Motown The Musical

Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye & Cast MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour (c) Joan Marcus, 2014.

Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder—these names are all synonymous not only with unforgettable music, but also with the record company that put their music on the map. “Motown” is a play on Detroit's nickname, “The Motor City,” and was coined in 1959 by producer and songwriter Berry Gordy. Gordy's rise to fame, and his relationships with some of Motown's most famous musicians, is the focus of Motown the Musical, now on stage at The Princess of Wales Theatre.

An explosive showcase of fabulous performances, Motown the Musical is a must-see for anyone who appreciates music. The audience first meets Gordy (Josh Tower) in 1983, in the early planning stages of a 25th Motown anniversary that he is unsure he wants to attend, due to his own memories and emotions. The audience is then taken back to Gordy's childhood and early adulthood, where many of his ambitions and passions came to life, and then to Detroit's Hitsville U.S.A in 1959, where the Motown magic began.

Once Barry Gordy created the Motown record company, it immediately began to pick up speed and sign stars, and Motown the Musical does a fabulous job of providing a chronological timeline of its history. In the early 1960s, Gordy began to attract young talent to the label—specifically, three high school girls named Diana, Mary and Florence (later the Supremes), an awkward, soft spoken singer named Smokey Robinson (played to perfection by Jesse Nager), and a blind little boy (Stevie Wonder) who came into Hitsville with his mother. This history is peppered with dazzling performances of the hits that came out of Motown, and they flow through the storyline seamlessly, allowing the audience to experience the nostalgia that each song carries.

Some highlights from the production's first act include Mary Wells' “My Guy” and The Supremes' “Where Did Our Love Go?.” Unbeknownst to many fans of Motown, Gordy had a relationship with Ross (played brilliantly by Allison Semmes) for many years, and this relationship offers a sentimental, romantic undercurrent to the story. Some well-known Motown love ballads are woven perfectly into the fabric of the production as Gordy and Ross navigate their feelings for each other. This provides a change from the staged performances as the two of them sing to each other.

As the story progresses into the late 60's, the world changes dramatically and so does the music. Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” is performed as a group of protesters learn that Martin Luther King Jr. has been assassinated. Gordy also has to contend with his family of Motown musicians deciding to branch out and try new things, while he hopes to hold on to certain sounds and themes.

Major highlights of Motown the Musical include the arrival of the Jackson 5, specifically the young Michael (Nathaniel Cullors), and their performances of “ABC” and “The Love You Save,” which leaves the audience wondering if they're witnessing the real thing. The production's final scene is absolutely unforgettable and will bring you to your feet singing and dancing.

Don't miss Motown the Musical, on stage at The Princess of Wales Theatre until November 1. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.