‘You’re Gunna Love Me!…’-DreamGirls, Savoy Theatre, London 26.01.2017

On a Thursday afternoon at work I took a gander at Facebook, only to see a post from a friend Laura stating she had 2 tickets available for the new musical of West End. I was first to comment how much? From the kindness of the heart she gave them to me, with that at 17:30 a spontaneous trip to London with my work colleague Laura was happening to see DreamGirls!

After a drama of getting to the train, we made it just in time to collect the tickets and have a very quick fast food dinner! I have been to the Savoy Theatre many times in previous years, more recently I have been seated in the upper circle.  Tonight I was back in the stalls (having only been seated down here once before when I saw Legally Blonde)  Row O seat 24. Our view was perfect. though if I was to have had a taller person in front of me I may not have been as happy.  We could see everything, all the set, and faces visible. I can’t thank my friend Laura enough for these tickets as being currently a high demanding show, tickets are limited. These seats that are normally face value of £72.50 but as my friend joined a group purchase they got the tickets to £35.00 which is a brilliant deal and if you have 10 or more friends who want to see this show I recommend doing a group booking!

DreamGirls was a Broadway musical that opened in 1981, with music by Henry Kriger, and Lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. It is based on the show business aspiration and successes of R&B acts such as James Brown, Jackie Wilson, The Supremes, and The Shirelles. This musical however follows the story of a young female trio from Chicago Illinois called ‘The Dreams’ who go on to become music superstars. Now today most of the public know of this show from its 2006 film version starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson. It is now showing for the first time on West End, and already rumoured to making a revival on Broadway soon. It is a powerful story, and a feel good one at that, with little snippets of comedy too. I have never seen the film myself and was happy that I didn’t, as going in fresh minded and not knowing what to expect made it that extra bit special. However now that I have seen the Live stage performance I might give the film a go, but it has a tough act to follow!

Tonight’s Cast was as follows:

Effie White – Amber Riley

Deena Jones – Liisi LaFontaine

Lorrell Robinson -Ibinabo Jack

Curtis Taylor Jr. – Joe Aaron Reid

Jimmy Early – Adam J. Bernard

C.C White – Tyrone Huntely

Marty – Nicholas Bailey

Michelle Morris – Lily Frazer

Now the most known name in this cast list is Amber Riley, famous for starring in the US musical TV show Glee (to which I was a huge fan of) she decided to make her theatre Debut on the West End. Now I knew that her singing was good, but hearing it live…she gave me goose bumps every word she sang, her passion in each lyric shined though and the standing ovation at the end of ‘I Am Telling You’ was greatly deserved!  Not only was her singing brilliant but her acting was spot on, with the attitude, love, and heartbreak demonstrated with such ease she was born to play Effie!

The two other leading ladies, Liisi Lafontaine, Ibinabo Jack playing Deena and Lorrell, were also perfect in their role. For Liisi following the likes of Beyoncé in the role of Deena you could say is very hard to do, but Liisi did it in her stride and made the part her own with a beautiful voice.  Her duet with Amber ‘Listen’ was a highlight of the night that I can only wish for a soundtrack to hear over and over again! Ibinabo had brilliant comic moments in the role of Lorrell with her love affair with Jimmy, and had the audience rooting for her when she finally gave him the boot (spoiler alert! sorry).  The Trio were a delight to watch, and even when Lily joined forces as Michelle Morris each song and dance mood were a pleasure to watch!

The men of the night were no different! I had noticed a few familiar faces, one was Tyrone Huntley who played C.C White (Brother of Effie, and the writer of the DreamGirls hits!). I had previously seen him 2 years before in Memphis but this time rather than the shy quiet character, he was a strong talented writer, with love for what he wrote. You could see he cared for Effie, but when driven by Curtis his character changes, that we are happy he comes to his senses with making sure his songs are performed the right way and not for the money and fame! The other face was Marty played by Nicholas Bailey, from the minute I saw him I kept thinking ‘Where do I know him from?’ I asked Laura who put my mind at rest he was in EastEnders and he is one of the fair few actors I can say who transfer from TV to Theatre, with a solid performance and a voice you didn’t expect.

Joe Aaron an Broadway Star who has come over the West End, first playing ‘Benny’ in In the Heights continues his talent as Curtis Taylor Jr. the fame driven, money wanting agent of DreamGirls. But also a manipulative ladies man, having Effie wrapped around his finger in the beginning to get his hands on the group, to them dump her at the drop of a hat to be with Deena. He had the voice, acting, moves and attitude to fit each bit of the character. He was great to watch, and although he received boo’s during the curtain call (which I was very surprised by) I cheered loudly for him. I mentioned that DreamGirls had its comic moments, and most of those came from the Character Jimmy, played by Adam J, Bernard.  He had the audience laughing, though is performances in the musical, and yet we see a vulnerable side to him, desperate you could say with his want and need of fame and fortune that you sympathise yet pity him too. The male cast were very strong and again delight to watch through out.

This show promises a good night out, and it delivered. With a standing ovation at the interval, and finale you know its a show to see, which I am very pleased to say I have done. The set, Costumes, and sparkles are bright and stunning to watch that you go away happy, and stunned by the talent you have seen. DreamGirls is playing at the Savoy with booking currently up until October 2017 for ticket information go to the main shows website here.  Ill be honest in saying that they are quite pricey down in the stalls and dress circle but don’t be put off with the Upper Circle, but if you know you have an evening free and can get to London I also recommend trying your luck at the TodayTix app and enter the Lottery for front row tickets at the price of just £15. Its worth a shot. You will not be disappointed!