Arts & Entertainment

First rate ‘Dreamgirls’ wows

Signature production full of unexpected delights, performances

Published

13 years ago

December 6, 2012

‘Dreamgirls’

Signature Theatre

4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington

Extended through Jan. 13, 2013

Tickets start at $40

signature-theatre.org

Dream Girls, Nova Y. Payton, Shayla Simmons, Crystal Joy, Signature Theatre, gay news, Washington Blade

Shayla Simmons, center, as Deena in ‘Dreamgirls.’ Nova Y. Payton, left, as Effie, and Crystal Joy as Lorrell, back her up. (Photo by Chrisopher Mueller; courtesy of Signature Theatre)

The production of “Dreamgirls” now onstage at Signature Theatre is a dazzling delight, a stunning reexamination of an iconic American musical. Talented director and choreographer Matthew Gardiner and his creative team skillfully rethink the show from the ground up, bringing great clarity, intensity and emotional depth to this powerful production, along with lots of sequins and theatrical magic.

“Dreamgirls,” which debuted on Broadway in 1981, was the last great work by legendary Broadway director and choreographer Michael Bennett, who died of complications from AIDS in 1987. The musical, with a sizzling score by Henry Krieger and strong book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, tells the story of the Dreams, a girl group from Chicago (loosely based on Diana Ross and the Supremes) who rise to international music stardom.

The show opens in 1962 when the “Dreamettes” lose a talent contest at the famous Apollo Theatre in New York City, but win a contract as back-up singers for the popular R&B star James “Thunder” Early. They also acquire a manager, used-car salesman Curtis Taylor, Jr., who has big plans for the group. Repackaged as the “Dreams,” the girls soon break out on their own. Curtis moves back-up singer Deena Jones into the lead, hoping that her sexy looks and sultry voice will attract a mainstream (i.e. white) audience. Despite the personal and professional cost to Effie White, the full-bodied and full-voiced original lead singer, “Deena Jones and the Dreams” conquer the charts.

Gardiner, the openly gay associate artistic director of Signature Theatre, brings a fresh eye to this well-known material. His work throughout is richly nuanced, alternating between the spectacular precision of big production numbers and the detailed intimacy of backstage numbers and book scenes. One of the great joys of this production is the sheer variety of performance styles that Gardiner deploys with great confidence and effectiveness: the slick polish of the onstage production numbers, the girls nervously making up the steps the first time they perform with Jimmy, Curtis prompting C.C. (Effie’s brother and the group’s songwriter) as they convince Jimmy to listen to their new sound, the eloquent staging of the group dynamics in “Family,” the elegant simplicity of Effie’s torch rendition of “One Night Only” followed by Deena’s delightfully boisterous disco rendition of the same song. Gardiner captures the full sweep of this classic American story by nailing down all the details.

Gardiner’s sure-footed work is made possible by the outstanding contributions of the design team of Frank Labovitz (costumes), Adam Koch (sets) and Chris Lee (lights). Labovitz’s splendid cavalcade of costumes is an ongoing visual treasure. His beautiful designs help tell the story by tracking the passing years and the changing circumstances of the characters and do so with great visual flair. Koch’s two-tiered set design lets the action move fluidly from backstage to onstage at various performances venues around the country. The set changes are as carefully choreographed as the other movements and just as much fun to watch (although the occasional wobbling of the central hydraulic platform can be a little scary and distracting). Lee’s light design is equally stunning, and together, the design team creates an appealing and highly theatrical whirlwind of shifting perspectives, lighting magic and quick changes.

But any production of “Dreamgirls” depends on its Effie, and Signature Theatre is blessed with the amazing powerhouse performance of D.C. native Nova Y. Payton. Following in the wake of superstars like Jennifer Holliday (a Tony winner in the original Broadway production), Jennifer Hudson (who won an Oscar for her performance in the movie) and Lilias White (who wowed audiences in the famous concert recording), Payton makes the role thoroughly and completely her own. Her work in this show is simply stunning, full of fascinating choices and fresh insights. She purrs when you might expect her to roar, and when she does roar, she blows the roof off the theater.

Payton’s richly detailed acting captures every aspect of the complex character: her love of performing, her prickly pride and deep resentments, her self-destructive tantrums and brave persistence in the face of adversity. Her performance of the show’s signature number “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is devastating in its soaring delivery and its searing pain and vulnerability. In an evening of striking images, the most indelible is a deeply wounded Effie turning to watch the reconstituted Dreams perform without her on the balcony above her. It is a moment of brilliant stagecraft.

