STANDING ovations at the midway point of musical theatre performance are not standard fare.
This impromptu outpouring of appreciation only serves to highlight how we were witnessing something special at the opening night of Dreamgirls at Venue Cymru.
The smash-hit musical which charts the rise and demise of an all-girl vocal group was simply spellbinding from start to finish.
Nicole Raquel Dennis proved captivating as Effie White.
Her powerhouse vocals particularly on the track “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” rightly prompted the impromptu ovation.
Her vocal range and emotional delivery proved dazzling.
Natalie Kassanga was phenomenal as Deena.
Her incredible voice saw her shine as the group's front woman particularly on the disco infused dancefloor banger “One Night Only” and “Listen”.
Paige Peddie was brilliant as the groups third original member and group's peacemaker Lorrell Robinson, whose pure voice and sparkling stage presence was wonderful.
Deena replaced Effie as lead vocalist of the group, think Diana Ross and the Supremes, due to a dream by manager Curtis Taylor JR played by the wonderfully soulful Matt Mills.
Curtis’s vision for an all-conquering girl group took them from performing as backing singers to James Brown-inspired Jimmy Early, portrayed by the vivacious Brandon Lee Sears, to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Sears was responsible for many of the show’s comic moments including his strip show during the song Jimmy’s Rap much to the audience’s surprise and enjoyment.
Shem Omari James and his smooth vocals was outstanding as Effie’s brother and The Dreams lyricist CC White.
Jo Servi as Marty, the much put-upon manager of Jimmy Early, was also terrific.
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Simple yet hugely effective lighting and stage design set the mood and did not detract from the high-spirited choreography and sumptuous costumes of this perfectly paced show.
One mentionable example of this was the seamless scene and costume change during the club scene which saw Effie transported from smoky jazz club to centre stage glamour during another jaw-dropping vocal performance of her version of “One Night Only”.
Do yourself a favour and make this musical theatre spectacular your dream date.
Dreamgirls is on at Venue Cymru until August 13.
For tickets, visit: www.venuecymru.co.uk or call the box office on 01492 872000.
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