And the role of Effie has again produced a new star in the thunderous Moya Angela.
ThisDreamgirlsmoves from the moment you hear the Stepp Sisters open with Im Lookin for Something.
In the 2006 movie, Beyonce as Deena was ultimately overshadowed by the then-lesser-knownJennifer Hudson.
Credit: John Marcus
Effie has got to be better than Deena.
But not way better.
Deena shouldnt be as weak as Mercado plays her here.
At several points during the production, it almost seems as if theIdolalums microphone isnt working properly.
Its more likely, though, that Mercado is not a particularly strong singer.
(She wasnt even when she was onAmerican Idol.)
Overall, the good outweighs the bad here.
(Some of the costume changes take mere seconds on stage.)
And particularly on Angelas roaring, from-the-gut Effie.B+
(Tickets and tour information:Dreamgirlsonstage.com)
