Motown the Musical is a show that connects to you on so many levels. I’m still replaying the songs in my head the day after ….and that’s a good thing! The music features top hits from some of the most beloved Motown artists of all time that will keep a smile on your face from beginning to end.
Here is a little more about the show.
Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, StevieWonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more. Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,”MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), who was recently named Distinguished VisitingProfessor at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of music, where he is an alumnus. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is also produced by Chairman and CEO of SONYMusic Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.
A few years ago, my family visited the Hitsville U.S.A. Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan. It was incredible to walk into the building that birthed a musical movement that is still cherished by multiple generations today. We stood in rooms that legendary artists recorded their smash hits in. After watching Motown the Musical, I want to revisit Hitsville U.S.A. even more because I have an even greater appreciation for what unfolded there.
I don’t think that I can even pin point a favorite character because the whole cast was extraordinary! Marvin Gaye played by Jarran Mus, Smokey Robinson played by Jesse Nager, Josh Tower played Berry Gordy and Ashley Tamar Davis, who played Diana Ross, each brought so much to the show with their amazing vocals and spot on portrayals of their characters.
You will absolutely fall in love with actor Leon Outlaw Jr., who plays a younger version of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. His singing and dancing will put a big smile on your face.
The sweet dance moves and the flair in the group numbers will also bring you so much joy.
The storyline of Motown the Musical really helps you appreciate the history, the adversity and dedication that Berry Gordy and the artists he helped develop, sacrificed to bring Motown to life.
This show is an absolute MUST for anyone who loves music from the Motown era!
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL will play the Aronoff Center from September 8 – 20
Tuesday –Thursday at 7:30PM
Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM
and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.
Tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL start at $29.
They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS.
*For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
**All Motown Musical images photographed by Joan Marcus, 2014
For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.
Disclosure: I received tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
It should have been one play to remember.