February 2017 - Let Us Entertain You: Motown The Musical
The musical genius of Motown is taking the Popejoy stage in Motown the Musical on February 28 through March 5. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Motown the Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and so many more.*
Randolph-Wright’s love for Motown—one he’s had since childhood—is fully realized in this musical. “It’s not just music to me, it’s a movement. It was the emotional door to civil rights. Obviously, I wanted to be Michael Jackson like everybody. But I also, as a kid, idolized Berry Gordy because here was this man of color who had his own company, and he made the rules and called the shots. You knew that as a kid, that there were very few Black men doing that. He had such an impact on me because I thought this one person changed the world and that was very influential.”*
The musical features over 40 classic hits, including “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The story centers around Diana, Smokey, Berry, and the whole Motown family working to create a name for themselves and their music while creating a soundtrack of change in America. The music that came through Motown shaped our lives, the political climate, and the music industry.
Motown features choreography by Patricia Wilcox (A Night with Janis Joplin) and Warren Adams (Toy Story the Musical), scenic design by David Korins (Bring It On: The Musical, Annie), costume design by Tony Award® nominee Emilio Sosa (Porgy and Bess, Project Runway finalist), lighting design by Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once, Sister Act), sound design by Tony Award® nominee Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages, The Scottsboro Boys), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Jekyll and Hyde), hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe (Hamilton, Memphis), and casting by Telsey + Company.
Tickets for Motown the Musical are available at UNM Bookstore and Pit ticket offices, online at unmtickets.com, and over the phone at (505) 925-5858.
*Provided by Popejoy Hall