“The Dreams” features Rowan Campbell as Michelle, Ashley Lyles as Deena, Kayla Adams as Effie and Karla Maiden-Vazquez as Lorrell. (Courtesy of Nate Jackson Photography)
“The Dreams” features Rowan Campbell as Michelle, Ashley Lyles as Deena, Kayla Adams as Effie and Karla Maiden-Vazquez as Lorrell. (Courtesy of Nate Jackson Photography)

This is the final week audiences can tap into 2nd Star Productions’ “Dreamgirls,” at Bowie Playhouse in White Marsh Park. In an engaging show, the volunteer-run community theater company is bringing the 1981 book turned Broadway success to local audiences in an engaging production. 

Since its founding in 1996, 2nd Star Productions has produced three shows a year, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheramie Jackson, producer of Dreamgirls, who has worked with the company since 2007, felt she wasn’t seeing diversity in plays in Prince George’s County.

“I wanted to be the change that I wanted to see,” said Jackson. “This is an African American-rich county and it wasn’t being reflected.”

Ryan Holmes stars as James “Jimmy” Early performing along the Dreams — Karla Maiden-Vazquez, Kayla Adams and Ashley Lyles. (Courtesy of Nate Jackson Photography)
Ryan Holmes stars as James “Jimmy” Early performing along the Dreams — Karla Maiden-Vazquez, Kayla Adams and Ashley Lyles. (Courtesy of Nate Jackson Photography)

At a recent production, after the lights dimmed, audience members could be heard whispering along to the familiar tunes as the actors performed.

During one memorable moment, Ryan Holmes, playing the rowdy soul singer Jimmy Early, danced so hard that his mic flew into the crowd. The audience erupted in celebration of his electrifying performance.

Holmes spoke about why he loved the role so much.

“I get to be somebody other than myself,” said Holmes. “I’m in character the whole time, because it’s showtime, it’s time to put on a show.” 

After the show Monica Hodnett marveled at the cast and production. 

“The cast did an excellent job portraying each of the characters,” said Hodnett. “My personal favorite was Jimmy Early, his acting and singing were first-rate!”

That night’s show was triumphant but it isn’t an easy process to bring it all together. 

“Singing for three hours straight, it’s challenging. Before shows, I don’t speak at all.” Said Kayla Adams, who plays Effie White, who sings the show stopping song “And I am Telling You.” “The pressure is there, people know what they’re coming for, the standard is really high so we want to do our best.” 

Director Rikki Howie Lacewell, went back to the show’s roots for inspiration instead of the 2006 film adaptation that featured Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx, 

“I did the show justice, they were telling a story, we are telling the story,” said Lacewell.

As the cast bowed to the audience, the applause echoed throughout the theater from the sold-out crowd.

 “We’re so proud we were able to sell out each show, it’s never happened here quite like this,” said Jackson.

“Dreamgirls” runs through June 29 and 2nd Star’s next production is “Sister Act.”  Season subscriptions are also available.

Demarco Rush is a Contributing Writer and Video Producer with the Washington Informer. He previously was an intern for the Informer through the MDDC Foundation after graduating from Pennsylvania State...

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