Dreamgirls

The first time my husband and I attended this play was a Saturday matinée (⁹⁄₁₈). We enjoyed the play so much that we attended an encore performance this past Friday (⁹⁄₂₄ @ 8:00 PM). Saturday’s performance «And I am Telling You I’m Not Going» was done by Effie’s u/​s, Patrice Covington. Although she performed the song well, and it moved me to tears, Moya Angela, the actual actress portraying Effie, «brought the house down». Her voice was stronger, more powerful and when she finished singing, the audience was so moved by her performance that she was so ever deserving of a standing ovation.
We were thoroughly entertained by a cast of very talented actors and actresses. My eyes were riveted to the ensemble performing «Steppin to the Bad Side». They had discipline and precision, and boy, they were even synchronized. The high tech lighting and effects on those panels were fantastic. The dresses were glamorous and had me reminiscing about the 60’s and 70’s…the Supremes, Marvelettes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Dixie Cups, Chiffons, even Aretha’s backup singers… the Sweet Inspirations.
Chester Gregory playing the part of James «Thunder» Early was full of energy and very engaging with the audience. The man «broke it on down», giving the audience a dose of some «James Brown funk» — oh, yeah, «hit it with the sax, the trumpet and slap on the bass». He had me tapping my feet and moving to the beat. For a moment, I thought he was gonna say, «hit it one time… uh, two times… uh, uh, three times… uh, uh, uh, four times… uh, uh, uh, uh… like James Brown and then sing «gonna have a funky good time». Hey, hey… Jimmy got soul; and in my book there ain’t nothin’ wrong with the man doin’ his thing… LOL
I actually enjoyed this play better than the movie, as it was more entertaining and there was interaction with the audience. Love it, love it, love it!!!

The audience was still as soon as Effie began «And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going»
It felt like everyone was holding their breath and sitting on the edge of their seats! I love it!
Really entertaining show with alot of powerful singing.
Jimmy Early was comic relief and was bursting with energy up there.
CC had such a mellow voice I loved his songs.
I do think that the sound needed work. At times I had a hard time hearing certain actors and other times the volume seemed too loud.
Sweet show!

Only in town for a short time, don’t miss it. It’s a small theatre, so even the $ 50 cheap seats are a nice way to go.
NONONONO WAY NONONONO WAY I’M LIVING WITHOUT YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
(why yes, I do think I can sing like Jennifer Hudson now)