Have you ever seen a show that is SO good, it leaves you speechless for days after? Dreamgirls is that show for me. The talent from each cast member last night was phenomenal. Utterly breath taking, spine-tingling vocals that I wish I could record and play again and again. It was superbly supreme!
The show keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow an extraordinary story of The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers trying to make it in American music history. A story of friendship, crushes, love and regrets, you can’t help but get pulled in by the emotions.
It is a carefully picked cast who are all exceptional artists and performers. I couldn’t help but be transfixed with Brandon Lee Sears who plays the role of Jimmy Early. Outstanding vocals, exceptional stage presence and smooth moves, his stage presence, captivating. My particular favourite scene was when Jimmy decides he no longer wants to sing sad songs and jumps into an improvised funk number ‘The Rap’. How Brandon remembers every single lyric, note and choreographed move, has me in complete and utter awe. What a star!
Effie, played by Nicole Raquel Dennis had the audience giving a (much deserved) standing ovation at the end of the first half with her rendition of ‘And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going’. Her vocals are second-to-none but there’s so much more to Effie than her vocals, her whole demeaner and character was portrayed so perfectly by Nicole. I am a great lover of small details too and things like the smooth costume changes in the dark during scenes and quick scene changes, really won me over.
Natalie Kassanga plays the role of Deena Jones, a backing singer of the trio during the first half, who appears, quiet and we don’t get to see the full depths of her voice. But by the time we reach the second half, Natalie’s voice is there, strong, powerful, mirroring how she feels as an older lady whose dreams are being held back by Husband and Manager, Curtis Taylor Jr (Matt Mills). Paige Peddie gets to play the role of loveable Lorrell Robinson whose vocals really get shown during ‘Ain’t No Party‘ in Act Two.
It was a night of glitz, glamour and more sparkles than your Christmas Tree. A perfect Christmas show and treat for the grown-ups.
Dreamgirls is playing at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until 31st December 2022. With tickets starting from just £13 each.
Book your tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dreamgirls/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/calendar/2022-12-08