Motown the Musical – For lovers of Motown

London Event Reviews by May B

I know it’s been playing for a while but I was in a quandary about whether to go to Motown the Musical.

You see, I adore Motown music and can’t bear to hear it performed poorly. I’ve seen The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Drifters (OK – they were Atlantic not Motown) and The Platters (another not on Motown) and a few other singers live in different parts of the world. And when I have seen previous Motown shows I was disappointed at either the lack of female Motown stars, poor dancing or dubious storylines. But my son had taken his fiancée recently and said that he thought I would like it (thanks Son!) so last night I took the plunge.

I enjoyed a quick drink at The Cross Keys pub on Endell Street before excitedly taking my seat in The Shaftsbury Theatre. The show starts with a powerful live band, an impressive light show and young men in those smart, shiny suits hitting us with a fast-paced medley of some Motown favourites including “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch”.

Their dance moves were authentic Motown with a little more oomph than was probably acceptable in the 1950s. Actors representing Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson belted out more songs (including “Reach out (I’ll be there)”) that swept so fast onto the audience we were left almost breathless.

The show follows the story of Motown founder Berry Gordy from 1960 until the 25th Anniversary concert. It shares black and white photographs from 1938 to highlight the impact of boxer Joe Louis’ success on the young Berry. Jackie Wilson’s "Reet Petite", a song Gordy had co-written with his sister Gwen, was belted out with energy.

The stage was full of dancers in sparkly outfits for “Dancing in the street”. There was fun and laughter and even some audience participation. And the hits kept coming; “You really got a hold of me”, “Now that I can dance”, “My guy”, “My girl” and “Stop in the name of love”.

The second half (focusing on the late 60s and 70s) had a different pace – the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, the TV shows and Hollywood films (loved the version of Billie Holiday’s “Good morning Heartache”) and the race riots feature strongly.

The actress playing Diana Ross both looked and sounded uncannily like her. I was really touched by the duet “You’re all I need to get by”. The audience erupted to the Jackson Five’s “I want you back” medley and the young man playing Michael Jackson had an incredible voice.

The actor’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s going on?” to a backdrop of protest scenes was also memorable. The lead actor playing Berry Gordy was convincing and had an impressive voice too.
“Reach out and touch (somebody’s hand)” and other favourites – included songs from a Stevie Wonder lookalike - were included in the joyful finale.

I stepped out of the theatre with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I may even go again.

Posted Date
Jun 1, 2017 in London Event Reviews by May B by May B