Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Dreamgirls,’ the musical about the aspirations of a female singing trio and their amazing journey from Chicago to the Apollo Theatre where they meet a would-be manager and begin their musical journey of fame, love, betrayal and friendship that spans a decade. This is the final weekend to catch this fabulous production but unfortunately the last three showtimes are sold out. Please call the box office at 210-267-8388 for additional ticket information. Through Sunday, the theater is still accepting donations of pre-paid gift cards for The Renaissance Guild. The Renaissance Guild is San Antonio’s premier black theatre company whose purpose is to promote diversity through theater.

In ‘Dreamgirls,’ the story begins in Harlem, New York where The Dreamettes, a hopeful black girl group from Chicago, enter the famous Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater in 1962 “I’m Looking For Something, Baby.” The group consists of lead singer Effie White (Naomi Williams Johnson) and her best friends Deena Jones (LaToya Chenelle Crawford) and Lorrell Robinson (Janecia Stevenson). They do not win that night, but backstage they meet Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Bradley Freeman) who becomes The Dreamettes’ manager. Curtis convinces James Thunder Early (Darcell Bios), a popular R&B star, to hire The Dreamettes as backup singers. Their first performance is a success “Fake Your Way to the Top” but Jimmy wants more. They achieve fame but as the years go by, complications arise, as they often do, and the lineup changes and so does the music. Effie is replaced as the lead singer and she goes her own way. In the end, she reunites with The Dreamettes, now the Dreams, for their final concert to sing together one more time. “Hard to Say Goodbye, (My Love).”

The Woodlawn Theatre brings down the house with this high energy production bursting with music, dancing and drama. Typical of the music industry, The Dreamettes transition from unknowns to super stardom which leads to shifting careers and difficult personal relationships. It contains the universal themes of family, love and friendship and proves once more that true friendship withstands the test of time and triumphs despite life’s ups and downs. Motown fans are in for a treat as the best of the 60s and 70s R&B and soul are represented on the stage throughout the show. The brilliant comedic stylings of Darcell Bios as James Thunder Early keeps the audience laughing between the dramatic scenes. Show highlights include “Fake Your Way to the Top” by Jimmy and The Dreamettes, “(And I’m Telling You) I’m Not Going” by Effie, Deena, Lorrell, Michelle and Ensemble (Naomi Williams Johnson’s performance is heartbreaking) and the title song “Dreamgirls” by Deena, Effie and Lorrell. The extremely talented cast works well together and the gorgeous costumes are to die for. Overall, ‘Dreamgirls’ is a nostalgic look back at the early days of Motown will appeal to all ages. It is definitely a must-see production.