In one word - wow.
When I walked into Riverwalk Theatre on Friday, I was sure there was going to be dancing and singing - since the show I was seeing was a musical - but what I didn't expect was that two performers would absolutely blow my mind and in turn make the show one of the most successful local productions I've seen.
"Dreamgirls" opened last Thursday at the Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive in Lansing, and is set to run its short stint through Sunday.
The story follows the path of The Dreamettes - a '60s rhythm and blues group - as they make their way across the nation while they deal with interchanging managers, original members leaving, personal love interests and the music business in general.
Will The Dreamettes - who eventually turn into The Dreams - make it to the top?
You'll just have to go and find out.
As they say with first impressions, they're not always right. This should be implied for the setting of "Dreamgirls" as well.
At first glance, the set looks cardboard-like and could be a bit flashier, since the story mainly revolves around musical performers, but when Effie, played by Falyne Fry, steps on stage, there's no more looking at the set; it's just music in your ears.
Fry plays the lead singer of The Dreamettes - and she highly deserves the role.
Her voice is powerful and well controlled and she is worthy of every solo minute she receives.
Next to her is her manager and former lover Curtis, played by Kareem Bowen, and from his starting moment in "Cadillac Car," Bowen shows the depth and range of his booming and moving voice.
But somewhat disappointing is C.C., played by Shawn Luckey.
Luckey plays his role as the original manager of The Dreamettes perfectly when he's not singing, but during musical numbers, his voice needs to be more powerful and possibly he could achieve this if he refrained from holding back.
During "Steppin' to the Bad Side," C.C. redeems himself and joins Curtis for one of the best numbers during the musical.
"Steppin'" features Curtis, C.C., Jimmy, Wayne, Marty, The Dreamettes and an ensemble - basically the whole cast - in a timely, fun and somewhat dark number where Curtis shines and the audience gets a peek into the other side of the music business.
As for costumes - they go along the same line as the rest of the show - flawless.
When the '60s shine, the dresses become so retro it's a wonder that Riverwalk found them, and when the transition to the '70s takes place, the wigs, makeup and costumes completely change with the time - colors are more vibrant and the patterns fluctuate on clothing.
Act two starts with a bang and features the full cast singing "Dreamgirls," but unfortunately, this is where Effie is forced to leave and is replaced.
This is a key spot that shows how Hollywood really works in mysterious ways and kind of reminds me of what Destiny's Child is like without Beyoncé.
But during the next number, "I Am Changing," Effie sings alongside the most powerful orchestra - they are located right behind the actors - and the crowd loved it.
At times the orchestra is a bit too loud, but Riverwalk Theatre usually does a good job of projecting its voices over the live music so that it's not a bother.
"Dreamgirls" ran from 8 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., so be prepared for a long show.
