Taking a little of Richie and Otis

Taking a well-known character performance and revamping it can be one of an actor’s hardest tasks, said Chester Gregory.

The actor is doing so across the country in his portrayal of James “Thunder” Early, or Jimmy, in the touring national production of “Dreamgirls,” which arrives at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on April 21.

Jimmy is a thunderous presence in the show, exhibiting wild behavior, strong vices and a love for the ladies that’s matched only by his frenetic song and dance.

“Jimmy incorporates James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Little Richie and Otis Redding; they all influenced the music of the era,” Gregory said.

But he said he chose to conduct an incredible amount of research for his portrayal, to devise his own method; his precedents in the role on Broadway and in the film were wildly successful, and Jimmy often is associated with film version depictor Eddie Murphy.

“When I was selected for the role, I had to put that all aside,” he said. “I feel very fortunate that people are receiving my version of the role so well. I have a lot of fun every night with the audience.”

In the show, Jimmy is assigned three background singers who go on to have their own successful careers, while his own diminishes; he has a tumultuous relationship with one of them, and finds unhealthy means to dull the pain of his own failings.

“Our director describes the score as a ‘weeping’ score,” Gregory said.

It’s very hard to sing this music and not have an emotional response to it. I really like it because it allows me as an actor to have these emotions every night. You can trust the material to take you where you need to go.”

A fairly new face in the national theater scene, Gregory got his start in Chicago; a starring role in “The Jackie Wilson Story,” which was brought to New York, was his stepping stone to Broadway.

Gregory is a soul singer himself, and is planning his own tour; for more information on his music and upcoming performances, visit chestergregory.com.

“I was the first person cast in [the touring production of] ‘Dreamgirls,’” Gregory said. “I was cast in November of 2008. It’s been fun.”

Traveling around the country together, the cast has grown close since the show’s conception, he said.

“We’re all like family, because we’ve been together pretty much every day since September,” Gregory said.

Gregory described “Dreamgirls” as a powerhouse show.

“If you have only seen the film, our version is a complete theatrical experience. To be in the room and actually feel the energy that’s going on, it’s a very different experience. That’s why theater has held its own as an art form.”

If You Go

What: “Dreamgirls”

When: April 21 to May 2

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: $20 and up

Information: ocpac.org