Is Dreamgirls dead? — Page 2

I would loooove to see this at the Marquis Theatre. Mainly for the simple fact i would love to see that advertising on the huge blank wall outside.

Dancingthrulife2 said: "The west end production is one of the worst things I've seen in professional/commercial theater. The direction is all over the place and is no better than that of the abominable Carousel revival."

I have to agree with the above. The West End production is a mess. The staging and direction are self conscious, Michael Bennett didn’t create a show that moved constantly, he created a show that have the impression of moving constantly. He knew how you to use stillness and to focus a moment. The West End production is staged and played at one level of in your face. It’s exciting to begin with but the human eye and ear can only take in so much for so long until it all becomes a mish mash. In the same way that vocal harmony is most effective when their is unison to counter it, this production feels like an acid trip. It doesn’t mean that the audience aren’t enjoying it but it could be more enjoyable if everything wasn’t in primary colours and bold type throughout. It feels like a juke box musical, intent on keeping its energy at ten to trick the audience into believing they are having a better time than they are, which is sad because the material is better then that.

Loopin’theloop said: "Dancingthrulife2 said: "The west end production is one of the worst things I've seen in professional/commercial theater. The direction is all over the place and is no better than that of the abominable Carousel revival."

I have to agree with the above. The West End production is a mess. The staging and direction are self conscious, Michael Bennett didn’t create a show that moved constantly, he created a show that have the impression of moving constantly. He knew how you to use stillness and to focus a moment. The West End production is staged and played at one level of in your face. It’s exciting to begin with but the human eye and ear can only take in so much for so long until it all becomes a mish mash. In the same way that vocal harmony is most effective when their is unison to counter it, this production feels like an acid trip. It doesn’t mean that the audience aren’t enjoying it but it could be more enjoyable if everything wasn’t in primary colours and bold type throughout. It feels like a juke box musical, intent on keeping its energy at ten to trick the audience into believing they are having a better time than they are, which is sad because the material is better then that."

Excellent points. I would love to see a production with the original Bennett staging because it's been over 35 years since it debuted on Broadway and I'd argue there are two generations of theatre fans who have never seen anything like it.

Jai'Len Josey has been the only person I want for Effie since I saw Spongebob a year ago.

I know this topic pops up every few months.. but I'm hoping this is still a thing. With so many shows closing, it's not like there isnt any space.

This has been on-again/off-agaon as much as a Funny Girl revival. If the tour a few years ago was any indication, it's probably best not revived.

Nicholaw is such a hot director right now - or maybe it's dying after Tuck and The Prom - and I'm surprised this didn't happen faster. They've had, at least, 3 casting calls for it in the past 3 years, so if it's not dead, I don't know what is stalling it.