Motown The Musical
It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical.
Event details
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Motown The Musical
Even a skilled mathematician would lose count as Motown the Musical simply contains too many hits to keep track of. The show features more hits than in a Joe Louis boxing match or on a United Airlines flight, with every artist landing a knockout punch with their rendition of classic songs. The hits come fast and furious, one after the other, as the likes of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and more compete to reach the top of the charts in Motown the Musical.
Motown the Musical is the biopic tale of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, but there’s more focus on music than plot. When the music is as riveting as it is in this show, the lack of a heavy plot isn’t even missed. Gordy himself knows that it’s the music that should be highlighted, while his tremendous achievements lurk in the shadows. Honestly, the life story of Alexander Hamilton would pale in comparison against The Contours doing “Do You Love Me” and The Temptations version of “My Girl.” All the cast members involved in those two numbers are true heavyweights in the world of musical theatre as their voices and entire bodies were in a perfect groove. (And that’s just a sample of the magnificence in the show)
Though the plot of Gordy’s life is thin, his voice is mighty strong. Gordy is portrayed by Chester Gregory, whose voice has the power to move mountains, or at least a capacity crowd at the Schuster Center. Gregory’s vocal talents are equivalent to Gordy’s legendary status in the music industry. It takes a big voice to fill such a role and Gregory fills it completely.
No story is complete without a little romance, and the love in Motown the Musical is supplied by Gordy and his pet project, Diana Ross (Allison Semmes). Gordy dreamed of making Ross a superstar and from her portrayal, Semmes leaves no questions as to why. Her voice is smooth and movements mesmerizing, presenting as a true Queen. A real shining moment for Semmes is during “Reach Out and Touch,” when she goes out into the audience and even picks a couple people out from the crowd to join her in the chorus. How many Broadway shows can you attend and be an active participant?
There wasn’t just smoke, there was fire whenever David Kaverman appears as Smokey Robinson to sing one of his numerous hits, such as “Got a Job.” Robinson is Gordy’s right-hand man and biggest sidekick through the show. Another key player is Marvin Gaye, embodied by Jarran Muse. Muse provides some dramatically intense moments in some confrontations with Gordy, as well as a magnetic voice in songs including “Mercy, Mercy Me” and “What’s Going On.”
With such an extremely talented cast, the majority of which plays multiple parts, it takes a lot to steal the show but the youngest member manages to do so. I’m not sure whether Raymond Davis Jr. or CJ Wright was on the night I attended, I’m sure they are both equally impressive in reincarnating the young Michael Jackson. It was surreal, I actually checked to see if I had bell bottoms on because I was sure that I had gone back in time to the Jackson Five era. The young actor has stage presence and charisma way beyond his years. He also had the perfect head sway for a young Stevie Wonder.
Special mention must also be given to Malcolm Armwood who was dynamite as Mickey Stevenson and he also plays Rick James better than Dave Chappelle. My only negative about the show is only a short segment of some songs were performed, however as I learn every time I eat at a Chinese buffet, there can be too much of even the best of things. If the full versions of every song was done the show would be seven hours. Sometimes it’s best to be left wanting more, whether it’s Motown or General Tso’s.
Motown The Musical is a smorgasbord of wonderful music that leaves you fully satisfied. It continues at the Schuster Center through April 16.
Premier Health Broadway Series April 11-16, 2017
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, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!
“More than a Broadway show. A celebration of music that transformed America!” – CBS Sunday Morning
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The Schuster Center
Dayton Live.
