Walnut Street Theatre kicked off its 2024-25 season with the beloved musical Dreamgirls, the rags-to-riches tale that follows a trio of young female singers rising to stardom in the 1960s music industry. And while the production undoubtedly shines thanks to its talented lead cast, it struggles to hit all the right notes when it comes to staging and overall impact.
⭐ A Cast That Carries the Show
Let’s be clear: the stars of Dreamgirls absolutely deliver. From the show-stopping vocals of the lead actress playing Effie White to the tight harmonies of the group as they transform into The Dreams, the talent on stage is undeniable. There’s real electricity when the spotlight is on the performers — especially in iconic numbers like “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “One Night Only.”
The chemistry between the characters is genuine, and the charisma of the cast elevates even the more uneven moments in the script. Each performer brings their A-game, balancing emotional vulnerability with the glitz and glamour of the music biz.
🎭 A Production That Plays It Safe
Where the Walnut Street production stumbles, however, is in its overall execution. While the costumes dazzle and the music never misses a beat, the set design and direction feel surprisingly conservative. For a show as emotionally rich and musically dynamic as Dreamgirls, this production feels like it plays things a little too safe — relying heavily on its stars to keep the energy up.
Scene transitions lack the fluidity that could make the story soar, and some choreography feels too restrained for a show about ambition, betrayal, and the breakneck pace of fame. You get the sense that the production is holding back just a little when it could be reaching for more.
🎶 A Crowd-Pleaser With Room to Grow
Still, there’s no denying the power of Dreamgirls as a musical. With themes of perseverance, identity, and the cost of success, it remains just as relevant today as when it debuted in 1981. And at Walnut Street, it’s the performers who make that message sing loud and clear.
If you’re looking for powerhouse vocals and emotional performances, Dreamgirls at Walnut Street Theatre has that in abundance. Just don’t expect groundbreaking staging or bold creative risks. It’s a production that lets the music and the stars do the heavy lifting — and for many theatergoers, that may be more than enough.