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Arts & Entertainment

Dreamgirls Rocks

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts puts on a blockbuster rendition of the Broadway show. Students ooze with talent on stage and behind the scenes.

Beyonce who? Mr. Foxx what?  Who needs Hollywood stars? Right in our backyard we have some incredibly talented students putting on "Dreamgirls" at the . Great sound, fun and flashy costumes, lots of wigs and continuous strong energy makes this production a crowning achievement for the school.

The entire cast, from the lead roles to the bit players, the sound management to the crew backstage, performed admirably with complete dedication and enthusiasm – over 200 individuals participated in one way or another.  The live orchestra in the pit – a first for the school – was sharp and seamlessly interwove their Motown-infused music. The spinning center part of the stage was skillfully used to transition from scene to scene or to show a different perspective, all without requiring elaborate set changes.

The storyline follows three young, ambitious girls looking to make a name in the music business – a story loosely based on the true-life journey of The Supremes.  They begin as backup singers to the soulful Jimmy "Thunder" Early before getting their break and headlining their own act. 

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Becoming famous and the decision to make Deena Jones and not Effie White the lead singer rips the group apart; Deena is the more attractive of the two, but does not have Effie's voice.  

After some time away, Effie makes a solo comeback, only to have her hit song stolen by the conniving Dreams' manager, Curtis, without their knowledge. The women do resolve their differences and perform a last show together, with Effie rejoining her Dream sisters. "Dreamgirls" touches on fame and fortune, love and family, forgiveness and reconciliation. The students wove it all into a thoroughly enjoying experience.   

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Seventeen year-old Victoria Davis, playing Effie, deserves special mention for her fantastic individual performance. Ms. Davis oozes talent, with a vocal range and power that should have Jennifer Hudson looking over her shoulder. The closing song of the first set "(And I'm Telling You) I'm Not Going," had everyone in the crowd on their feet, hooting and hollering their praise, some with teary eyes; it was obvious that we were witnessing something special.

Put this show on your must-do list before Christmas. The students and entire staff at the Duke Ellington Center should be very proud – their show can easily stand shoulder to shoulder next to any other show currently running in D.C. 

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