A great big hyper joyous wall of sound! Spectacular costumes!  Great band and oh, those pipes! It’s not musical theatre’s best script but aside from one minor let down, this production is accomplished with panache and electricity.

Dreamgirls burst onto Broadway in 1981. Called the Motown Musical it celebrated the trials and triumphs of a three girl-singing group called The Dreamettes from the 1960’s to the disco era of the 70’s. The songs by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger are passion filled and mostly very up-tempo. The production values are spectacular and director Bill Millerd has assembled an amazing cast.

Aurianna Angelique as Effie Melody White is a dynamo who alternately strokes and smacks the notes around with such joyful skill it makes you want to hit rewind to hear parts again. She plays Effie the lead singer until Curtis Taylor Jr. former driver and self-appointed manager for the trio comes along. Darren Herbert brings a grounded subtle performance to man motivated by desire for fame and money but also driven by righting the misappropriation of black culture by the white mainstream.

He first gets The Dreamettes a gig singing back up for the bombastic and wild Jimmy Thunder. Hector Johnson explodes in the role of an artist who works himself into a frenzy of sweaty jubilance trying to engage and entertain his audience.

The other members of the Dream Team are Ian Yuri Gardiner as C.C. White – songwriter and brother to Effie and the other singers Starr Dominque as Lorrell Robinson and Karen Holness as Deana Jones. All amazing vocalists that shine in their roles.

Act One is all about the girls rise to fame against a backdrop of showbiz shenanigans with a whiff of racism. Effie and girls love their ascent until Curtis decides to replace Effie as lead vocals with the softer sounding and more photogenic Deana.

This causes Effie to implode and self-destruct culminating in the breakout hit from the show “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”.

To make Dreamgirls (the play) really work you need a killer cast with amazing vocal talent and you need to keep the pace up. Thankfully both are on hand here in the Arts Club production along with some terrific production values.

Even though the script won awards back in the 80’s now it seems quite simple and little shallow. Rather than explore the reasons behind the drive for fame and the spectacular betrayals and falls the chorus just sings “that’s showbiz”.
When Lorrell breaks off her affair with Jimmy it doesn’t really impact us because we don’t really know anything about the characters and what the affair brought either of them.

The book is mostly easy “high stakes” targets trying to elicit emotional response.

Effie sings to Deana “You were my best friend” yet we never so any evidence of that. Replacement singer Michele (Crystal Balint) sings “That man wants to marry me” in reference to C.C. but we never see the courtship or any significant scene of them even interacting.

Perhaps fearing an lawsuit from Diana Ross who the play is clearly referencing – the oddest plot machination is that Deana Jones after being set up as the lead of the group in Act One – gets shoved to the back of the story in Act Two. We only know that she wants to be in a movie and thinks Curtis is holding her back.

Side note – in the movie version they beefed up Deena’s role (played by Beyonce) by adding a song called “Listen” – a portion of the song is featured in this production but darn the luck, it’s given to Effie.

Effie is the popular character because she is the only one who is complexly written. She causes her own downfall by being petty and pushy and then she shown growing and changing. It is no wonder audiences’ respond to her and also no wonder that Jennifer Holiday won a Tony and Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar playing the role.

Story telling problems aside – (as mentioned) the cast is amazing and they sell it.  The costumes by Shelia White are perfect, the set and lighting by Ted Roberts and Marsha Sibthorpe are very evocative of the many settings required. Valerie Easton has choreographed some lovely dance moves and like the costumes she spans the time periods with accuracy that are respectful and true.

The 6-piece band lead by Ken Cormier is powerful and tight.

Bravo to the Bill Millerd and the Arts Club for pulling out the stops. Audiences will want to see this Dream.

The minor letdown? One of the moments in the script where there is some innovation is when early on the girls realize they have the same wigs as another group in a talent contest. Effie suggests they wear them backwards to change the look and style. In the movie – it is a plucky, funny move. Here they mime turning them around.

Regardless, go see this show. It has a lot of talent and integrity and my companion loved it and I was impressed by the production.

Culture Vulture
David C. Jones

Diversity Casting Tally Sheet 2013
Art holds a mirror up to our world, and in our Canadian society – in most urban centre the “visible minority” is at about 52% while most theatre (also found in most urban centers) is still all Caucasian. So here is a running total that will be updated with each show I see in Vancouver this year starting January 1^st.

# of Plays            Total Actors                         # Diverse            Plays with Diverse Casting
44                        284                                      51                        18

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Minnesota has legalized gay marriage, making it the 12th American state to protect marriage equality under the law.

Minnesota will allow gay couples to officially marry beggining August 1, making them the first Midwest state to legalize gay marriage. This is the third state in the last two weeks to pass a marriage equality, with Minnesota joining Rhode Island and Delaware’s recent law passages. The law passed with a vote of 37-30 in the Senate after rising through the House with a vote of 75-59.

Conservative lawmakers and constituents are not pleased. Particularly in the case of Minnesota’s infamous opponent of gay marriage, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann. The ardent and vocal ‘defender of traditional marriage’  released a statement expressing disappointment in a vote she said “denies religious liberty to people who believe in traditional marriage.” Bachmann has attempted to pass bills banning gay marriage in Minnesota in the past.

