DETROIT — The Motor City said: “I Want You Back” and MOTOWN THE MUSICAL responded with a triumphant return to the Fisher Theatre. Less than a mile from Hitsville USA, there’s also no better place and no better time to watch this spectacle of music meets history and electric choreography than its original birthplace in Detroit. Sadly, this year’s engagement will mark its last in Detroit and for that reason, this dazzling extravaganza of entertainment is a must-see event.
Featuring more than 40 classic hits from “ABC” to “My Girl,” to “Ball of Confusion” to “What’s Going On” the musical catalog remains just as relevant, resonant and fun today as it was when Berry Gordy, Jr.founded Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. The dynamically talented cast, playing multiple roles, is rare in its ability to breathe special life into musical icons that are now household names.
The musical follows the life and career of a young, enterprising Gordy who was inspired by the assembly lines of the Motor City to manufacture some of the greatest recording artists of all time. And, we get to see a hit parade of Motown stars from Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, the Contours, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson to Martha Reeves and more, all of whom ultimately impacted American culture in a big way.
Before Gordy’s rise, we see his detour away from a fledgling boxing career and into the music industry because he realized that he could never achieve the heights of another Detroit native son, the heavyweight champ, Joe Louis. But, Gordy knew he could produce knockout hits of a different kind.
It was a career pivot fueled by an $800 investment that obviously proved successful and along the way theatre-goers are treated to a tour of Hitsville, USA with all its ups and downs, set against a backdrop of the tumultuous civil rights era. The first act centers on Motown’s emergence while Act 2 focuses on Motown’s evolution, including pivotal scenes that demonstrate the visionary greatness of Marvin Gaye as a modern poet of our times and the personal and professional love story between Diana Ross and Berry Gordy, Jr..
What is particularly delightful about Motown the Musical is that it’s so interactive in terms of its engagement with the audience and Detroit theatre-goers seconded the emotion in Tuesday night’s show that played to a packed house.
Motown the Musical is also a special treat for the senses in that all of the costumes are spectacular courtesy of Tony Award® nominee Emilio Sosa. And, the musical arrangements will have you dancing in the seats thanks to Grammy and Tony Award® nominee Ethan Popp (Rock of Ages).
I give MOTOWN THE MUSICAL ♫♫♫♫
Motown the Musical – JUNE 5-10, 2018
Performance Times:
Tuesday – Saturday at 8:00pm
Sunday Evening at 7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm
“Motown the Musical” at the Fisher Theatre, is located at 3011 West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. Ticket prices start at $45 (includes facility and parking fees) and are on sale at Ticketmaster locations including Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-982-2787 or online at BroadwayInDetroit.com Tickets are also available in person at the Fisher Theatre box office. Group sales for groups of 12 or more are available by emailing groups@broadwayindetroit.com with the subject :Motown” or by calling (313) 871-1132. There will be an Open Captioned performance on Friday, June 8, 2018. Reserved seating for those in need of the Open Caption service may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at (313) 872-100, ext. 0.