Chasing Stardom (Redline Performing Arts/Actors Theatre)
Sep 23
3 min read
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Dreamgirls
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen
Music by Henry Krieger
Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler
Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett
Review by Regina Harris
Entire contents are copyright @2025 by Regina Harris. All rights reserved.
Dreamgirls, produced by Redline Performing Arts, opened Friday night at Actors Theater of Louisville to an eager and enthusiastic audience. The musical, which follows a group of young Black artists chasing stardom in the 1960s, is as relevant today as it was at its Broadway debut in 1981. Director Alonzo Remont set the tone in his program notes: the show is about those who "... dared to believe their voices mattered in an industry not designed for them...giving voice to generations who had long been silenced." On Friday night, those voices rang out - robust, joyful, and poignant - blending, jazz, pop, blues, R&B, and soul into a soundscape that was nothing short of magical. Ramont invited the audience to participate in whatever way we felt comfortable, and participate we did. What unfolded was a production that was moving, satisfying, and at times completely electrifying.
Dreamgirls begins in 1962, evoking the sound and style of the era. Clever use of live feedback black-and-white cameras and on-stage video screens transported the audience into the world of vintage television music shows. Add in a dazzling parade of sparkling 1960s and '70s inspired costumes and another rear screen projecting archival footage. The result was an instant trip down memory lane for those who lived it and a vivid history lesson for those who didn't.
With a cast of 32 actors and singers, the dream cast of Dreamgirls had no weak links. Ensemble numbers were tight and kinetic, with energetic crowd scenes and dance sequences. But it was the principal players who elevated the show from excellent to extraordinary.
Dreamgirl Effie White (powerfully portrayed by Kimberly Salter) brought the house down repeatedly, her powerhouse vocals, lifting numbers "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," and "I Am Changing." Salter's performance traced Effie's journey
from group leader - to outcast - to redeemed soloist with tremendous vulnerability and triumphant power. She was quite simply, a force of nature.
RoDiJett Jones as Dreamgirl Deena Jones; Ashley Dean as Dreamgirl Lorrell Robinson; and Danielle Briggs as Dreamgirl Michelle Morris rounded out the Dreams with equal brilliance, shimmering harmonies, and commanding stage presence. Each actress delivered stand out solo moments, filling the theatre with humor and heartbreak.
Derek Palmer as manager and music producer Curtis Taylor Jr. exuded charisma and ambition, his commanding presence making Curtis's manipulative streak chillingly believable. His performance in the Dreams Medley was pitch perfect and redemptive.
Jonathan Johnson as superstar, James "Thunder" Early, was a live wire channeling the swagger of James Brown, the flair of Little Richard and the smoothness of Marvin Gaye all at once. He earned some of the night's most enthusiastic applause. Phillip Clemons as CC White, Effie's brother, impressed with his soulful vocals and nuanced portrayal of a family member torn between loyalty and ambition. Daniel Leftrich as music producer and Jimmy's manager Marty brought slick music business professional vibes. One of the night's high points came with the quartet of Curtis, CC, James and ensemble stand out Tate Mack performing "Steppin' to the Bad Side," which brought down the house with their lush vocals.
The only technical hiccup of the night was inconsistent sound design. Microphones cut in and out during several solos, undermining otherwise stellar performances, while other numbers were cranked too high or dropped too low, masking vocal nuance. Hopefully these are opening night kinks that will smooth out as the run continues.
Throughout the evening, Ramont reminded the audience of a $1000 fundraising goal, promising an encore if it was met. When the tally was announced, the ensemble stormed the stage for finale that was pure joy. The deeply familiar first note had the crowd singing along a in moment of collective celebration that epitomized the show's spirit.
Dreamgirls is a beautiful, empowering musical appropriate for all ages. Friday night's crowd spanned generations - grandparents who remembered the era, sitting beside grandchildren hearing the music for the first time. It was a reminder of how art can bridge divides, spark dialogue, and uplift communities. Redline Performing Arts' Dreamgirls is more than a show - it's an event. Don't miss the chance to be swept away by its music, story, and the everlasting message of resilience and hope.
Redline Performing Arts presents Dreamgirls
September 19, 20, 26, 27 @ 7:30 pm
September 21, 28 @ 2:30 pm
September 22 (Pay What You Can) @ 7:30 pm
Actors Theatre of Louisville Pamela Brown Auditorium
316 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 584-1205
