At three separate points during Dreamgirls at the Liverpool Empire, the audience was on its feet cheering and applauding in well deserved standing ovations.
The popular, award-winning musical, which debuted on Broadway in the 80s, has repeatedly toured the world and even spawned a Hollywood film with titans Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy in lead roles.
I've never seen the film or watched the musical before last night but still knew a number of the songs, such is its presence and power.
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Dreamgirls was inspired by the careers of R&B acts like The Supremes, James Brown and more and manages to successfully bring the world of show-business to life with power ballads, humour and heart.
The show, which comes direct from the West End, tells the story of three best friends, Effie White, Deena Jones and Lorrell Robinson, on their quest to become music stars in 1960s America and what happens to them on their way to phenomenal success.
When the trio begins to gain traction, Effie, the lead singer, is usurped by Deena after their manager Curtis decides the group needs a more pop-friendly look and sound to stand a bigger chance of appealing to white audiences and bagging mainstream success. Effie is hurt, particularly as she has been dating Curtis, and struggles with her belief in herself.
Deena goes on to become the "most famous woman in the world" while Effie's rage and disappointment over the situation - and her mistrust of Curtis and Deena's relationship - halts her career. She misses a number of rehearsals due to "sickness", though it's later revealed she was pregnant with Curtis' child, and sees her place in the group given to another singer.
Dreamgirls' issues of race and feminism - still as painfully relevant to this day as they were at the time of the show's conception - are intricately interwoven throughout with creativity and a sense of realism that united the entire auditorium, ensuring every audience member was actively rooting for the three leads, their success and their happiness.
Effie is perfectly portrayed by Nicole Raquel Dennis, whose performance of the iconic And I Am Telling You at the end of Act One had the entire audience on its feet. Her beautiful, powerful voice was layered with so much emotion that the song wasn't just a display of her incredible vocal talent but also a raw and dazzling acting performance.
I've been lucky enough to see a lot of theatre shows and impressive performances but I've never felt so deeply invested in a performance as I was Dennis' last night. I had goosebumps from head to toe.
The show wouldn't pack as much of a punch if the rest of the cast couldn't match Dennis' star power, but they more than hold their own.
Deena is brilliantly played by Natalie Kassanga, who is able to successfully capture Deena's small town naivete and eventual superstardom with grace and naturalism throughout. No matter how bright Deena's star shines, Kassanga ensures she's always likeable, with her aspirations of leaving singing behind in favour of acting - much to the horror and dismay of the controlling Curtis - adding a layer of quiet determination.
Finishing the talented trio is Paige Peddie as Lorrell, the comedic and caring mediator between Deena and Effie. Peddie's comic timing is impeccable, adding balance and light to some of the show's more poignant moments. Lorrell embarks on an affair with married star Jimmy Early, with the audience jumping to its feet to cheer when she takes a stand and ends the relationship after seven years.
Brandon Lee Sears is exceptional as Jimmy, the successful singer the trio connects with ahead of their big break. Sears dominates the Empire's stage with an impressive mix of powerful vocals, exuberant dancing and emotive acting that captures the arrogance and desperation of a star afraid to fade into irrelevancy. He's entirely convincing.
A special mention must also go to the wonderful Dom Hartley-Harris as Curtis Taylor Jr, the show's antagonist, whose unrelenting desire to succeed makes him lose sight of the wants and needs of those he claims to be helping. His eventual downfall was another moment that united the audience in complete joy.
Dreamgirls is an epic, fast-paced celebration of women's friendships, dreams and the power of staying true to one's self. The entire show is an exhilarating ride from start to finish. It's littered with incredible, spine-tingling songs, star-making performances from an impossibly talented cast, and it leaves you feeling happy and hopeful.
In today's climate, what more could you want from a show?
Dreamgirls is on at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until January 1. You can book tickets here.
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