Now Showing In Stockholm
The long awaited Swedish musical adaptation of Dreamgirls is finally here and Its a real knockout. Funny enough Dreamgirls really started out as a musical on broadway and not as a movie as most people may think. The original broadway musical from 1981 became such a massive hit that a movie adaptation was discussed almost immediately. Sadly it then took almost 25 years for the movie starring Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, Jeniffer Hudson and other major icons, to finally come to fruition. Now almost 15 years later, after the movie, far far away from America, on the isle of Stockholm, Dreamgirls has arrived as a musical but this time translated and adapted to Swedish.
Out The Club To The Theater
The Hip Hop generation of Stockholm has been longing for a sexy piece of culture that will replace the stagnating club scene. This musical might be it. Its music, nightlife, performance, beauty, ecstasy all at once. With the assemblance of an incredible cast consisting of the greatest soul and RnB vocalists Sweden has ever produced, this musical is destined to be the hottest ticket this fall and winter. The acting, singing and dancing is a goosebump level experience right from the opening. It's hard to believe black soul rhythm and blues could sound so good in the Swedish language. There are a few moments in there where the audience should be aloud to stand and dance.
A Sad Story
The story is about the early 50s-60s music business in America and what went on behind the scenes. We see a young female singing group struggling for success and fame but the conditions of that time are overwhelming due to prejudice and discrimination. It's a fast paced, intense human drama where everything is at stake. What is the cost of success and making your dreams come true?
In the lead roles as Deena, Effie, and Lorrell, we see artists Janice Kavander, Laila Adéle, and Mary N’Diaye.
Swedish Vocal Giants
Among the stellar ensemble it is safe to say that Laila Adéle who plays Effie White, the lead singer in the Dreamettes, is the breakout star of the musical. When she sings “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, the musical’s calling card from both the first Broadway production 25 years ago and the movie from 2006, the theater floors tremble. The crowd can't help but give her standing ovations everytime she hits the high notes. Laila of course has a history of soul and RnB recordings with her debut album as early as 2001. She is finally getting a chance to shine in something that is worthy of her tremendous talent and rich experience in performing.
The rest of the cast is of the higher echelon as well where you have Janice Kavander known from “The Playlist”, the Netflix movie about the rise of Spotify. She plays Effie's rival for the spotlight in the group, Deena Jones, and exhibits a vocal ability and star quality that rivals her original in the 2006 motion picture. Mary N´diaye of the legendary Blacknuss fame plays Lorrell, the third girl in the group firmly matching the two aforementioned vocal powerhouses.
Blacknuss of course has been the premiere Swedish soul and RnB ensemble since the late 90s and is also where we have seen Prince Mpedzisi cultivate his singing to heights that will inevitably make him a star. He plays the very entertaining role of James “Thunder” Early impeccably.
In the rest of the stand out male roles we see Peter Gardiner and Alexander Larsson as Marty and Curtis. The ensemble is really built on Sweden's most accomplished singers and dancers.
The Detroit Motown Sound
The Motown reference is not lost on us, shining a light on the gripping stories of legendary artists and groups in a strictly segregated music industry during the 1960s. We taken on a journey through an era where the similar story of Motown and The Supremes, with iconic members like Diana Ross, is reminiscent, offering a powerful insight to their effort to break through barriers and conquer the hearts of America.
Great Vintage Fashion
Dreamgirls - The musical is full of great 50s and 60s fashion, hairstyles, lapels, jewelry, dresses and decor, making all vintage fashion lovers drool at the mouth after a while.
Expect a lot of emotion, warmth, vulnerability, even ferocity, all of which is demonstrated in this wonderful addition to black culture in Sweden. Watch today! Do not postpone, tickets are selling out already.
Now Showing at China Teatern Stockholm. Tickets here:
-Words by Ndreyah for Altar Magazine