Motown

I got a chance to see a wonderful Broadway show called "Motown the Musical" today. I thought it was a celebration of all kinds of Motown hits, but it turned out to be the story of Berry Gordy, or "Junior", as he was called by family members, and "Black" as he was called by his ex-wife, Diana Ross. The Broward Center for the Arts was host to this fantastic show that started 3 minutes late (much props to Production Stage Manager Anna R. Kaltenbach for that one) and lasted roughly 2 and 1/2 hours. It was fun, it was lively and it was what this very lazy Sunday needed.

Clifton Oliver did a great job at Berry Gordy - showing his struggles from the very beginning, always dealing with money problems that balanced out the top hits of the day and his relationship with Diana Ross, whom, I had No Idea he had married. Very good voices of Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye and Leon Outlaw or Reed Shannon (whichever one sang this afternoon) for singing as the wonderfully talented Michael Jackson.

I have to compliment the Design team for working together for this production. It was obvious that the Lighting Designer listened to the Costume Designer who listened to the Set Designer. It was true harmony to a set that can travel very easily.

The second act was much more lively than the first act, and mad props to Allison Semmes, the lovely lady who portrayed Diana Ross! She got the audience going with participation and laughter and smiles!

I was re-introduced to some fantastic music from Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Teena Marie, the Contours, the Commadores, Mary Wilson, the Four Tops and the Marvelettes. It was a fun time for all and definitely a history lesson worth seeing again!