"Motown The Musical" opened on Thursday April 30 at the Hollywood Pantages with a red carpet filled with celebs that included Motown founder Berry Gordy, as well as Kevin McCollum, producer of "Motown the Musical.” Also attending was the show's director Charles Randolf Wrighr along with Motown alumnim who later appeared on stage following the electrifying opening-`night performance.
"Motown The Musical" opened on Thursday April 30 at the Hollywood Pantages with a red carpet filled with celebs that included Motown founder Berry Gordy, as well as Kevin McCollum, producer of "Motown the Musical.” Also attending was the show's director Charles Randolf Wrighr along with Motown alumnim who later appeared on stage following the electrifying opening-`night performance.
The cast is spot on in their portrayals of Motown founder Berry Gordy and the musical performers he fostered. Julius Thomas III and Allison Semmes star in the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross and the groundbreaking Motown artists are portrayed by Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson and Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye. Leon Outlaw, Jr. and Reed L. Shannon play the young Berry Gordy and the young Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
The show is fast paced, filled to the brim with 40 classic hits like "My Girl" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." In fact there are so many iconic numbers in the show you have to restrain yourself from joining in. Fortunately there are times when you are asked to sing along. Other hits in the show include: "Baby I Need Your Lovin'," Baby Love," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," "Reach Out (I'll Be There)," "I Hear a Symphony," "Do You Love Me," "Stop in the Name of Love," and countless other timeless hits.
"Motown The Musical" is the true "American Dream" story of Berry Gordy who evolved from a featherweight boxer to a music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross and The Supremes, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and so many others. In the show we learn how Gordy created his world famous Motown label, the recording company that created a soundtrack of change in American music. We see how the music evolved in context with the changes in America following the deaths of President Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
While a musical treat for all ages, it is also a visual, fast paced production with an inventive set designed by David Korins. Projection design is by Daniel Brodie, with showy period costumes created by Esosa. "Motown the Musical," an enjoyable blast from the past, is lovely to look at, delightful to hear and is based on the book "To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown" by Berry Gordy,
"Motown the Musical: is in town for a limited six-week engagement through Sunday June 7. Tickets are now on sale and are available for purchase at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787 and at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Blvd.). The box office opens daily at 10 am except for Holidays.
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The Pantages has announced their upcoming 2015-2016 season which will include "Annie" (Oct. 13-Nov. 1), "If/Then" a new musical, (Dec. 8-Jan. 3, 2016), Woody Allen's "Bullets Over Broadway, the Musical" Jan. 5-24, 2016, "Dirty Dancing" Feb. 2-21, "The Illusionists" (the best-selling magic show in Broadway history) Feb. 23-March 13, "42nd Street" May 31-June 19, "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" June 22 -July 17 and the Tony Award Winner for Best Revival "Cabaret" July 19-Aug. 7. Season Tickets for all 8 shows are now on sale at HollywoodPantages.com/SeasonPackages. Prices start at $29 per ticket.
