Sunderland Empire has a second successive smash hit in on its hands as Dreamgirls can’t fail to leave you dazzled and feeling goosebumps in places you never thought possible.
Following directly on from Beauty and the Beast, which wowed audiences for its near sell out run, Dreamgirls is just as spectacular, but without the Disney special effects.
And it most certainly doesn’t need them as the talent on the stage is phenomenal.
For me, actor to actor, this has got to be one of the most vocally impressive companies I’ve had the pleasure of seeing in my years of watching theatre.
The fictional story of a girl group shot to stardom before one member walks out, is certainly true to life - pop culture history does not lie! - and is also utterly compelling.
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Dreamgirls has everything - it’s entertaining, it’s engaging and, by golly, is it emotional.
The performer chiefly responsible for Empire audience members being given a severe case of the chills is the stupendously good Nicole Raquel Dennis.
With a presence that stamps its authority on every scene from the moment she steps onto the stage to a voice that is totally out of this world, former Voice contestant Nicole is the perfect Effie White.
She manages to squeeze every last drop of angst and heartache into a breathtaking and tear laden And I’m Not Telling You, which was a masterpiece in how to nail musical theatre and be a consummate leading lady.
But don’t dare think, that after that, she has nothing left in her locker for act two, as I Am Changing also sees Nicole leave nothing in the wings as she once again fires on all cylinders to tell Effie’s story with real power and authenticity.
As Deena Jones, Holly Liburd is both fabulous and flawless.
The Diana Ross of the equation, whilst a reluctant frontwoman for the Dreams, Holly, like alias Deena, exudes star quality and brings an attention grabbing allure to every song she fronts, most notably the show’s divine and dazzling and pop heavenly title track and the disco stick of dynamite that is One Night Only.
And then of course there’s Listen, a duet with Nicole, which is like an embarrassment of riches as both women excel in being utterly amazing.
Dream number 3, Lorell Robinson is the dark horse of the show.
Initially pushed out of the spotlight as the battle for top girl between Effie and Deena takes centre stage, Paige Peddie seizes some of Lorell’s later chances to make an impact with real strength and vigour and a generous helping of sass, which was lapped up by the capacity crowd on press night.
Slippery rather than supportive manager Curtis gives Dom Hartley-Harris the chance to showcase some smooth yet incredibly powerful vocals, while striking the balance between being charming and damn right ruthless with a permanently suave swagger.
Brandon Lee Sears is brilliant as frustrated music icon Jimmy Early, telling each step of his downfall from headliner to has-been with grit and conviction, along with a side of some serious soul and flashy flair.
Spirited, sweet but steadfast CC White is clearly the ideal fit for the impressive Shem Omari James, while as Effie’s replacement Michelle Morris, Brianna Ogunbawo is Motown maven personified.
Dreamgirls is a show that requires no gimmicks, confetti or pyrotechnics as the cast and the brilliant band are capable of demanding every bit of the audience’s attention without any distraction.
It’s a musical that deserves to run and run and run as, it has a scintillating score, shimmering sets, a plot that you become instantly invested in and a cast that deserve their names in lights for years to come.
The song might be called One Night Only, but Dreamgirls’ appeal and impact extends far beyond that.
*Dreamgirls is on at Sunderland Empire until Saturday, March 5. Limited tickets are available from ATG online and the Empire box office.
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