Big hair, bold music and betrayal will bring the 1960s music industry onto the Palace Theatre stage this month in the musical “Dreamgirls.”
The musical captures the spirit and sacrifice of show business, following the female singing group, The Dreams, on its road to fame. The members of The Dreams got their big break in the music industry as backup singers for the already-famous James “Thunder” Early.
“It’s a rags to riches story,” said Margaret Hoffman, who plays Michelle Morris in the production. “These girls come from nothing. They’re from the projects of Chicago. It’s the power of having a dream and being able to manifest it into a reality.”
As The Dreams achieve greater success, the members get caught up in a corrupt music industry with the help of their agent, Curtis Taylor Jr.
The Columbus performance of “Dreamgirls” is part of a yearlong national tour presented by Broadway Across America. The tour features Moya Angela, Syesha Mercado, and Adrienne Warren as Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson. Chester Gregory plays the role of James Early, and Chaz Lamar Shepherd plays Curtis Taylor Jr.
Hoffman said the entire cast is incredibly talented and brings out the many facets of the characters.
“I love the freedom [James Early] gives himself to just go there and be over the top and the way he is able to explore the range of his character,” Hoffman said.
Though many may know the character of Effie as Jennifer Hudson, who played the role in the 2006 movie adaptation of the musical, Angela brings a fresh interpretation of Effie to the stage. She brings out vulnerability and humor, and not just aggressiveness, Hoffman said.
Between the relatable message of the power of friendship and the high-energy musical numbers, Hoffman said the show will please audiences.
“It’s a big, big spectacle. It’s just one big ball of entertainment,” she said. “I mean, from the first scene to the last scene, you can’t take your eyes off the show. There is so much going on: phenomenal music, over 500 costumes and [about 170] wigs.”
The stage production will feature all of the songs from the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” and incorporate the original song “Listen” from the movie version.
“I know for a fact I can guarantee you that you’ll walk away with a smile on your face saying, ‘I got my money’s worth,'” Hoffman said.
“Dreamgirls” will be presented at the Palace Theatre Feb. 16 through 21. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office or through ticketmaster.com.
