‘Dreamgirls’ falters, but shows promise

Theatre Raleigh has a stellar record of staging intimate musicals on the diminutive Kennedy Theatre stage. Its production of the large-scale musical “Dreamgirls” attempts inventive, compact methods to present it. But, despite talented performers and an experienced creative team, the show proves too demanding for the space and the company’s resources.

The 1981 Broadway hit about the rise of a Supremes-like girl group is a whirl of changing scenes, from Las Vegas production numbers and TV broadcasts to recording studios and theater dressing rooms. Chris Bernier’s unit set, with two levels of performance spaces and matching curved staircases, has pleasing symmetry. But with 18 performers, too many scenes feel cramped or poorly differentiated, and the precarious staircases make for awkward scenes and exits.

Thomas Mauney’s lighting can be appropriately glitzy but often puts key scenes in shadows. Denise Schumaker’s dozens of costume designs range from showbiz flashy to unflattering. Bryan Phoebus’ offstage orchestra is sometimes defeated by sound imbalance, the singers by microphone glitches.

The cast deserves credit for executing the many costume changes and fast-paced staging while singing constantly throughout the show’s two and a half hours.

As Effie, the Dreamettes’ talented lead singer, Brittany Walters is suitably troubled and diva-ish, supplying power and personality in her big numbers. Lawrence Street invests Curtis, the manipulative promoter, with a fine voice and a chilly demeanor. Alexis Sims’ Deena, whom Curtis later makes lead singer, radiates beauty and charm. But on Wednesday, all three had yet to achieve the characters’ requisite dramatic range.

On the other hand, Christian Thompson’s soul singer, Jimmy, electrified his every scene with a James Brown-like intensity and showmanship. Gil Faison’s Marty, Jimmy’s manager, perfectly projected weary anger and disappointment. Jade Arnold’s sweetly eager songwriter C.C. and Dorian McCorey’s third Dreamette, Lorrell, also impressed.

Choreographer Abbey O’Brien found something new for each Dreamette number and showcased the male dancers. Director Lauren Kennedy set a crackling pace and did her best to vary staging within the set’s confines.

After several more performances, the show may settle into a stronger whole, worth seeing for individual performers and as an introduction for those new to it.

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 1:58 PM with the headline "‘Dreamgirls’ falters, but shows promise."