It's about dreams at the D.A.S.H. Center for the Arts. The Hilltop Tacoma organization offers a unique avenue to Pierce County young adults - an avenue straight to the arts. For the students, this often means opportunities to move onward and upward, and ultimately fulfill dreams. For the Pierce County community, dream fulfillment can translate into amazing shows by D.A.S.H., such as the highly anticipated production of Dreamgirls debuting Thanksgiving weekend.

A new adaptation of Dreamgirls, the 1981 Tony award-winning musical turned 2006 Oscar award-winning film, launches the DASH Center's 2012-13 season ... and dreams, of course.

Dreamgirls follows the rise and fall of a 1960s female singing group, their struggles to succeed in the music world, and their interpersonal she-wars.

"The brain child of Director Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls was the first show of its kind to involve intricate musical styling's coupled with staging and chorography to match," says Jimmy Shields, artistic director at D.A.S.H. and director/choreographer for Dreamgirls. "While this is a true musical in every sense of the word, there is never a dull moment. The audience will have time to grow with each character and have a soundtrack to their lives."

That includes you too, guys. Shields also says the show should appeal to the whole family.

"Every character brings a different element that someone will be able to relate to and enjoy," he says. "Come out and support the arts if for that reason alone."

The show stars D.A.S.H. founder and director Candi Hall as Deena, current Miss Pierce County Alexandria Henderson as Lorrell Robinson, Carmen Brantley-Payne and laNeil Azue as Effie White, Angelica Barksdale as Michelle Morris and Charles Simmons as Curtis Taylor Jr.

"Choosing this show was all about timing," says Shields. "Candi Hall and I have talked about doing Dreamgirls for years. We didn't quite know when but we knew that if we did it, it had to be done the right way! D.A.S.H. has had an amazing run these last few years and we wanted to keep that momentum going. We knew that not only was it going to a great way to showcase some of the best talent Tacoma has to offer, but also if done the proper way, it would take D.A.S.H. to a whole new level."

DASH Center exists to serve youth populations and $5 from each ticket sold goes to the D.A.S.H. Center Theatre Capital Fund and Inspiring Artists Scholarship Program. But if you want to go a little extra above and beyond, a special fundraising show will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 1. The fundraiser show begins at 6:30 p.m. with a catered reception followed by a gala, a silent auction and a meet-and-greet with the cast. Gift bags will be avaiable. Tickets for the fundraiser are $40.

"This is by far the most talented cast I have had the privilege to work with thus far," says Shields. "This is going to be a show not to miss!"

CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY LAPAC THEATRE, SATURDAY, NOV. 24-SUNDAY, DEC. 9. 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, 2 AND 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, 3 P.M. SUNDAY, $15-$21, 7723 CHAMBERS CREEK ROAD W., UNIVERSITY PLACE, 253.507.9466