Performer says Macon ‘Dreamgirls’ showing will be ‘show of the summer.’ How to get tickets

A renowned production will take center stage downtown for Theatre Macon’s 38th season.

“Dreamgirls,” a Broadway hit musical written by Tom Eyen and composed by Henry Krieger, was set to premiere at 8 p.m. Friday night. The show’s season lineup runs until May 11.

The musical is being performed for the first time in the Macon-Bibb County area and less than 50% of weekend tickets remained Thursday, said Richard Frazier-Sostillio, Theatre Macon’s artistic director.

“It’s really exciting for our community to see that they are rallying around the show so much before even seeing any of it,” he said.

Due to high demand, the performing arts theater added two daytime performances to the “Dreamgirls” initial 10-show season lineup, he added.

“Dreamgirls” follows one Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom, highlighting real Black stories that shaped the entertainment industry. The story revolves around characters changing who they are to appease others, with the key message being to remain authentic, Frazier-Sostillio said.

But most importantly, the musical aligns with the theater’s goals of authenticity and inclusiveness by “offering a platform that features stories of all different types of members in our community and telling stories of Black members,” he said.

Alex Vining, a 23-year-old Warner Robins native starring as Deena Jones, said she appreciates the inclusive storyline that helps prove Black productions are marketable.

“Growing up in a predominantly white area, a lot of productions I did weren’t really necessarily Black-centered,” she said. “It’s nice not being the odd one out. I think it helps with everyone on the cast to have that space to be ourselves wherever we come from.”

Getting into character, what to expect

As Theatre Macon went all-out for its “Dreamgirls” production, Frazier-Sostillio said viewers should expect out-of-this-world singing, incredible dancing, big lighting and astonishing costumes.

“When people see this cast, their jaws will be on the floor,” he said. “With the amount of talent that’s in the room, this show will highlight some of the best talent from all around Middle Georgia.”

For about eight weeks of full rehearsals, the 32-member cast has been meticulously practicing for what Frazier-Sostillio described as a beautiful experience.

“We’ve had so much fun working on the show,” he said. “Everybody is working toward that same goal of creating art that is meaningful and that will outlive all of us.”

Vining described rehearsals as a feeling of community where everybody supports each other and draws closer together.

Vining, who has been acting since she was a child, said she easily taps into her Deena Jones character by thinking about her personal transition into womanhood.

Loren Merritt, a rising singer from Atlanta who will star as Effie White in the production, said she has been wanting to play the role since she saw the “Dreamgirls” movie in 2006.

“It’s a dream come true, and I can relate to Effie,” she said. “I’ve faced some setbacks just like her, and I’ve dealt with people who don’t believe in you, so I just think about my everyday life when getting into character.”

Merritt said she is excited for viewers to see the show embody the renowned parts and lines that have made “Dreamgirls” memorable.

“I honestly think it will be the show of the summer,” she said. “I want people to fasten their seat belts and enjoy the show.”

“Dreamgirls” tickets are on sale and can be purchased on the theater website. Theatre Macon is located at 438 Cherry St.