb to fame in the era of Motown, it's a character-led drama with women at its core.

It's the 1960s when we meet friends Effie, Lorrell and Deena, just starting out as The Dreams in a talent contest. Spotted by ruthless music mogul Curtis Taylor Jr, his manipulation starts early on to take control of the band, as he does with his other acts.

Although Effie is the best singer, Curtis knows only too well what it takes to sell records in the pop world and downgrades her to backing singer so Deena can take centre stage. That's when all the trouble and heartbreak starts and continues through this tale of bad relationships and, eventually, female empowerment.

It's all played out in super slick fashion with an array of absolutely gorgeous glittering costumes and glossy sets that overlap to keep the momentum flowing at an exciting pace.



While there's plenty of angst and arguments - all sung out in the most fantastic of ways, even through a rap - there's also friendships, romances and charismatic characters amongst Curtis' fold. In the same way that Motown had its many employees, there's a mix of talented yet frustrated stars from songwriter CC White to rebellious singer Jimmy Early.

Although the women are the headliners, it's worth noting just how good Brandon Lee Sears is as wild Jimmy. He is a force to be reckoned with bringing funk, jaw-dropping dance moves and a lot of soul to Dreamgirls. Samuel Nicholas, who played CC White on press night, also has the most wonderful smooth soulful tones.

There's a lot to like in the lesser known tracks like Family, Steppin' To The Bad Side and It's All Over, but they get overshadowed by the famous big hitters like One Night Only and Effie's climax to Act One.

The voices in particular are a major pull for this show. So, it's apt that Nicole Raquel Dennis, who shot to fame by starring in ITV reality show The Voice in 2019 and was mentored by Jennifer Hudson plays Effie. No doubt, Hudson will have shared secrets of playing this troubled character in her Oscar-winning turn but Dennis' animated performance stands out too.



Dennis closing Act One with And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is incredible vocally but so passionate and moving, it brings a lump to the throat. While later in Act Two, Dennis shows a more delicate nature to her voice when performing I Am Changing.
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%%Making up the rest of the Dreamgirls are Natalie Kassanga as Deena Jones and Paige Peddie as Lorrell Robinson, who both are allowed moments to shine. Kassanga has the meatier acting part as she starts to question Curtis' stronghold over her.

There's a stellar cast all-round for this tour and on days when Dennis is taking a break from the role of Effie, Sharlene Hector of Basement Jaxx fame will be taking her place at certain performances.



Dreamgirls musical may have been around for a while but it's come to the fore in recent times amid a return of feminism and the #MeToo movement. It touches on everything from gaslighting to speaking up for yourself and not letting anyone get in the way of your dreams.

More than that, Dreamgirls dazzles with sensational costumes, characters and above all voices. You won't want to miss this show, even if it's for one night only.

RATING: & #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;

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!date 06/12/2022 -- 31/12/2022
%wnbirmingham