By Christina Perryman
Walnut Street Theatre is closing out their historic 216th season with a powerful staging of “Dreamgirls,” book and lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger. Directed by Gerry McIntyre, who also choreographed dazzling dance numbers, “Dreamgirls” is set in the mid-1960s. It follows the rise of three friends, Effie White, Deena Jones and Lorrell Robinson (The Dreamettes), a young singing trio looking to land a record deal. They travel with Effie’s brother, C.C., who writes their music, to the Appollo Theatre in New York, hoping to win a talent competition. There, they meet Curtis Taylor, Jr., a car salesman who convinces the Dreamettes to take him as their manager. Through some finagling on Curtis’s part, the Dreamettes join R&B singer James Thunder Early on tour as Jimmy’s backup singers. Over time, Curtis weasels his way into the industry, eventually replacing Marty as Jimmy’s manager. He transforms Jimmy from a soulful singer to a pop sensation. Curtis also begins a relationship with Effie while Lorrell starts an affair with the married Jimmy. Over time Curtis shifts his focus to Deena, deciding Effie does not have the right look to lead the group. Tensions rise after the trio is rebranded “Deena Jones and the Dreams.” Events come to a head at the end of the second act when, without any advanced notice, Michelle Morris replaces Effie. I do not want to ruin the second act, but I will say a time jump moves the action along nicely.
Khalifa White, Gabrielle Beckford, and Aveena Sawyer in “Dreamgirls” at Walnut Street Theatre. Photo by Mark Garvin.
The show has a strong cast and features many fantastic performances. Aveena Sawyer, Khalifa White and Gabrielle Beckford are amazing as Effie, Lorrell and Deena. All three have tremendous stage presence, give their characters distinct personalities, and have the audience rooting for their success. Sawyer is the perfect diva. White brings an innocence to Lorrell that makes the second act more impactful. Beckford has the most distinctive transformation. At first, Deena is hesitant to take over lead vocals. You can see the character’s confidence grow as the show moves along, which is well-done by Beckford. Plus, the singing. I’m not sure if Sawyer, White, Beckford and Chali Cooke (Michelle) have a quartet, but they should. All have beautiful, powerhouse voices.
Jarran Muse is terrific as the slimy yet charming Curtis. E. Clayton Cornelious brings energy and likability to Jimmy Early. Forrest McClendon is a steadying presence as Marty. Devin L. Roberts is terrific as C.C. and Cooke is wonderful as Michelle.
“Dreamgirls” features many soulful, catchy songs including “Cadillac Car,” “Steppin’ To The Bad Side,” “Dream Girls,” “One Night Only,” and “I Am Changing.” Sawyer brought down the house at the end of the first act with a powerful version of “(And I’m Telling You) I’m Not Going.”
The set, designed by Andy Walmsley, was simplistic (except for the rotating center piece), which worked perfectly for the show and allowed the costumes and the talent to shine. The costumes, by Dustin Cross, were magnificent. The gowns were stunning; however, all the pieces captured the era and took the audience back to a different time. The wigs, by Destinee Steele, were impressive. Lighting by Jose Santiago and sound by Ed Chapman completed a top-notch production. The show was backed by a live orchestra, conducted by Chris Burcheri (who also directed the music and vocals).
Walnut’s 2025-26 Mainstage Season kicks off with “Million Dollar Quartet” in September, followed by “A Christmas Story The Musical” in November.
If you go:
“Dreamgirls” runs at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, through May 4. Showtimes are 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday and Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $117-$237. Discounted tickets ($49) are available for the April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 performances. See Walnut’s website for the code and information. For tickets or information, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org, call 215-574-3550 or visit TicketMaster.