Justice prevailed, however, as Senator Ron Latz (D) shared during the debate, “Members, God made gays and God made gays capable of loving other people. So who are we to quarrel with God’s intentions?”

Thousands form Minnesota’s LGBT community celebrated at the state capitol. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman even decreed the Wabasha Street Bridge near be temporarily renamed, decked out in rainbow-striped gay pride flags, as the “Freedom to Marry Bridge.”

Read the complete report on ABC News here.

Image via city of St. Paul.

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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts awarded BAFTA’s to two of OUTtv’s favourite performers over the weekend.

Alan Carr, our very own Chatty Man, was absolutely stunned when his name was announced for the ‘big BAFTA’ as Broadcaster Entertainer 2013. Is it possible a guy so talented can be humble too? He was gobsmacked at his win:

The fantastic Olivia Colman – who plays Simon’s mom Debbie Doonan on Beautiful People – won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Accused, then capped the evening off with her win as Best Actress, Comedy, for her role in Twenty Twelve. Her second acceptance speech is so cute – shout outs all round:

Photo credits: Alan Carr (c) Wenn/Lia Toby, Olivia Colman (c) PA Images / Ian West/PA Wire

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OUTShine! Canada’s National GSA Summit is being held May 17 to 20 in Toronto at two locations

OUTShine 2013! Hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer, and questioning students, allies, and educators from across Canada will be gathering in Toronto for OUTShine, the first National Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Summit this Friday through Monday (May 17th-20th.

Students and educators from coast to coast to coast will attend a weekend of workshops, discussions, and events to discuss and celebrate the experiences of LGBTQ youth and allies in our nations’ schools. On Saturday night they will celebrate at Canada’s first National Queer Prom.

Visit www.mygsa.org/outshine for more information.

Egale Canada Human Rights Trust (ECHRT) is Canada’s only national charity promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) human rights through research, education and community engagement.

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Despite the garish art deco design behind the new release of The Great Gatsby (see post image) – the original can’t be tarnished by the art-deco fail Hollywood has put on the face of this great book. Hopefully the razzle dazzle approach will do justice to the film re-telling. Today, I’ll be visiting my local VIP theatre for a $20+ look at how Baz Luhrmann has translated this great (North) American novel to 3-D. I can’t wait to see the movie – and fully expect I’ll still think “the book was better.” BECAUSE THE BOOK IS AMAZING!

I re-read The Great Gatsby two weeks ago. For many, it’s only been seen through the lens of a “must read” high school English assignment. Try it again. Let your eyes be opened to the beauty of FSF’s writing. His ease at dropping the most salient of plot points into the narrative is astounding – no grandstanding for Fitzgerald, just plot twists and reveals that naturally flow out of the story. The evocative settings (that optician sign is now my official scary nightmare) and the reflection of the era make it a must read. Even if you’re not much of a reader – the book is only 150+ pages. And every page has the ability to move you.

The Great Gatsby is set in 1922. WWI has ended, America is on a financial roll and the rich and aimless are colliding with ambitious up-and-comers. Every character is uniquely and beautifully flawed; each drawn by their own dreams to chase the unattainable. Millions of words have been written – and millions more will be – about the characters and their motivations. Because, even after 90 years, its cautionary tale of chasing the American dream is still applicable.

I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the Great Gatsby on the page (paper or electronic) even if you see Leo, Toby, Carey and company in the 3-D movie. Remember, books are always in 3D. And since the e-ink has now run out of my e-reader, it’s time to go.

Overdue

The Great Gatsby Art Deco design – Warner Bros. 2013

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http://youtu.be/-6S5caRGpK4

Neil Patrick Harris is hosting the Tony Awards for the fourth time. The charming Harris, who has already emcee’d the theater world’s biggest night in 2009, 2010 and 2012 to stellar reviews, promises 2013’s show will be the best yet.

“I’m very excited to be back hosting the Tony Awards at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. It’ll be more impressive than ever,” said the Emmy Award winner and star of the TV comedy “How I Met Your Mother.” “If my math is correct, it will be 267 times bigger than last year.”

“Oh wait. No. That can’t … hold on … carry the one … I’m awful at math. But rest assured,” Harris quipped, “the show will rock.”

One change from previous Tony Award nights: the show will be held at radio City Music Hall instead of it’s past home, Manhattan’s Beacon Theater.

One of NPH’s many memorable Tony moments included 2011’s opening number, where he pointe out Broadway’s popularity: “It’s Not Just for Gays Anymore.”

In years past, the Tony’s have been hosted by legends of the stage including Angela Lansbury, Liza Minnelli,Bernadette Peters, Gregory Hines, Julie Andrews, Robert Preston, Mary Tyler Moore, Glenn Close, Nathan Lane and more.

The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. The show is set for 8 p.m. on June 9 on CBS. Read more about the 2013 Tony Award nominees here.

Image via L.A. Times.

