“Motown the Musical” is back on Broadway. It’s a completely engaging, soulful trip down memory lane, mixed with serious moments that echo the discrimination that Blacks have endured in this country. Looking at the revival, it is evident that changes were made to the production: things appear to be trimmed and better streamlined. Also, this time around, the casting of those portraying the singing groups of the past, such as the Temptations, Miracles, etc. has been done with individuals who can definitely sing and can hold a candle to those beloved groups.
The Motown music is of course wonderful to hear and brings back so many memories. “Motown the Musical” has a book by the legendary founder of Motown, Berry Gordy, and tells the background story of the organization as it is about to celebrate its 25th Anniversary Special. It looks at the story of how Gordy created and built the company and the relationships that he had with his artists, songwriters and other members of his creative team.
Allison Semmes is back with the show as Diana Ross, and she is absolutely lovely to hear and see. She truly captures the grace, strength and talent of Ross. Chester Gregory stars as Berry Gordy, and he gives a magnificent performance. Actually, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Gregory. I remember seeing him for the first time years ago at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, N.C., where he performed in “The Jackie Wilson Story,” playing the lead role. He has an energy that doesn’t quit and a passion for his art that is obvious every moment that he’s on the stage. It is fantastic to see him star in “Motown the Musical.” He portrays Gordy as a person with drive and vision.
With all that’s been happening in our country in recent months, now is the perfect time to bring “Motown the Musical,” back to Broadway. This musical doesn’t just depict the history of Motown, it relates the hit songs, the artists and their performances to the events happening during those times. It demonstrates how the music was influenced by conditions and events of the times, such as racism, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Vietnam War. It’s interesting and moving to see how artists chose to react to the events of the world through their music. It’s also important to realize the blatant prejudice and racism that existed in this country and obviously still does. “Motown” lets audience witness this as white police officers keep Motown Revue concertgoers from crossing the barrier between the whites and the Blacks, shouting for the niggers to not cross the line. It looks at this country during the time that America was segregated, and Blacks were clearly forbidden from getting certain jobs. As you sit there and watch these moments, you can’t help but think how, in some places, things really haven’t changed.
It’s incredible to be in the audience and hear so many wonderful performances, especially when Motown experiences a new group of kids—The Jackson 5. Leon Outlaw Jr. portrays Michael Jackson, young Berry Gordy and young Stevie Wonder at certain performances. This youngster is immensely talented and had everyone cheering. Jesse Nager does well in the role of Smokey Robinson. Jarran Muse is dynamic as Marvin Gaye. He sings his songs with such feeling and sensitivity, such as “Mercy, Mercy Me,” addressing outrage over the Vietnam War and King’s murder. When you look at the scene of rioting that followed King’s assassination, it makes you think of the too familiar protests that continue to happen, especially recently with all the killings of African-American males in this country.
I must share that the entertaining aspects of this musical present delightful opportunities for audience participation, whether you are singing along with a familiar song or singing with Diana Ross as everyone performs “Reach Out and Touch.” “Motown the Musical” has tremendous direction by Charles Randolph-Wright and gorgeous costumes by Esosa.
“Motown the Musical” is a fun time at the theater no doubt, but it also has a deeper meaning and is thought-provoking. It is marvelous on Broadway. Go and experience it as soon as you can. It is playing at the Nederlander Theatre on West 41st Street.
For more information, visit www.motownthemusical.com.
