Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls
Ignite Theater
Aurora Fox Theater
Aurora, CO
December 27, 2014 - January 18, 2015

After seeing Ignite Theater's impressive production of Into the Woods, I was excited to check out Dreamgirls. But before my review of the show, I have to give Ignite Theater props for their customer service. I had an issue with the date I purchased tickets for. I called their box office and my tickets were changed quickly and easily with no issue. They even did their best to get me seats as close to my original ones. This is a great perk for any theater goer who worried when purchasing theater tickets in advance.

That being said, it was only the first delight in my experience seeing Dreamgirls. I had only seen the movie prior to this and, as expected, there were differences. The director did not shy away from turning Deena into a full blown diva, not an innocent victim like the movie. Curtis is less charming and more conniving. Michelle is a full fledged character, not an afterthought. Effie is also not perfect, but no one here is.

The vocal performances are strong and the music is infectious. Even "Stepping to the Bad Side," my least favorite song in the movie, is powerful and showstopping. And then there is Effie's voice, which will blow you away in "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" and "I Am Changing," just as they are supposed to. And at the end, the Dreams move into place as Effie's backup singers and you see what should have been. It's breathtaking.

The sets are not complex, but the use of every inch of the stage is impressive to give you a feel of different places. The costume and wigs are fantastic, changing the decades by themselves.

This is one show I feel bad for people who have missed it. This was one of those rare life-changing performances.