Home > Theater Reviews > Archives > 2007 > July > 21 > Entry
‘Dreamgirls’ will give you goosebumps
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THEATER REVIEW “Dreamgirls” Grade: A Through July 29. 20-$69. Theater of the Stars, Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Midtown. 404-817-8700; www.ticketmaster.com. The verdict: A powerhouse performance by Holliday.
You’re going to love her.
In a triumphant return, Jennifer Holliday is back at the Fox Theatre in the bouffant wigs and flowing chiffon of “Dreamgirls” — playing Effie White — the put upon, cheated on, self-sacrificing leader of a Motown girl group.
Winner of a Tony Award for her dynamic performance in Michael Bennett’s 1981 musical, Holliday has maintained an inseparable, highly public and — by her own admission — not always healthy relationship with the notoriously prickly, supremely talented Effie.
While many an actress would have simply gotten too tired or too old for the role, the 46-year-old diva has clung to the fictional character as if she were her own personal property, making no bones about her dissatisfaction with the movie that won an Academy Award for “new Effie” Jennifer Hudson earlier this year.
But to see Holliday reclaim her ownership of this emotional juggernaut in this first-rate new Theatre of the Stars production is to understand why she and Effie share the same blood and the same mind.
To hear her belt and bulldoze her way through her signature anthem, “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going,” is a theatrical experience of the highest order. This is one for the history books, folks, a moment that stops time like Ethel Merman doing “Rose’s Turn” or Judy Garland singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
This is not to say that Effie’s meltdown is the sole virtue of director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj’s production, which opened Friday night as part of the National Black Arts Festival. Nor that everything about the three-hour show is as spiffy as a new Cadillac car.
Some of the performances take a while to pay off, while others — like Eugene Fleming’s scorching take on egomaniacal lady’s man James Thunder Early — strike gold immediately. Fleming’s voice can sizzle and scratch like James Brown’s, then dip, comically, to the lowest end of the bass register (“Steppin’ to the Bad Side”). The actor is also an agile comedian; check out the way his James has to struggle to suppress his bawdy mannerisms when the Dreamettes make their Miami debut.
So what about the other Dreamgirls?
Well, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more glamorous Deena than former EnVogue member Cindy Herron-Braggs, or a more likeable and entertaining Lorrell than Brandi Chavonne Massey. (Deena is the one who replaces Effie, both as the Dreamettes’ lead singer and manager Curtis’ love interest; Lorrell is the woman who finds herself increasingly uncomfortable as James’ mistress.)
In Act II’s Vogue magazine shoot, Herron-Braggs strikes a slinky, white-gloved pose worthy of Diana Ross — dressed to the nines in designer Theoni V. Aldredge’s ‘70s silhouettes and sophisticated hats. (Robin Wagner’s sets, by the way, are clean and inobstrusive facsimiles of the originals, and when they are reduced to simple curtains of fabric, Ken Billington’s lighting turns them into pure luminescent magic.)
As for the men in Effie’s life, brother C.C. (Destan Owens) has a soft, creamy voice and a presence that becomes more affecting as the night moves on. But David Jennings’ take on Curtis is stiff and unwieldy, even though the actor (last seen inAtlanta in the Alliance Theatre’s “Sister Act”) has an impeccable sound (“When I First Saw You”).
Some will say that Holliday looks gawky and uncomfortable at times. Her posture is poor, yes, but she’s creating a new Effie who takes time to find her voice and her place in the politics of the group. By the time Effie re-emerges with her new song, “One Night Only,” she’s become a stylized cabaret chanteuse who enunciates every syllable with authority. Here’s a woman who refuses to remain in the background, or be shunted aside by the competition.
In a world that too often judges by physical appearance and rewards sexual attractiveness over raw talent, Effie remains an enduring symbol of survival. Productions of Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s modern classic will come and go, but Jennifer Holliday will remain the definitive Effie.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Francesco Sinibaldi
July 21, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Only words.