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Delaware is the 11th American state to sign gay marriage into law.

Governor Jack Markell, a Democrat, took swift action, signing the measure just moments after it passed in the state Senate.

“I do not intend to make any of you wait one moment longer,” Markell said to the 200 locale supporters of Delaware marriage equality who had gathered for the momentous day.

“Delaware should be, is and will be a welcoming place to live and love and to raise a family for all who call our great state home,” Markell added.

The passionate debate that preceded the Delaware marriage equality vote was noteworthy, especially because on Senator publicly came out. For the first time, in the course of Tuesday’s debate,  Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Stanton, declared she is a lesbian. Sen. Peterson also shared that she is in a civil union with a partner of 24 years.

“We are what God made us. We don’t need to be fixed, we’re not broken,” said Peterson, 63, adding that if her pursuit of happiness affects someone else’s marriage, perhaps they need to work on their marriage.

Read the complete report on Delaware marriage equality on Time Swampland, here.

Image via: FreedomToMarry.org

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TLC rose to super fame as a 90s girl R&B group and would be remembered both for their chart-topping singles and legendary business troubles. Now, VH1 is ready to take on the tangled tale in a TLC biopic entitled, Crazy Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story.

If you were a fan of the girl group, you know there was more than a little drama during the height of their popularity. Sadly, original member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez passed away in 2002. The remaining members, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, are still in the entertainment industry.

For the TLC biopic treatment, Homerazzi.com previewed this amazing cast shot of Keke Palmer, Lil Mama and Drew Sidora in costume and character as the “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” singers. Check out the photo that will have you singing “Red Light Special” (And “creep,” and “Waterfalls,”) all over again.

The original TLC:

No premiere date has been announced for the TLC biopic yet, but we’ll be sure to “Creep” when it airs.

Images via: VH1.com

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Jennifer Finney Boylan, a professor and author, spoke about her new book on parenting as a transgender mom, in an interview on the Today Show.

Best-selling transgender author Boylan, who underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2002, appeared on the morning program alongside her wife and one of their sons. The trio discussed the family dynamic they have developed and the journey they went on together. Boylan and her wife, Deedie, have maintained a loving marriage while providing their two sons with nurturing and support.

“What we know is that the gender of parents is a whole lot less important than the love in the family,’’ said Boylan.

In her new book, “Stuck in the Middle With You: A Memoir of Parenting in Three Genders,” Boylan writes about raising a family while transitioning. When Boylan was 44-years-old, no longer comfortable living a lie as a role model for their sons, James began the transition to become Jennifer. Boylan described in detail the backstory leading up to her coming out as transgender in her first memoir, “She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders.” The book was the first best-seller by a transgender American.

Already wed over a decade, Deedie remained committed to her partner, despite of how uncertain this new path seemed to be. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to be married to a woman,’’ Deedie said. “I was scared about what it meant for my future and our future, but I’m not sure I ever came to that sort of very edge of the precipice saying I can’t stand this. It was hard and it was scary, and I didn’t know what was going to happen, but there was not a time when I said, ‘Forget it, I can’t do it.’’’

In the interview, Boylan explained as a parent she felt it was damaging to teach her sons honesty when she was living a lie. “You have to be true to yourself. I didn’t want to be raising a family in which I was teaching my sons that it’s OK to lie. It’s certainly one of the things as a father was to protect my family, to stand in between them and trouble, and then suddenly I was the trouble. That wasn’t much fun.’’

But wife Deedie has no regrets about the surprising turns of events her family has experienced. “I think that the wonderful thing about our family is that we’ve been able to build a life that we’re really happy with,’’ Deedie said. “I never felt trapped in this. I get to choose every day to stay married to the person I fell in love with 25 years ago.’’

A full report airs Friday, May 3 at 10pm/9CDT on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams. Read more on Today’s website HERE.

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Jason Collins became the first openly gay male in a major American sports league when the 12-year NBA center announced, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

Collins received an outpouring of support from fellow athletes, out celebrities and LGBT advocates, as well as some unfortunate backlash following the news. In an article penned for Sports Illustrated magazine, Collins eloquently shares the internal struggle he faced before deciding to share his truth.

I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, “I’m different.” If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.

In the days following his historic announcement, many of Collins’ NBA peers, as well as his former fiance, Ex-WNBA star Carolyn Moos, flooded the media circus with interviews. Now, Jason Collins’ family will wade into the conversation during an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Collins’ parents, Portia and Paul, opened up about the process of acceptance  and “releasing the dream” of the life they’d previously envisioned for their son after he admitted he had long-been lying to them (and himself) about his sexuality.

Yahoo! Sports Canada reports:

“In the interview, which will air during an expanded episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” on Winfrey’s OWN channel, Collins, his twin brother Jarron and several other members of their family will discuss his decision to come out as the first openly gay active male athlete in one of the four major American professional sports. The wide-ranging conversation touches on issues like the global response to Collins’ announcement and his hope that coming out will increase dialogue about tolerance and equality for homosexuals in (among other places) the African American community.”

The interview will air Sunday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

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