Westcoast Black Theatre’s ‘Dreamgirls’ takes you on an emotional musical journey

From the first notes and drum beats at an Apollo Theater talent contest, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s new production of the hit musical “Dreamgirls,” whisks you along on an emotional ride through the dreams and treachery of the music business.

The 1981 musical, about the rise of a group similar to Diana Ross and the Supremes, follows a three-girl group from Chicago called the Dreamettes as they try to find success. There are a lot of broken dreams and hearts along the way, amid the hits, romances and payola to disc jockeys.

Director Nate Jacobs and choreographer Donald Frison follow the style of the original cinematic-style staging by Michael Bennett and Michael Peters. The musical by Henry Krieger (music) and Tom Eyen (book and lyrics) is mostly sung – almost like a pop, Motown-style opera – and it rarely stops moving. Scenic designer Jeffrey Weber, aided by Austin Jacobs’ generic projections, uses four light towers that are moved about the stage to represent different locations, taking us from theaters and clubs to recording studios, hotel rooms and more.

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Some of the scene changes can be awkward, and you might wonder if the otherwise impressive lighting by Ethan Vail might be able to do more to darken parts of a stage when a table and chairs have to be moved away in some of the dramatic scenes.

The production is led by the dynamic Shena Renee as the original lead vocalist Effie White. She falls in love with their manipulative and oily manager Curtis Taylor Jr., before being pushed aside in favor of the more elegant Deena Jones. Renee, who has played the role many times, creates a character who takes charge and is not afraid to express her feelings from the start. Her voice brings tremendous power to such iconic songs as “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” and “I’m Changing.”

Caila Carter has appeal as Deena, though not quite the star wattage or vocal range (at least early on) that you might expect of someone becoming the new leader of the Dreams. But she does grow stronger as Deena begins to stand up for herself.

As Curtis, Brian L. Boyd continues to impress and surprise with each new role revealing another aspect of his talent and skills. He’s both snake-like and charming, someone who manages to control everyone to get what he wants, yet doing it so smoothly they don’t necessarily realize what he’s taking from them. You can see his mind operating in a mental chess game to stay a few steps ahead of the singers.

One of them is the James Brown-like R&B star James “Thunder” Early, played by Raleigh Mosely III, who Curtis tries to turn into a Johnny Mathis crooner. Mosely is explosive in the role, spinning, doing splits and somehow twirling himself around a microphone stand in his vibrant musical numbers. It’s just a shame that he’s saddled with a wig that gives a new definition to helmet hair.

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Maya Cuevas is adorable as Lorrell, the third member of the Dreams, who falls in love with Jimmy as an innocent young girl, and then shows maturity by the time she sings “Ain’t No Party,” when she tries to break things off with the long-married man.

The cast also includes Nate Summers as Effie’s friendly and encouraging songwriting brother and Kyla Bolling, who makes something of her almost thankless role as a replacement Dream. It’s also a pleasure to see Michael Kinsey back on stage after a long absence, once again playing Effie’s focused and supportive manager, Marty, a role he has played at least twice before.

The band led by musical director Steven Zumbrun sounds vibrant and supportive, leading and following as needed, and creating the sound we associate with that Motown era. The costumes by Darci Collins likewise capture a sense of the period and the characters, though don’t always have the flair you might want.

“Dreamgirls” is an ambitious production, and Jacobs and Frison, with his driving choreography, keep it flowing and moving well enough that you can overlook some of the little bumps that get in the way of an otherwise smooth journey.

‘Dreamgirls’

Music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Tom Eyen. Directed by Nate Jacobs, choreographed by Donald Frison. Reviewed Feb. 25. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Through April 9. Seating is limited. Tickets are $50 adults, $20 for students and active military. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Lively ‘Dreamgirls’ inspires Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe