Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves in Motown The Musical at The Bushnell (Photo by Joan Marcus)
HARTFORD, Conn. – I grew up listening to Motown music, and drifted away from it as an adult, until I saw Dreamgirls on Broadway, and then went back to listen to the old records and cassettes. To this day, Motown music brings an instant smile, some foot-tapping, and memories of good times. So, when Motown The Musical opened on Broadway in 2013, I took a trip down memory lane, and loved every minute of the entertainment chock full of 50+ hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. On a revisit to the national touring company playing The Bushnell in Hartford this week, it’s a fun evening of some great music, performed by a versatile cast who offer some sizzling recreations of those groups who brought me such enjoyment back then.
Berry Gordy Jr. wrote the book for Motown: The Musical, using the incredible catalogue of music produced under the Motown label, and the musical, light on plot, features some of the greatest groups of the late 20th century, from Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five to Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and more. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2013, ran until 2015, then hit the road, but this tour returns to Broadway in July for an 18-week run.
Charles Randolph-Wright’s staging is slick, and the choreography by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams both captures the dance moves of the day and steady ensemble movement between the songs. David Korins’ always moving sets, Natasha Katz’s stunning lighting, and Daniel Brodie’s projections add to the snappy feel of the production. Only Peter Hylenski’s rock show loud sound design could be tweaked a little bit.
The entire ensemble deserves kudos for their high-octane performances in multiple roles, and there were several (for me) stand-out performances, including Chester Gregory’s portrayal of Berry Gordy, Allison Semmes spot-on performance as Diana Ross; Leon Outlaw Jr. as young Berry, young Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson; Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson; Rodney Earl Jackson Jr as Marvin Gaye, and Martina Sykes as Mary Wells.
Alison Semmes’ recreation of Diana Ross’ solo night club act, with some audience partricipation, was fun, and the Jackson Five number was a showstopper. The audience gave Motown: The Musical a well-deserved standing ovation. It’s in Hartford through Sunday.
By the way, Diana Ross returns to The Bushnell on April 3. The Motown Sound is alive and well.
The Bushnell presents “Motown: The Musical”. Book by Berry Gordy, Jr. .Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. Choroegraphy by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams. Scenic design by David Korins Costume design by Esosa. Lighting design by Natasha Katz. Sound design by Peter Hylenski. Through March 27. The Bushnell, Hartford, CT. For tickets: 860-987-5900 or www.bushnell.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
