‘s production of “Dreamgirls” is almost evangelical in its fervor and energy, with polished choreography and singers belting out songs at full bore.
the backstory of the Supremes, the 1981 musical follows an ambitious trio of singers determined to hit the big time. With a combination of magnificent talent, strategy and sheer brass, lead singer Effie White (Anna High) and her equally gifted partners, Lorrell (Shandra Duncan) and Deena (Shanna L. Woods), the trio gets a gig singing backup for the established R&B star Jimmy Early (Justin Spann).
Like the Supremes, who began as the Primettes, the Dreamgirls begin as the Dreamettes. A far-sighted manager (Christopher Tye) finds the trio their own Jimmy-free gig. But as the Dreamettes’ star rises, the manager’s calculations trim Effie from the group, just as the Supremes cut and replaced her with Cindy Birdsong.
That sort of cold calculation is more common than not in the entertainment business.
It’s especially insulting for an African-American group who knows that its best work is destined to be pirated by white singers with a song that inevitably will be associated with them, not the original singers. (The is especially galling.)
That appropriation is covered in “Cadillac Car,” a catchy song that becomes one of Jimmy and the Dreamettes’ first hits.
In “Dreamgirls,” we watch C.C. White (Randy Chalmers) as he works out the lyrics, and then hear the trio mold it into a dynamic song — and then see faces fall as a video of a smug, Pat Boone-ish white singer renders his training-bra version of their buxom hit.
“Cadillac Car” is only a small part of the story that revolves around family, fealty (and lack of it) and friendship. As Effie, Anna High is nervy and compelling, so magnetic that her sidekicks fade a bit in her light — at least until they have a chance to be up front themselves. Shandra Duncan and Shanna L. Woods sing like angels, making their work look deceptively effortless.
Justin Spann is arresting as a cocky R&B star who’s quite a player, and Christopher Tye brings a bit of vulnerability to his role as the manager/executioner whose vision of success has no room for a fat girl.
The flashy costumes are by Laura High, with deft choreography by Reace Daniel working with dance captain Jeffry E. Parizotto. Mike Uhlenkamp designed the fluid set. “Dreamgirls” is enhanced by an absolutely stellar live band that makes all the difference in the world. Keith Rabin Jr., directed this taut production, which runs more than two hours but feels shorter.
Claire Martin: 303-954-1477, cmartin@denverpost.com or twitter.com/byclairemartin
“DREAMGIRLS.”
Music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Tom Eyen. Featuring Shanna L. Woods, Justin Spann, Christopher Tye, Shandra Duncan, Annie High, Randy Chalmers and Erica Lyn Cain. Through Jan. 18 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. Tickets $19 and up at 720-362-2697 or ignitetheatre.com