Like a sweet melody arising alone near the sound of a blackbird, remember, by night, and listen to me: these are only words, and so for the most part. But when the sun of the morning returns in the darkness with a delicate wind, when a sorrow arrives like a beautiful sound at the foot of the mountain, when your crying overcomes, remember, my care, there’s even a pleasure in the light of a sunrise…
http://www.el-informador.com/foro/viewtopic.php?t=4320
Francesco Sinibaldi
By Drew
July 21, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
This production is everything musical theater should be. The music is dazzling with near perfect preformances from start to finish. Sure, Jennifer Holiday doesn’t have the same spring in her step as her co-stars but none can match her vocally. She admits this may well be her last time in this role, so don’t miss out on a real treat!
By Will
July 21, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
I saw Dream Girls was coming to the Fox and my first words were “and I tell you I am definitely going.” I did and the performance was AMAZING. Every performer sang as if each song was their favorite. And Jennifer Holiday…a voice so clear and strong it is truly perfection.
By Harriet
July 22, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this
Wow!!!!! What a great show!!! Jennifer Holliday showed you what it is really like to be an accomplished singer and actress all in one. There is no way you can hear her sing “And I’m telling you” and not have goosebumps. She is just amazing. The whole cast was wonderful. What a treat.This is the first show at the Fox I have seen in quite a while and boy I am glad I went tonight (Saturday). If you don’t see any other shows this year, go treat yourself to a night of fine Broadway in Atlanta……
By Voice of Reason
July 22, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Glad there are good reviews. But I find it a bit sad that Jen Holliday nutted up just because she wasn’t included in the movie version of Dreamgirls. Think, girl: how old are the characters, and how old are you? :-)[You didn’t see Ricki Lake having a hissy fit about the remake of Hairspray].
And, if the only thing Holliday has is her identity as Effie, I hurt for her…really. She’s holding on too much to her past; build some new accomplishments. But again, I’m glad the show is mostly a success for the Atlanta area.
By Voice of Reason
July 22, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Glad there are good reviews. But I find it a bit sad that Jen Holliday nutted up just because she wasn’t included in the movie version of Dreamgirls. Think, girl: how old are the characters, and how old are you? :-)[You didn’t see Ricki Lake having a hissy fit about the remake of Hairspray].
And, if the only thing Holliday has is her identity as Effie, I hurt for her…really. She’s holding on too much to her past; build some new accomplishments. But again, I’m glad the show is mostly a success for the Atlanta area.
By Jojo
July 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
I saw Dreamgirls on Broadway. I had never, nor have I since, seen or heard an audience react like they did when Jennifer Holliday brought down the curtain on the first act. I’ve seen many outstanding theatrical performances, but that one still ranks at the top.
By Grace
July 22, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
I thought it was wrong for Jennifer Hudson not to mention Jennifer Holiday’s name at the beginning. Now she is thanking Jennifer Holliday for the song. I think both are great singers, I give the edge to Jennifer Holliday. People like to say why is Jennifer Holliday talking about the song. She co-wrote the song and has the right to say what ever she want.
By LeVerta
July 23, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
I am glad that Jennifer Holiday is back, and Jennifer Hudson need to thank the Father above for Jennifer Holiday (a diva) for the contribution of Effie in Dreamgirls. Jennifer Holiday is sensational and I love her tenacity, energy and strength of character. My hat is off to you Jennifer Holiday, you are greatly appreciate, keep up the good work, you were not forgotten. I hope to see the Dreamgirls personally, because it is based on true life events.
By Lei-Lei
July 23, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
The performance was FANTASTIC and theater at its best - We loved the movie but “Dream Girls” is definitely made for the stage. We were at Saturday night’s performance and felt lucky to be in the Fox orchestra section though we were at the very back we could hear every note and every word! And I had bought tkts seven weeks ago. Our daughter was kind to let us share the binoculars. Wonderful, wonderful. I have never seen such a beautifully performed musical. Jeffifer Holiday’s range of voice in unbelieable. Glad to have been there!
By Peggy
July 23, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why people think Hudson owes Holiday anything? Do you know how many women Hudson beat out to win that role? Was Hudson suppose to turn it down & say “OH NO, ONLY ONE WOMAN CAN PLAY EFFIE!” Hudson is trying to have a career just like any body else in show business. It does not matter who can sing the song better. Holiday need to stop blaming others for her failed career. Holiday (by her own admission), let the original play’s producer manipulate her when she wanted to quit the Broadway show to pursue other interest. Holiday fell in love with him only to learn he was gay. Michael Bennet died of AIDS in the late 80’s. It’s not Hudson’s fault she spent years dealing with depression. It’s not Hudson’s fault that in 25yrs she has one song and one character under her belt. Hudson is new to the industry but has been hated on by some top notch veterans.
