35 years after its Broadway premiere, Dreamgirls hits the London stage in a new production directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. But does it sparkle or falter in the eyes of the critics?
The Independent: **** “The show is not quite wide or deep enough dramatically, in my view, to qualify as a great musical but this (ahem) supremely confident production provides, to be sure, a great night out.”
The Stage: ***** “The plot of Tom Eyen’s book may feel a little blunt and obvious, but the irresistible joy of Dreamgirls lies in a score by Henry Krieger that is a magnificent parade of original hits.”
The Telegraph: **** “What does this show fundamentally offer? Tremendous gusto of soul and gaiety of spirit.”
Time Out: *** “Ironically for a musical that’s all about the struggle between authenticity and commercial success, the rest of the original songs tend towards the generic.”
WhatsOnStage: **** ” Dreamgirls is a joy-filled corrective, full of panache and passion.”
The Guardian: **** “Riley is a real star in her first West End role, the voice huge and effortless.”
Evening Standard: ***** “it’s the dynamic performances that propel this passionate musical, and Amber Riley’s is as thrilling as any I can recall.”
Variety: “Nicholaw’s (“The Book of Mormon,” “Aladdin”) production is a glitzy thing, and Tim Hatley’s designs never skimp on the Swarovsky, dazzling under Hugh Vanstone’s showbiz lamps.”
The Reviews Hub: ***** “It isn’t often that a show as superlative as this comes around. This production could well go down as the most skilfully crafted, elegantly designed and emotionally engaging musicals of the decade.”
Love London Love Culture: ***** “I am telling you – you need to see this for the talent, the production and the music – which all work in perfect harmony from beginning to end.”
Hollywood Reporter: “Nicholaw and his female performers do succeed wonderfully in keeping the adrenaline running into the second act.”
London Theatre1: **** “More of a concert than anything else, it’s loud and unapologetic, glitzy and glamorous, all-out, all-American fun. As long as that is borne in mind, audiences are assured of an enjoyable two-and-a-half hours.”
Dreamgirls is now playing at the Savoy Theatre and booking until the 21st October 2017. To book tickets visit: ATG Tickets, Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com,Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.