The 1981 hit musical "Dreamgirls" is back on the theater scene and recently opened at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. NY1's Roma Torre filed the following review.

"Dreamgirls" will forever have to compete with its original legendary self. That landmark 1981 production directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett set the bar so high, nothing short of reincarnation would satisfy its most ardent fans. But I'm happy to report that the revival, staged at the Apollo Theatre where it all begins, is plenty dreamy in its own right.

She had me the moment her titanic chops wrapped themselves around that first lyric of her first song. "She" of course is the mega talent playing Effie at the center of this electric production. And while it's playing way off Broadway in Harlem, the show hits enough high notes to make it Broadway caliber.

Spanning the 60s, the story follows the Dreamettes, loosely based on the Supremes, who arrive for Amateur Night At The Apollo. Young and naive, they quickly sign with an agent to sing backup for a James Brown clone named James "Thunder" Early. Tom Eyen's book strikes a balance between the melodramatic star-is-born theme and the larger one concerning the exploitation of black performers in the white dominated music business. Set to Henry Krieger's dynamite score, it richly mines the emotional complexities and nuances of the era.

Director/choreographer Robert Longbottom does a nice job, seamlessly transitioning the action through dozens of scenes. And original set designer Robin Wagner returns to update the scenery with dazzling state of the art LED technology. Sounds like a strange fit but it enhances without overwhelming.

And then there's the cast. The terrific Chester Gregory, as the troubled Jimmy Early, captures all the dimensions of a star tragically forced to reign in his soul.

But the show's heart and soul belongs to the Dreams. Through dozens of costume changes they manage to turn practically every number into a showstopper. The Diana Ross counterpart is played by Syesha Mercado with a subtlety that gains depth. Adrienne Warren finds shades and dimension rarely seen in the part of Lorrell. And introducing Moya Angela, an incredible plus-sized talent who sings and acts Effie with the power and skill that makes you forget the others and proclaim a new star is born.

"Dreamgirls" leaves the Apollo December 12th to go on a national tour. Step over to the West Side of Harlem and see it now. As musical revivals go, this one's "Supreme."