By Tim
July 23, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
I am never completely blown away by shows in Atlanta, typically preferring to hit the big apple two or three times a year but this performance of Dreamgirls was absolutely outstanding. There is no doubt that Jennifer Holliday commands an audience and her ‘Effie’ will remain in my mind forever, however I was really impressed with the overall casting of this show, just spot on. Cindy Herron-Braggs and Brandi Chavonne Massey - stars, just great, and Eugene Fleming delivers a riveting performance, classic comedy. Go see it… you will love it!
By monique
July 23, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Jennifer Holiday has had her time to shines 25 years ago, please give it a rest!!!!!!! We all know she was great 25 years ago, stop trying to still Jennifer Hudson’s spotlight! You are to old to play the part . I would not go see it anyway, Where is Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine you don’t see them trying to reprise their roles, because it is not needed. And Jennifer Holiday is just trying to get back in spotlight which is very said to say. Also Jennifer Holiday when you do have a Broadway show try to have aleast 4 of the orginal members in the show. By only having you in it, says alot about who you are! Do you think you were better than Sheryl And Loretta! I hope not because they were just as wonderful as you were 25 YEARS AGO!!!!!!!!!
By The Truth
July 23, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Maybe I didn’t attend the same show. The Dreamgirls I saw was quite enjoyable until Jennifer Holliday took the stage. There is no doubt that she has a powerful voice but you can’t enjoy it because she is too busy trying to prove it. She screams and makes horrible facial expressions like she has to strain to ge the notes out. As for the rest of the cast, Top Shelf entertainers.
By The Momster
July 23, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Amen to “The Truth”. Jennifer Holliday costumed as a hunchback in swing coats was awkward, and there were enough costume glitches to make everyone cringe. Her 46-year old self had no business playing a much younger, sassier character. She may be a great singer, but the play isn’t only about her. And yes, she screams and growls and makes faces. The rest of the cast is fabulous. Too bad the awful sound system at the Fox obscures the performances….there was so much feedback from the mikes in the second act that it made me cringe.
By St
July 23, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
I havent seen the re-make of DreamGirls yet, and I’m not sure if I really want to. I saw the original on broadway in the 80’s when I was in junior high school and I enjoyed it. I also saw FAME on broadway and Hairspray just to name a few.
The reason I say I’m not sure if I want to see it now is that this competition between the Jen’s is ridiculous.
Not sure if Jennifer Holiday initiated the competition when Jennifer Hudson was offered the “Effie” role and sang the “I’m telling you” song just as wonderfully and beautifully as she had.
But my feeling is this: Holiday you are a much older, mature and wiser woman and when you played the “Effie” role back in the late 70’s early 80’s you did great but here it is now in another century let someone else shine—you paved the way you set the standard—now let someone else rise to fame. It’s time for you to rise above the role of “Effie” and “the I’m telling you” song and set your mark in another way and form—you have had all of the opportunity given to you and have made many a contact now what you decide to do with that and where you decide to go is on you but not as a reborn “Effie” or doing another Las Vegas “I’m telling you” song. It’s played out for you. It’s time to let it go-Girlfriend!!!
You have a beautiful voice and can still belt the song out but RIZE UP-Girl!!!!
By Onager
July 23, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Sunday night’s show had a number of outstanding performances, but they were unfortunately discounted by the sound system. Far too loud throughout, the speakers crackled at times and even gave out twice. Why the producers think this show, which is performed at high volumes for the most part, needed amplification befitting The Black Crowes, I’ll never know.
I’m very glad I saw Holliday perform this role — her portrayal was one of the most evocative I’ve ever seen in Atlanta. Still, she should realize that she’s on the fading edge of being a plausible Effie. Here’s hoping she’ll realize that the very message of the play is that star power sometimes should yield to underappreciated talent. Julie Andrews may have been the best Maria ever, but she wouldn’t have been if she tried to play Maria at 45.
