Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...If you've overdosed on sunscreen, shorts, sweat and sand, the arrival of the ice-cool “Dreamgirls,” those begowned, bewigged and beguiling divas who've sexily slinked and seductively shimmied across American stages for the past 30 years, belting out their faux-Motown hits and singing their torrid tales of harmony and discord, is a fine way to kick off the fall theatrical season, a time when it's finally safe again for adults to leave the house and head to a suburban resort knowing the kiddie pool no longer is center stage."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Parts of Dreamgirls are certainly dedicated to glitter and glam—but other parts offer a clear-eyed look at the dirty side of the music biz (racism, payola) in the 1960s and '70s. Robin has put together an impressive ensemble, led by Raena White as talented, flawed diva Effie and Britney Coleman as a perfect embodiment of the Diana Ross/Beyonce golden girl. Eric LaJuan Summers also sizzles as a would-be James Brown."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"... The entire ensemble shines with equal brilliance. Eric LaJuan Summers is perfectly imposing as the flamboyant James Brown/Little Richard character, James “Thunder” Early; his scenes with Scott are electric. As C.C., Effie’s composer brother, Travis Turner is absolutely sublime. Doug Peck masterfully directs his cast musically through those Motown-inspired harmonies, while Nancy Missimi’s breathtaking 1960’s wigs and costumes provide all the necessary glitz and glamour befitting a Dream."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...But Henry Krieger’s Motown-pastiche score is undeniably infectious, featuring such earworms as “Move (You’re Stepping on My Heart)” and “One Night Only,” and musical director Doug Peck mines them for all they’re worth. The show also offers a trio of muscular female roles: Effie, who gets burned and bumped by the Dreams’ cold-hearted snake of a manager (Byron Glenn Willis); Diana Ross–esque Deena (Britney Coleman), who moves into the lead and becomes a major star; and loyal, unlucky-in-love Lorell (Rashidra Scott). White and Scott make the most of their roles, White admirably putting her own stamp on legendary anthem “(And I’m Telling You) I’m Not Going.” Coleman, though, feels miscast; her Deena remains a chirpy Disney Princess throughout, never attaining the strength or magnetism that supposedly make her an icon in Act II. Marc Robin’s appealing staging makes smart use of Marriott’s challenging in-the-round space, while Nancy Missimi’s gorgeous costumes are—let’s just go there—like something out of a dream."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Composer Henry Krieger and lyricist Eyen created a score dominated by rhythm and blues and soul, with garnishes of pop music. The music is divided between staged numbers performed by the Dreams and a James Brown-style soul singer named James Thunder Early and vocalized dialogue. The decibel count is high and so is the dramatic and emotional content. Lovers of high-octane black music will love the show. The audience certainly expressed their roaring approval throughout the opening night performance, reflecting a generous tolerance for the ponderous narrative and two-dimensional characters."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"... Dreamgirls is an energetic, polished and classy music and dance romp through Motown. You’ll quickly get enthused by the sheer energy and deep emotional truth in this modern operetta. Powerful and richly evocative voices nail the tunes as the nuances of the struggles to attain and survive fame and fortune in the music world is sensitively presented. The joyous and angst ridden world of R and B music makes for a most entertaining theatrical experience. Marriott Theatre has a winning production of the R & B hit."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Music Director Doug Peck has done great work, the band sizzles, and Nancy Missimi's costumes look great. In fact, Missimi provides the only design trick of the evening, and it is a great one! Jess Klug provides Las Vegas standard lighting; no surprises here. Thomas M. Ryan's set disappoints, with the few steel trusses hung from the grid referencing Wagner's original design. His Mylar panels, the rising corners of the stage, and the lazy turntable add nothing to the drama. I know the Marriott space is a designer's hell, but can we think outside of the box at all?"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... If you enjoy the sounds of the 60′s, in particular, the Motown sound, you will truly enjoy this production. If you love good musical theater filled with fine singing and acting, this is one for you. Unlike many Marriott shows, in particular those with Robin at the helm, this is not a major dance show, but rather a musical about spirit and song as well as desire, so dance is not as important as many other shows."
