HOW TO GO
What: "Dreamgirls"
Where: The Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: Tuesday through next Sunday; at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. next Sunday
Cost: $40-$86
Tickets/more info: Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
The marvelously melodic, Motown-flavored 1981 musical “Dreamgirls,” an entertaining and poignant look at the ecstatic highs and tumultuous lows of a 1960s R&B girl group, will bring the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series to a close this week at the Schuster Center.
The brainchild of legendary director/choreographer Michael Bennett (“A Chorus Line”) and winner of six Tony Awards, “Dreamgirls,” loosely inspired by the backstage drama that fractured The Supremes, addresses the hope and heartbreak stemming from ambitious pursuits within the harsh realities of the music industry. Close-knit Detroit friends Effie White, Deena Jones and Lorrell Robinson, known as The Dreamettes, are forever changed by the ruthlessness of their charismatic manager Curtis Taylor Jr., who hires them as the opening act to James Brown-esque soul man James “Thunder” Early and ultimately transforms the trio into the glamorous, crossover-appealing Dreams. But along the way, Curtis falls out of love with plus-sized diva Effie and sets his eyes on the slender, demure Deena, setting the stage for a dramatic whirlwind of pain, regret and eventual reconciliation.
“Because ‘Dreamgirls’ deals with themes we can all understand it is a timeless musical,” said Charity Dawson, who portrays the hot-tempered, complex Effie. “Relationships, friendships, love, betrayal, forgiveness and overcoming personal demons can be relatable to anyone in any age group or of any ethnicity. Everyone has experienced and has an understanding of those elements which has allowed the show to stand the test of time.”
Predominately sung-through, “Dreamgirls” is remarkably fueled by composer Henry Kreiger and lyricist/librettist Tom Eyen’s sensational, character-driven score. In addition to such tuneful gems as “I Am Changing,” “Move (You’re Steppin’ On My Heart),” “Steppin’ To the Bad Side,” “Family,” “It’s All Over,” “One Night Only” and “Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love,” this particular production, reconceived by director/choreographer Robert Longbottom (“Side Show,” “The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular”), refreshingly incorporates “Listen,” sung by Beyoncé in the critically acclaimed 2006 film adaptation.
However, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” an electrifying, soul-bearing aria superbly positioned late in Act 1, remains in a class by itself as one of the most dynamic, demanding and iconic numbers in the musical theater canon. Dawson, whose credits include “The Color Purple,” “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “The Wiz,” says she savors her signature moment to the fullest in her own unique way. She avoids comparing her interpretation with others, specifically Tony and Grammy winner Jennifer Holliday and Academy Award and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson.
“The most beautiful thing about the song is that the entire show is written so well that by that point it gives me every tool necessary to deliver it,” said Dawson. “The song is a true peak, a true emotional release. Sometimes I have to sit in my dressing room and cry while I’m getting ready for Act 2. And as with any show, any storytelling, you have to be honest and have an understanding of it for yourself instead of taking on other people’s renditions. Playing Effie is such an emotional roller coaster ride.”
This version of “Dreamgirls” launched its national tour during the 2009-10 season, but retains a visually striking essence that will be worth the price of admission. Longbottom’s stunning transitions, gorgeous costumes by Tony winner William Ivey Long (“The Producers”) and media designer Howard Werner’s multiple LED panels accenting Robin Wagner’s original scenic design are among the eye-catching treats. Even so, Dawson, anticipating many family and friends to see her in Dayton considering her Columbus roots, wants audiences to embrace the material on a more profound level.
“I hope people see themselves in the characters,” she said. “Someone once told me after the show that when I sang ‘I Am Changing’ she thought about her own personal experiences and the things she wanted to change in her life. I truly believe people’s lives can be touched in deep ways through art and through this story.”
About the Author