By Angela
July 23, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I heard from a little bird…backstage Ms.Holiday has a very diva like attitude. I met her in person and her to be with a very appealing attitude. By the way ask her how many stylist has she fired this week
By Angela
July 23, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
I heard from a little bird…backstage Ms.Holiday has a very diva like attitude. I met her in person and her to be with a very appealing attitude. By the way ask her how many stylist has she fired this week
By glc
July 23, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe I didn’t attend the same show. The Dreamgirls I saw was quite enjoyable until Jennifer Holliday took the stage. There is no doubt that she has a powerful voice but you can’t enjoy it because she is too busy trying to prove it. She screams and makes horrible facial expressions like she has to strain to ge the notes out. As for the rest of the cast, Top Shelf entertainers.
I AGREE WITH THE ABOVE 100%.
By glc
July 23, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe I didn’t attend the same show. The Dreamgirls I saw was quite enjoyable until Jennifer Holliday took the stage. There is no doubt that she has a powerful voice but you can’t enjoy it because she is too busy trying to prove it. She screams and makes horrible facial expressions like she has to strain to ge the notes out. As for the rest of the cast, Top Shelf entertainers.
I AGREE WITH THE ABOVE 100%.
By DJACK
July 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Attended the Wednesday opening night show. All I can say is “wow”. When Jennifer Holiday belted the first few notes of the signature “And I am telling You”, the goosebumps appeared and they reappear everytime I think of that moment. All I could see around me were mouths agape in awe. The opening night production had some logistical cahllenges but overall, it was one for the ages…..
By David Coleman
July 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
I attended the opening performance at the Fox. Jennifer Holliday takes you to heaven. She is absolutely divine. WOW
By Robby
July 28, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this
The show was spectacular and almost everyone was fantastic. Unfortunately, whether it’s age, a lack of acting chops or just the result of singing the same song for 20 years out of context of the show, Jennifer Holiday was very hard to watch. She barely did the choreography in the first act. I thought to myself she was either just being lazy or she recently injured herself. Then, when she sang “And I Am Telling You” she lumbered around the stage like Quasimodo singing in an affected, over-emphasized rendition of what once was her own award-winning performance. It’s as if years of singing the song at gay bars has b******* the song into a meaningless vocal-acrobatic act. There was no story-telling in the song…it was more of a freak show. If the audience didn’t know who she was and she gave the exact same performance at the Apollo Theatre today she would have quite possibly been laughed off the stage. After the show (which I loved, by the way having never seen a professional company do it on stage) I watched Jennifer’s performance of the Act I closing on YouTube from the Tony’s the year Dreamgirls first hit Broadway. Check it out! She’s wonderful. There is motivation and feeling behind every sound and movement. After so many years each of these moves and sighs have turned into lurches and grunts without the passion that Effie once felt. The rest of the cast was terrific and the direction was great. I imagine Miss Holiday wasn’t very “directable” so you can hardly blame him for her lack of energy or passion in the role. I’m sure any director who had the nerve to give Jennifer Holiday notes on “And I am Telling You…” would be fired…it’s too bad. I’m not a hater, I’m just telling you as I saw it.
By susanna
July 30, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
I agree with Robby’s comments. I also thought Miss Holliday must not be well. She seemed unable to keep up with the other Dreamettes in the Jimmy Early sequences, the scene where Effie makes the phone call to Deana’s mother was given to C.C., she missed her exit line after the initial press conference. In fact, when I saw the show (Sunday Matinee) she didn’t even seem to show up until “THE SONG” and then it was a cabaret act, not theater. I was immensely disappointed. I thought the rest of the cast (particularly Curtis) was good, though C.C. crying at the beginning of “Family” was a bit over the top.
By Ken
July 30, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
I haven’t seen the moview, but I saw the July 28 Saturday matinee and was impressed with everyone EXCEPT Jennifer Holliday. the “pay off” note of “and I’m Telling You…” was not there. She growled and snarled through too many notes and the dropped low notes that sounds like she was “deaf and dumb”. I exepcted better from the so-called originator. She wasn’t terrible, but too many people gave her too much credit. Also, he looked like she could barely move on stage and appeared like she didn’t care about he physical performance. Molly Ringwald moved better in “Sweet Charity”. Maybe it’s a cultural diffrerence in understanding, but she failed to entertain me.