“Motown The Musical” is based on the memoir by Berry Gordy ‘To Be Loved: The Music and Memories of Motown.”
This is the story of how Berry Gordy founded the most successful record label in the history of the music world with tenacity and drive and a $800 loan from his family. This jukebox musical (also written by Berry Gordy) is definitely for Motown fans and from the moment the curtain rises to the final moments the music and action does not stop. The frenzied deliverance of over 50 songs produced by the Motown label that made super stars of many of the singers Gordy and his team developed – makes up this fast moving production. For Motown fans the music saturates them with the joy of being a part of the era that brought that music to life. For the generation or folks that missed these greats of their time fasten your seat belts you’re in for a wild ride.
You will meet, Jackie Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Jarran Muse, Martha Reeves, Diana Ross, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder and a young Michael Jackson just to name a few.
Songs like “My Girl”, Signed, Sealed and Delivered I’m Yours”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”,
Stop! In The Name Of Love, the list goes on and on and made Motown the most in demand label of its time.
The story begins in 1983 with Berry Gordy, (Clifton Oliver) debating whether he should attend the 25th anniversary celebration of Motown. He is displeased and annoyed that many of his stars have gone off onto their own or to other labels. We go to the past and are shown how and what he did to bring “Motown” to its pinnacle from a little two story house that started as “Hitsville U.S.A.” and eight hundred borrowed dollars.
You will meet so many well known names played by so many people that there is confusion at times as to who is who but the music keeps on and although the dialogue is a little stilted at times the music keeps on .
David Korins’ sets are inventive as pieces of furniture and props move around on their own with color enveloping the stage that keeps the attention.
Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams’ chorography moves the continuously singing people with the continuous music well. Director Charles Randolph- Wright somehow keeps this exuberant cast moving in the right direction the music keeps on and on.
If you are a Motown fan this is definitely for you. An evening of nostalgia is there with an enthusiastic hard working cast.
Where: Orpheum Theater –1192 Market St. – San Francisco
Through September 28th
Running Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission
Tickets $45-$210
Information and reservations: 888-746-1799 or visit www.shnsf.com
