MunOpCo Music Theatre has done a fantastic job with its thrilling musical "Dreamgirls" now through March 5 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1533 Hamilton St, Allentown.
The show is filled with passionate performances and it is great to see live music on the stage. The 15 piece band led by David Mascari, is right in the middle of the stage for the entire show, which not only enhances the concert hall locale of much of the story but adds just the right note of brassiness to the rhythm and blues-inspired music.
Inspired by the rise of 1960s Motown girl group the Supremes, "Dreamgirls" tells the story of the Dreams, a singing trio led by the talented Effie White. The group starts finding success but things get complicated when Effie is replaced by the prettier Deena Jones, by their manager Curtis who thinks Deena will sell better to pop audiences than the soulful Effie. 
Krystle Tate has the big voice required of the part of Effie, and rattles the rafters with her rendition of the hit song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" displaying powerful raw emotions. Tate effectively conveys Effies strong-willed personality and pent-up frustration. She is memorable in her solos of the soulful "I Am Changing" and the melancholy "One Night Only."
Arianna Rodriguez also gives an outstanding performance as Deena Jones with her smooth vocals anchoring the groups hits "Dreamgirls" and "Hard to Say Goodbye." Her transformation from back-up singer to diva to independent woman is captivating and even prompteing someone to shout "You Go Girl," as she decided to leaves Curtis.
Taylor Hood is strong as Lorrell Robinson, the third member of the Dreams, and the one who tries to keep peace among the other members. Although mostly in the background, she shines in her scene when she decides to leave the married James "Jimmy" Early.
Tyree Scott amazes as Jimmy. He delivers an over-the-top, high-energy performance that brings in elements of some of the excesses of James Brown and Little Richard with loose limbs, gyrations and vocal gymnastics. He also conveys Jimmys resentment at having to tone down his performances to appeal to a wider (white) audience. Highlights are "I Want You Baby" when he visibly struggles to contain his natural exuberance and "I Meant You No Harm" when he ultimately loses that struggle.
As Curtis, Marcell McKenzie was spot-on at portraying the charming and manipulative cad. His strong voice is shown off in his poignant appeal to Deena "You Are My Dream."
Rebekah Gray has the thankless part of Michelle Morris who replaces Effie, but makes the audience care for the character and has an expressive voice as well.
Treyvonn Cephas does a good job as Effies brother CC and the siblings reunion in "I Miss You, Old Friend," is touching.
Daniel Duch rounds out the main cast as the honorable manager Marty.
The best part of the show are the many musical numbers and songs like "Fake Your Way to the Top,"
"Cadillac Car" and "Steppin' to the Bad Side" all resonate. The large cast also performs as numerous other groups to fine effect with enjoyable choreography by Crystal Williams.
Director Ali Santos pulls the large cast and numerous musical numbers together into a cohesive and entertaining show.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, March 1-4 and 2 p.m. Feb. 26 and March 5. The production will be streamed online 10 a.m. March 4.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors and $15 for students.
For information, call 610-437-2441, or go to www.munopco.org.