FOX 47's Morning Blend co-host Mary Turner reviews Wharton Center's opening night for Motown the Musical. Read her review of the show here.
Motown the Musical, now playing at the Wharton Center for performing arts, tells the true story about the man and the music that inspired generations.
Chester Gregory took the lead as Gordy Berry, whose family financially backs him on his dream to start his own record company. We watch as Gordy meets Smokey Robinson as well as several other notables and begins to bring the world a parade of hits. We see cameos from actors portraying Stevie Wonder, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells and countless others.
Motown the Musical carries us through the relationship between Berry and Diana Ross. Ross, played by the talented Allison Semmes, artfully captures both Diana’s speaking and singing voices as well as her iconic hair flips. Gordy’s long friendship with Smokey Robinson is also prominent. The show touches on Marvin Gaye as well, played by Jarran Muse, who provided a strong “What’s going on”, and emotional acapella performance of “Mercy, Mercy Me.”
Other musical standouts are the group crooning as the Temptations, who in their slick suits create a reaction in the Wharton crowd more than once, that makes it obvious they are a favorite of the night. The second act also brought us the Jackson Five, with Leon Outlaw, Jr. impressing as young Michael. The orchestra should be recognized for their work mastering such a production.
Barry Gordy co-wrote 3 filler songs for the musical but it was the multitude of well known hits that inspired the crowd to sing and clap along. The songs written for the production fell flat in comparison, with the exception of “Can I close the door”, sung by Gregory as Gordy .
Motown the Musical is lightly scripted but it manages to remind us about racial issues prominent in Motown’s heyday, and makes this writer wonder truly how much has changed. We also see the decline of Gordy’s relationship with Ross, and the end of an era as his artists migrate to other record companies. Finally, we see his acceptance as they all return for Motown’s 25th anniversary.
All in all, Motown the Musical will remind you that music is a universal language that breaks boundaries and invites us to open our minds and our hearts, and dance in our seats.
Motown the Musical is showing at Wharton Center for Performing Arts now through March 20, 2016. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, click here.