Payton’s dynamite performance is matched by Cedric Neal as James “Thunder” Early, who finds unexpected depths in a flashy character inspired by James Brown. His Jimmy is a man of deep passion for his music and for the ladies in his life. His direct interactions with the audience are a bold and delightful choice and his onstage meltdown is a moving spectacle of pride, defiance and self-destruction.

As the third member of the Dreams, and Jimmy’s mistress, Crystal Joy is wonderful as Lorrell Robinson, who tries to play peacemaker between the warring backstage factions. She brings sass, humor and style to a character that can easily fade into the background. Joy subtly builds Lorrell from a star-struck teenager to a mature woman, and her love for Jimmy is as deeply heart-felt as her frustration with his refusal to leave his wife. Shayla Simmons brings similar strengths to her winning performance as Deena, especially in capturing her shifting relationship with Effie and in fleshing out her development from back-up singer to reluctant lead to world-class diva.

It’s magical when first-rate material gets a first-rate production, and that is certainly the case with this show. Krieger and Eyen have created a clear-eyed yet loving portrayal of the joys of performing and the perils of show business, and a rich exploration of the challenges facing black performers when Motown became mainstream. Signature Theatre has taken a great leap with this re-invention of this ambitious musical, and that leap has certainly paid off.

Related Topics:Crystal Joy Dreamgirls Matthew Gardiner Nova Y. Payton Out & About Shayla Simmons Signature Theatre

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Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13

‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.

This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.

This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.

Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: December 12-18

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, December 12

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will be at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, go to Facebook.

Saturday, December 13

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. D.C.’s queer community will gather for good food, laughter, and community. For more information, email [email protected].

Sunday, December 14

SADBrunch will host “HokiSlay Drag Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Throw Social. This festive affair brings fierce performances, over-the-top holiday looks, and more sparkle than a tinsel explosion. Expect powerhouse lip-syncs, laughter, and cheer hotter than your spiked cocoa. Cake Pop will host the event. Tickets cost $28.52 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, December 15

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Tuesday, December 16

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather and discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Self-Defense Class with Avi Rome” at 12:30 p.m. Rome is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and a full-time martial arts instructor with 25 years of teaching experience. He holds a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do and is the director of the studio’s Adaptive Tae Kwon Do program for students with special needs. He has also run numerous self-defense workshops for various groups and situations. For more details, visit the center’s website.

Wednesday, December 17

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Asexual and Aromantic Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].

Thursday, December 18

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Egypt

Iran, Egypt object to playing in Seattle World Cup ‘Pride Match’

Game to take place on June 26

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Michael K. Lavers

(Photo by fifg/Bigstock)

Iran and Egypt have objected to playing in a “Pride Match” that will take place in Seattle during the 2026 World Cup.

The Egyptian Football Association on Tuesday said it told FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström in a letter that “it categorically rejects holding any activities related to supporting (homosexuality) during the match between the Egyptian national team and Iran, scheduled to be held in Seattle, USA, on June 26, 2026, in the third round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj told ISNA, a semi-official Iranian news agency that both his country and Egypt “protested this issue.”

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw took place at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 5.

Iran is among the handful of countries in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.

The State Department’s 2023 human rights report notes that while Egyptian law “did not explicitly criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, authorities regularly arrested and prosecuted LGBTQI+ persons on charges including ‘debauchery,’ prostitution, and ‘violating family values.’” Egyptian authorities “also reportedly prosecuted LGBTQI+ individuals for ‘misuse of social media.’”

“This resulted in de facto criminalization of same-sex conduct and identity,” notes the report.

The 2024 human rights report the State Department released earlier this year did not include LGBTQ-specific references.

Soccer has ‘unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs’

The June 26 match between Iran and Egypt coincides with Seattle Pride. The Washington Post reported the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee decided to hold the “Pride Match” before last week’s draw.

“As the Local Organizing Committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,” said SeattleFWC26 Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse in a statement the committee sent to the Washington Blade on Wednesday. “SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.”

“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs,” added Tadeese. “The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.”

The 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.

Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death in the country. The 2022 World Cup took place in neighboring Qatar, despite concerns over the country’s anti-LGBTQ rights record.